Internationalization

Please note: With immediate effect this post will be held by Prof. Friedrich Balke, vice-rector for student and academic affairs. The deputy of the International Student Ombudsperson is Dr. Muriel Helbig, head of International Office. Follow the link for more information on the new post of International Student Ombudsperson.

What is an ombudsperson and what are its duties?

• Contact person and confidant who international students can turn to in case of conflicts, problems, complaints, or proposals concerning teaching, administration, or general issues related to their studies
• Mediator between the international students on the one side and the teachers, examinors, or administratives on the other
• Arbitrates and mediates in case of disputes
• Treats general, but also individual suggestions and complaints of international students with great confidentiality and concerns oneself with the realization of the suggestions, so that short-term, medium-term, or long-term improvements concerning the study quality can be achieved
• The ombudsperson will contact the responsible persons or faculties and all involved parties.

Characteristics of an ombudsperson:

• Independent, neutral, reliable, and acting autonomously
• Has high reputation in the university environment.
• Sees the students’ concerns from a neutral perspective and treats them with great confidentiality and if requested anonomously.
• Gathers experiences and suggestions to employ them in the university's discussions and debates in order to improve teaching and learning at the university.