House Rules
House Rules
Here you will find the University’s current house rules. In addition, the guide to the house rules provides a quick overview: it summarises all the key changes in an easy-to-understand way.
Guidance on the House Rules of Carl von Ossietzky University
The following section provides a clear description of the selected provisions of the House Rules that differ significantly from the previous version, as well as the objectives they are intended to achieve. It should be noted at the outset that the University is to remain a diverse place where students and staff feel at home and enjoy spending time. The Code of Conduct is intended to provide a framework for this and to establish transparent rules. However, this should not result in a proactive search for breaches of the Code of Conduct or the carrying out of corresponding checks on the campus.
Strengthening the right to enforce house rules
The authority to enforce house rules is being strengthened and brought into line with current practice at the university. Whereas in the past this authority was delegated in writing by the Presidential Board to selected individuals, the head of an organisational unit now automatically exercises authority over the area assigned to them under these house rules. Furthermore, persons authorised to exercise these powers may now issue provisional orders outside normal working hours in cases of urgency. This includes, for example, caretakers, sports coordinators, swimming pool staff and security personnel.
Restraining orders
In the event of persistent and serious breaches of the university’s right to regulate access to its premises, those authorised to exercise this right may issue short-term bans on entry verbally. This enhances security and strengthens the university’s ability to deal with individuals who take it upon themselves to seriously disrupt university operations. As before, a written order from the Presidential Board is generally required for longer-term bans from the premises.
Smoking, alcohol and drugs
The ban on smoking in university buildings is not new and was already part of the previous house rules. What is new, however, is the regulation governing how other intoxicating substances, such as cannabis and alcohol, are to be handled. Here, too, there are general principles and exceptions. For example, the consumption of cannabis is generally prohibited, but permitted if prescribed by a doctor.
In the past, there have been occasional incidents on the university campus caused by excessive alcohol consumption, leading to problematic situations, disturbances of the peace, littering both indoors and outdoors, and pressure to participate in activities. However, exceptions are possible here too and can be applied for at the Facilities Management Office. This measure is intended to minimise events that get out of hand and to raise awareness amongst organisers in this regard.
Bringing animals onto the university premises
The Assistance Dogs Regulation came into force in 2023. It sets out the training, assessment and recognition of assistance dogs, with the aim of enabling people with disabilities to participate in society on an equal footing and breaking down barriers. This provision has been incorporated into the house rules to make it easier for those affected to participate in university life with their assistance dogs.
Photography and Filming
In particular for data protection reasons and to safeguard students and staff, the house rules set out how film, photograph and audio recordings are to be handled. Exceptions to the general ban may be granted in justified cases and can be authorised by the relevant authority.
What to do in an emergency, in the event of damage or imminent damage
An important new development is that, in an emergency, the police or fire service can be contacted directly without first having to seek authorisation from elsewhere. An emergency could, for example, be a fire, a threatening situation or an imminent danger. Awareness of this option is intended to improve the sense of security on the campus.
Traffic regulations on the campus
The terms and conditions governing the use of parking spaces are being clarified and improved. Use is restricted exclusively to members, visitors and staff of the university. This will make it easier to keep unauthorised parkers away from the car parks or, if necessary, have them removed. Particularly during the winter months, when many people switch from cycling to driving, parking problems arise due to the high number of unauthorised users of the university’s car parks. The house rules also take into account modes of transport that are becoming increasingly important in private transport, such as electric vehicles, e-scooters and pedelecs. Appropriate regulations have been drawn up to improve order on the campus and within the buildings.
§ 1 Scope
(1) ¹These house rules apply to all buildings used by the University and the entire campus of the University of Oldenburg, including satellite sites and rented premises. ²Exceptions apply to areas used by the Studierendenwerk Oldenburg or the General Students’ Committee (AStA). ³Supplementary regulations may be issued for specific areas.
(2) ¹These regulations are binding on all members and affiliates of the University. ²The University campus is not a public space. ³By entering the University campus, visitors accept these regulations as binding.
(3) ¹These house rules serve to ensure the orderly conduct of research, teaching and administrative activities at the University of Oldenburg. ²Within the scope of these house rules as set out in paragraph 1, everyone must conduct themselves in such a way that the university’s tasks can be fulfilled by its bodies, members and affiliates, and that every person can exercise their respective rights and fulfil their obligations.
§ 2 Rights of the proprietor
(1) ¹‘House rules’ refer to the authority to take disciplinary measures to ensure that the purpose of the premises as set out in Section 1 (3) is fulfilled, to prevent disruption to university operations, and to determine the presence of persons in the rooms, buildings and areas used by the University of Oldenburg. ²The right of access also includes the power to issue a ban on entry (Section 3).
(2) ¹The right of access is exercised by the Presidential Board, represented by the President, in accordance with Section 37(3), first sentence, of the NHG. ²In the absence of the President, the right of access is exercised by the Vice-President for Administration and Finance.
(3) ¹The head of an organisational unit exercises the right of access on a permanent basis on behalf of the President for those rooms and areas allocated to that organisational unit. ²The head of an organisational unit shall designate a deputy to act in their absence.
(4) ¹The Head of Division 4 – Facility management exercises house rules on a permanent basis on behalf of the President for all other rooms and areas not allocated to any organisational unit. ²The same applies to the rooms and areas of an organisational unit if none of the persons referred to in paragraph 3 is present.
(5) The event organiser, in particular the lecturer, shall exercise the right to maintain order on behalf of the President for the duration of an event, in particular a teaching session.
(6) The chair of the meeting shall exercise the right to maintain order on behalf of the President during meetings of the University’s governing bodies and their committees, including the governing bodies of the Schools and their committees.
(7) Outside normal working hours and in cases of urgency, the caretaking staff, security staff, sports supervisors and swimming pool staff may issue provisional instructions.
§ 3 Ban from the premises
(1) ¹A ban from the premises may be imposed under the following conditions: - a persistent and serious disruption to university operations; and - a risk of recurrence. ²A ban from the premises may be imposed on a temporary or permanent basis, and may be limited to specific areas or apply across the entire premises.
(2) ¹In the event of a specific, ongoing disruption which requires immediate resolution, exclusion orders lasting no longer than one day may be issued verbally by the person authorised to exercise the right of access in accordance with Section 2(2) to (7). ²An exception applies to the Library and Information System (BIS) and the Central University Sports Facility (ZEH); these bodies may impose a longer-term ban on entry for a period of up to one month. ³The ban must be confirmed in writing or electronically if the person concerned requests this without delay.
(3) Bans on entry exceeding the duration specified in paragraph 2 shall be issued in writing or electronically by the Presidential Board, represented by the President.
§ 4 Use of buildings, rooms and fixtures and fittings
(1) ¹Buildings, premises, furnishings, equipment and installations must only be used for their intended purpose. ²Premises and fixtures and fittings must be treated with care. ³Any damage must be reported immediately to Division 4 – Facility management.
(2) ¹The allocation of rooms and spaces is carried out by the Facilities Management Office of Division 4 – Facility management. ²Changes are only permitted with the agreement of Facilities Management. ³These regulations do not confer any entitlement to the allocation of rooms or areas.
(3) ¹All users are obliged to ensure that, when leaving a room, the windows and doors are locked and the lights are switched off. ²In general, users must ensure that they act in an energy-efficient manner.
(4) ¹Overnight stays on university premises are prohibited. ²Exceptions require approval from the Facilities Management Office of Division 4 – Facility management.
(5) ¹The use of private heating and cooling appliances is generally prohibited. ²Exceptions require the approval of the Technical Building Management section of Division 4 – Facility management.
(6) ¹Open fires are prohibited throughout the entire premises used by the University, including external sites and rented premises, and within the buildings in use. ²Exceptions apply for teaching and research purposes, subject to compliance with general and specific guidelines. Lecturers, researchers and other event organisers are obliged to familiarise themselves in advance with any further regulations, safety measures and precautions.
§ 5 Events
(1) ¹For events that are not teaching sessions, the event organiser must obtain authorisation from the relevant authority in good time. ²Information on which authority is responsible can be obtained from the Facilities Management Office in Division 4.
(2) The event organiser undertakes to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
(3) The event organiser is obliged to monitor and ensure compliance with the provisions of these house rules.
(4) ¹Subject to any statutory limitations on liability, the organiser shall be liable for all personal injury and property damage caused to third parties, in particular visitors to their event, theirtheir agents or themselves, as well as to the University, the State of Lower Saxony and their staff, whilst using the premises made available and the access routes thereto, unless the damage is attributable to the fault of the University or its staff. ²The organiser shall indemnify the University and the State of Lower Saxony, as well as their staff, against all claims asserted against them in this connection.
§ 6 Smoking, alcohol and drugs
(1) ¹The Lower Saxony Non-Smokers’ Protection Act (Nds. NiRSG), as amended, shall apply. ²Smoking tobacco products, including the use of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, as well as devices for vapourising tobacco products, is not permitted inside the buildings. ³To provide further protection against the dangers of passive smoking, smoking is also prohibited in and in front of entrance areas, as well as in areas in front of open windows. ⁴The same applies to e-cigarettes.
(2) ¹The consumption of cannabis, other narcotics and other psychoactive substances is not permitted on the entire campus and within buildings used by the University, including off-campus sites and rented premises. ²Paragraph 1 does not apply in the case of substances that have been medically prescribed to the person concerned. ³Proof of the prescription must be provided to the person authorised to exercise the right of access upon request.
(3) ¹The consumption of alcohol is not permitted on the entire campus and within buildings used by the University, including external sites and rented premises. ²Admission may be granted for events by the Rooms and Events Office of Division 4 – Facility management. ³Exceptions also apply to official functions.
§ 7 Weapons
(1) ¹Carrying weapons as defined in the Weapons Act (WaffG), as amended, is prohibited throughout the entire university campus, including satellite sites and rented premises, even if the person is authorised to do so. ²Any further prohibitions on carrying weapons under the Weapons Act (WaffG) or other legal provisions remain unaffected.
(2) Exempt from paragraph 1 are persons who are equipped with weapons in the course of their official duties.
§ 8 Bringing animals onto the premises
(1) It is prohibited to bring animals of any kind into the University’s buildings or premises.
(2) Exceptions are: a) animals used for official purposes and b) assistance dogs; these must be recognisable as such in accordance with the Assistance Dogs Ordinance (AHundV) in its currently valid version.
§ 9 Posters, advertising and information stands, leaflets
(1) The display of notices, posters and event announcements for official and non-commercial purposes does not require authorisation.
(2) ¹The display of notices, posters and event announcements for commercial purposes is generally subject to a charge and requires prior consent from the Facilities Management Division of Division 4. ²Consent must be produced on request.
(3) ¹Notices, posters and event announcements may only be displayed on the noticeboards and surfaces designated for this purpose, using the appropriate fixing materials. ²Before displaying them on lecture theatre and seminar room doors, consent must be obtained from the Rooms and Events Office of Division 4 – Facility management. ³To prevent damage, display in event rooms, corridors, stairwells, on external surfaces and on glass surfaces is not permitted.
(4) Notices, posters and announcements relating to specific events must be removed no later than the day after the event.
(5) ¹The University accepts no liability for the content of the notices, posters and event announcements displayed. ²The University accepts no liability if notices, posters and event announcements are removed or damaged by third parties. ³The University is entitled to remove notices, posters and event announcements that do not require approval and have not been authorised, or to prohibit their display.
(6) Any soiling or damage to surfaces caused by the display and/or removal of notices, posters and event announcements shall be cleaned and/or repaired at the expense of the person responsible.
(7) ¹The erection of advertising and information stands on premises used by the University, including outdoor locations and rented areas/premises, requires the prior consent of the Rooms and Events Office of Division 4 – Facility management. ²This consent must be presented on request. ³A fee is payable for the erection of commercial advertising stands.
(8) The distribution and display of leaflets is permitted within the limits of the law.
§ 10 Photography and Filming
(1) ¹Taking photographs or making film or audio recordings within the University’s buildings and on its premises is not permitted. ²This includes recordings made using any technical devices, in particular smartphones and smart glasses. ³Exceptions may be made for research and teaching purposes. ⁴The event organiser may grant exceptions.
(2) Commercial photography and filming of the buildings, grounds, facilities, equipment and installations require the prior consent of the Press and Communication Unit.
(3) ¹Flying model aeroplanes, drones or other aircraft over the university campus is not permitted. ²Exceptions may be granted for university purposes by Division 4 – Facility management. ³When flying drones, the relevant legal requirements governing the operation of unmanned aerial systems must be observed.
§ 11 Lost Property
¹The “Guidelines of the University of Oldenburg on the Handling of Lost Property on University Premises”, as amended from time to time, apply to lost property. ²Notwithstanding the above, lost property must be handed in to the Lost Property Office at the Service Point.
§ 12 Conduct in the event of an emergency, damage or imminent damage
(1) In the event of a fire or other emergency, you must call the emergency numbers 110 (police) or 112 (fire brigade/emergency services control centre) yourself to obtain the necessary assistance.
(2) ¹In acute threatening situations where there is reason to believe that an act of violence is imminent, the police must be alerted directly via the emergency number 110. ²The incident must subsequently be reported to the University’s Threat Management Unit. ³The Threat Management Unit shall inform the Presidential Board.
(3) In the event of specific and imminent danger to life, physical integrity, health, liberty or property, any person may contact the police directly.
(4) Damage to property or the threat of such damage must be reported to Division 4: Facility management.
(5) 1 In the event of a fire, the fire alarms installed in the respective buildings must be activated. ²Misuse of the fire alarms will result in civil and criminal proceedings.
§ 13 Conduct in the event of criminal offences
(1) ¹Criminal offences, in particular damage to property, theft and burglary, must be reported to Division 4 – Facility management immediately upon discovery. ²Any damage sustained must be documented.
(2) ¹Criminal complaints shall be lodged by the head of Division 4 – Facility management. ²Criminal complaints relating to offences connected with the right to manage the premises (in particular damage to property, theft and burglary) may be lodged by the head of Division 4 – Facility management on a permanent basis on behalf of the President. 3 In all other cases, criminal complaints shall be lodged by the President or their representative in accordance with Section 37(4), sentence 6 of the NHG in conjunction with Section 6(2) of the university charter.
§ 14 Traffic Regulations on the University Campus
(1) The Highway Code applies on the university campus.
(2) ¹All vehicles must travel at walking pace. ²This does not apply to areas where speed limit signs indicate otherwise.
(3) ¹Parking of all types of vehicle is permitted only for members, staff and visitors to the University in the spaces expressly designated for this purpose and in covered parking areas. ²Parking of motor vehicles without public road admission is prohibited. ³Charging of electric vehicles or their battery packs is only permitted at the designated charging points. ⁴The marked emergency escape routes must be kept clear at all times.
(4) ¹Bicycles, pedelecs and e-scooters must be parked in the spaces designated for this purpose. ²It is not permitted to bring these modes of transport into buildings or to park them there, with the exception of the ‘bicycle cellars’.
(5) Vehicles of any kind parked in contravention of these regulations will be removed at the owner’s expense.
(6) Bicycles, bicycle parts, pedelecs, parts thereof and e-scooters which, due to their appearance, are presumed to be no longer in use or to have been abandoned by their owners may be reallocated by Division 4 – Building management may put them to another use following an unsuccessful request for them to be removed within one month.
(7) ¹Limited winter maintenance applies on the university campus, including off-campus sites and leased premises. ²Users of the university campus must behave and move about in a manner appropriate to the weather conditions.
§ 15 Corridors, escape routes, safety signs and safety equipment
(1) ¹Corridors, escape routes and safety equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, emergency exits, etc.) must be kept clear and in working order. ²In particular, their function must not be impeded by partition walls or information stands.
(2) Safety signs (e.g. escape route signage, markings for safety equipment, etc.), safety equipment (e.g. fire extinguishers, emergency exits, etc.), glass doors and viewing windows in doors must not, in addition to the provisions of paragraph 1, be obscured by posters or notices in particular.
§ 16 Liability and Limitation of Liability
(1) ¹The liability of the University and its staff is – to the extent permitted by law – limited to cases of wilful misconduct and gross negligence. 2 In all other respects, the statutory provisions shall apply.
(2) The University shall not be liable for any damage to, destruction of or loss of items brought onto the University premises.