Family-friendly university for ten years

For the fourth time in a row, the university has been awarded the "Family-Friendly University" certificate. It is awarded for three years at a time by berufundfamilien gGmbH, an initiative of the Hertie Foundation. But how has the project developed at the University of Oldenburg? Here is an interview: Jörg Stahlmann, Vice President for Administration and Finance (m.d.W.d.G.b.) and Angelika Müller, who heads the "Family-Friendly University" project at the university, talk about achievements and prospects.

QUESTION: Mr Stahlmann, the university has had the "Family-friendly university" certificate for ten years - what is the significance of this?

STAHLMANN: In 2004, we were the first university in Lower Saxony to receive the certificate. It is recognition that we as a university are committed to our social responsibility and provide special support to students, employees and academics with family responsibilities.

QUESTION: Ms Müller, what are the most important developments?

MÜLLER: We have managed to sensitise the university to the issue of "compatibility of family". A productive debate is now taking place at all levels and in all organisational units. Specifically, we have continuously expanded our childcare support services. The Studentenwerk's childcare centre is an important source of support for many students and employees. We have also succeeded in creating "room for manoeuvre" for student parents in the examination and study regulations. This goes so far that we now also offer part-time study programmes.

QUESTION: How are the programmes being received?

MÜLLER: The childcare services are in high demand and are regularly fully booked. The counselling services, which are available both centrally and decentrally, are also very popular, especially among students and employees in the academic qualification phase.

QUESTION: The compatibility of children, studies and academic appointments is not the only topic of the "family-friendly university"...

MÜLLER: No, we have different target groups at the university, so we also have to differentiate the topics and offers. We also addressed the topic of "caring for family members" at
at an early stage and offer lectures and information events on the subject. Family-friendly management behaviour" is another important topic. We have achieved a significant increase in awareness with a handout, training programmes and discussions. The situation for employees has also improved with the launch of the "family-friendly university"; for example, flexible working location and time models have been introduced for employees in the MTV area. However, there is still a great need for action in the area of "Compatibility of family and academic qualification". Here I expressly welcome the broad public discussion, as the topic is very complex and the university alone cannot improve the situation.

QUESTION: Where do you see opportunities to make the university even more family-friendly?

STAHLMANN: The priority now is to permanently anchor family-friendliness in the culture of our university interaction. In future, the compatibility of academic appointments, studies and family life should be firmly placed on the agenda of those responsible and the members of all committees. However, we also want to further expand the wide range of "family-friendly university" programmes within the scope of our possibilities.