Quality management and organizational development at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz are characterized by many years of experience. Its so-called "Mainz Model" of quality management has won several awards. JGU sees quality assurance and development as a strategic task of the institution as a whole that relates to all activities within the University and needs to be permanently established at all levels.

In 2008, the Donors' Association for the Promotion of Sciences and Humanities in Germany [Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft] honored JGU for this systematic approach to quality assurance.

In 2011, Mainz University received the official seal of accreditation from the accreditation council for its own in-house quality assurance system. JGU was the first university in Germany to successfully complete the so-called "system accreditation" process. Its quality management system known as the "Mainz model" comprehends all central functions of the university in research, teaching and administration. This means it aims to integrate university management and development, evaluation and accreditation into a forward-looking overall concept. The results of an institutional evaluation of JGU conducted by the European University Association (EUA) in 2008 have been incorporated in the system.

In addition, JGU has distinguished itself with regard to systematic personnel development by implementing diverse programs in the fields of research and research management. In December 2010, Mainz University was granted significant financial support for its project "Shaping Change – Developing a Culture of Leadership at JGU" by the Stifterverband and the Heinz Nixdorf Foundation. The aim of this initiative is to develop and implement a new management culture at JGU that will take into account its consensus-oriented and participative structures. Throughout its implementation, the project will benefit from both internal and external expertise and the wide-ranging participation of all members of the JGU community.

The central components of the JGU quality management system are the Center for Quality Assurance and Development and the Organizational Development staff unit. The Center for Quality Assurance and Development is a central facility that was set up in 1999 on the basis of a JGU Senate decision. In addition to its activities within Mainz University, the Center has also functioned as the office of the Evaluation Association of Institutes of Higher Education for Southwest Germany [Hochschulevaluierungsverbund Südwest] since 2003. Main tasks of the JGU Center for Quality Assurance and Development are the evaluation of subject areas and faculties in accordance with the so-called "Mainz model" as well as the provision of support to young researchers. Furthermore, scientists at the Center carry out a wide range of project and program evaluations and take part in third-party funded basic educational research. Based on this comprehensive expertise the Center is constantly and increasingly providing services to external institutions in the field of education.