As a rule, the university decides on the structure and development plan every four years, taking particular account of an internationally oriented and regionally coordinated range of teaching and research within the given financial framework. The plans cover, in particular, personnel and resources, the establishment, modification or discontinuation of degree programs, faculties and central academic institutions, study place capacity, research priorities, knowledge and technology transfer, quality assurance measures and the promotion of young academics.
The draft of the structure and development plan is prepared by the Executive Board with the involvement of the Extended Executive Board and submitted to the University Council for resolution after approval by the Senate.
Since 2008, the state has entered into multi-year target and performance agreements with htw saar. The target and performance agreements can focus in particular on the range of courses and research capacity, measures to promote the quality of teaching and applied research as well as the available financial framework.