The primary tasks of the university are teaching and research. However, to ensure that an institution with approximately 12,000 employees and 40,996 students can function properly now and in the future, decisions must be made strategically and in the most democratic way possible. It is for this reason that FAU has established numerous bodies in the form of councils, boards of trustees, committees and representative units. Information on the members of these bodies and their various tasks are outlined on the following pages.