The panel of rectors

A symbol of the University’s self-government

“Alma Mater Rudolphina - founded on March 12, 1365 by Duke Rudolph IV of Austria - with the consent of Pope Urban V – renewed in 1384 by Duke Albert III of Austria with the theological faculty – at the initiative of Pope Urban VI - in 1385 it made its first law”

This is how the Latin text in the cartouche above the panel of rectors begins. It goes on to mention the most important reforms made under Emperors Ferdinand I and Ferdinand II and Empress Maria Theresa between the 16th and 18th centuries. Naturally Emperor Franz Joseph is also honoured - this splendid new university building was opened during his reign, in 1884.

The names of over 870 rectors of the University of Vienna can now be found on the commemorative, red marble panel, including numerous prominent personalities. The University of Vienna has undergone many changes over the centuries. For a long time it was under the formative influence of the Catholic Church and Princes. However, choosing a rector was an internal affair, even if this was subject to certain regulations. Ever since the ruling on university administration was passed in 1873, the Rector has had to be chosen from the active members of prefectural colleges.

In subsequent decades, up until the First World War, the Alma Mater Rudolphina flourished more than at any other time in its history. The “Vienna School” achieved world renown in many disciplines. Initially, the end of the First World War and of the Habsburg Monarchy meant the loss of many international contacts.

Nazism left terrible traces. While a substantial portion of students and faculty members sympathised with national socialism, nearly half the professors and well over 2000 students had to flee or were deported – it was an intellectual and scientific exodus too. This is the subject of the installation “Ins Licht gerückt” (“Illuminated”).

Rapid development in the sciences in the course of the 20th century brought with it a steep increase in disciplines and, from the 1970s on, a surge in student numbers. Today the University of Vienna has 15 faculties and 4 centres, and over 92,500 students. Since 2004 the University of Vienna has been autonomous and a legally responsible institution. Staff and budget are assigned by the University.

The panel of rectors is seen as a symbol of self-government and the upholding of tradition and is a reference to the uninterrupted efficacy of Vienna University since its foundation.