Mainz University of Applied Sciences has been a member of the Familie in der Hochschule (Family at the University) association as of this year, has joined the Gemeinsam gegen Sexismus (Together against Sexism) alliance, and has signed the Charta der Vielfalt (Diversity Charter). Furthermore, since the 2023 summer semester, Mainz University of Applied Sciences offers its transgender, intersex, and non-binary students the opportunity to change their name and civil status.
“Being family-oriented and valuing diversity are expressions of our values. We have therefore integrated measures to reconcile family responsibilities and diversity into the development of our profile with regard to studies, teaching, research, and academic support activities. We also view both of these aspects as management and interdisciplinary responsibilities,” said Prof. Dr. Susanne Weissman, President of Mainz University of Applied Sciences.
Prof. Dr. Katharina Dahm, the Central Equal Opportunity Officer at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, adds, “Memberships in these organizations are effective in helping us on our way to becoming a less discriminatory university, as we obtain great examples of best practices from other universities through these networks. We also want to set an example for equality for all people at the university and offer an intentionally low-threshold route to changing names and civil status.”
Family-friendly university
“We ensure family-friendly work and study conditions: Keeping children in mind, it should be just as easy for parents to reconcile gainful employment with family life as it is for those caring for relatives. This family-friendliness benefits all genders; as a result, the university can be an attractive place for everyone. We review the effectiveness of our measures and adapt them accordingly.” With this statement, Mainz University of Applied Sciences joined the Familie in der Hochschule association in May 2023 and is actively committed to reconciling the demands of providing care with studies and/or a career. Mainz University of Applied Sciences has defined the following goals here:
- Raising awareness among all members of the university on the topic of reconciling care and work, including advice for those caring for relatives
- Increased networking and better exchange among staff on the topic of family
- Expansion of financial aid for students with children, especially single parents
- Family-friendly meeting scheduling (start time and set duration)
The association Familie in der Hochschule is an association of universities and academic and science-related institutions that have signed the Familie in der Hochschule charter. By signing this charter, all members make a voluntary commitment to pursuing and implementing rigorous standards of family orientation. They define the reconcilability of studies, career, and academics with family responsibilities as a defining element of the profile of their university or organization.
On the path to becoming a university that is sensitive to discrimination
Mainz University of Applied Sciences also joined the Gemeinsam gegen Sexismus alliance in summer 2023. Sexism is widespread in society. It degrades people based on their gender. We encounter it every day in many different areas of society. The alliance Gemeinsam gegen Sexismus, which is funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) and organized jointly with the Europäische Akademie für Frauen in Politik und Wirtschaft Berlin e.V. (EAF, the European Academy for Women in Politics and Business Berlin), is committed to combating this. It aims to recognize sexism and sexual harassment, take a closer look, and establish effective measures against it. For this purpose, Mainz University of Applied Sciences has defined these specific goals:
- Taking action against sexist behavior and sexual harassment is seen as a top management responsibility and a self-evident necessity. All those responsible are sensitized and involved in initiatives.
- Application of clear guidelines for dealing with sexism and sexual harassment.
- Information on the prohibition of discrimination (based on gender) and sexual harassment and the establishment of a complaints unit in accordance with the General Act on Equal Treatment (AGG).
- Prevention and awareness-raising are our top priorities.
- Even greater improvement to access for opportunities for women in management positions.
- Motivating everyone to take responsibility and take a stand against sexism and sexualized violence in culture, in the media, in public areas, and in the workplace, and to help those affected.
By also signing the Charta der Vielfalt, Mainz University of Applied Sciences has undertaken a commitment to create a respectful working environment – regardless of age, ethnic origins, and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and ideology, sexual orientation, and social background. To implement the charter, Mainz University of Applied Sciences will, among other things:
- foster an organizational culture characterized by mutual respect and appreciation
- recognize diversity within and outside the organization and value the potential it holds
Since the 2023 summer semester, Mainz University of Applied Sciences has made it possible for its transgender, intersex and non-binary students to change their name and civil status for all purposes related to their studies – even without proof of a change from the civil registry office. All that is required for the change is an application to the University’s Office of Student Affairs and an official supplementary identity card issued by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Transidentität und Intersexualität e.V. (dgti, German Society for Transidentity and Intersexuality).
For more information
Equality at Mainz University of Applied Sciences
Diversity at Mainz University of Applied Sciences
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