Awareness means "consciousness" or "mindfulness" and describes the ability to perceive oneself, other people or certain topics attentively and sensitively. The term is often used in social, psychological or societal contexts, e.g. for mindful interaction with one another or creating awareness of discrimination and violence.

Unfortunately, the university is not immune to such problems either. Such incidents can arise particularly due to the significant power imbalance between lecturers and students, for example when supervising dissertations or during oral examinations.

However, you will not be left to deal with such problems on your own and will receive support.
You can contact the following support services:

• If you have experienced, witnessed or have questions about sexualised discrimination and violence, please contact conTakt: uol.de/contakt-beratungsstelle
• In the event of unfair treatment or discrimination during your studies, or for initial advice regarding sexual discrimination, please contact the Gender Equality Office: uol.de/gleichstellungsstelle/ansprechpersonen
• There are also confidants who act as accessible points of contact for all students and teaching staff: uol.de/fk5/vertrauenspersonen

If you need support in other areas, please contact the following counselling services:

• For problems and questions relating to mental health and wellbeing whilst studying, contact the Psychological Counselling Service (PBS): uol.de/pbs
• Here you’ll find counselling services covering a wide range of topics, such as funding your studies, studying with a child, and legal matters: asta-oldenburg.de/beratung and uol.de/studium/beratung-studierende

There are also the following external counselling services:

• Oldenburg City Counselling Centre
• Lower Saxony Victim Support Foundation
• Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency
• Café CaRo