Akkordeon Introduction

Appointments for a consultation can be made by phone or by e-mail. Consultation requests have are priority for us, so which means that consultations can usually be scheduled take place quickly.

The advisors can be reached by phone and e-mail and will get back to you as soon as possible.

Usually, the appointments take place in the offices of the advisors. If you do not wish to meet on campus, this can be arranged individually. Telephone consultations or online consultations are also available.

The consultants are required to maintain confidentiality. The matters discussed in your counselling session will not be disclosed to third parties without your knowledge and consent. The Counselling can also take place anonymous.

The length of the consultation depends on your request and is based on your needs. If necessary, you can also take advantage of more than one session.

We listen to you, take your concerns seriously, and help you in developing a strategic course of action, i.e. We work together to decide what can and should be done. If necessary, we refer you to other advisors within and outside the university. We also accompany and provide support and guidance you if you wish to launch a complaint procedure.

What happens after the counselling session will be discussed and mutually agreed upon. Nothing will be done without your explicit consent. This means the outcomes vary. You may wish, (together with the counsellors), to have a conversation with the person who discriminated against you. You may want to file a complaint. Perhaps the consultation has already helped you and you do not want to take any further steps (for the time being).

The counselling sessions are usually held in German or English.

It might make sense to file a formal complaint. Your complaint will then be investigated by the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office) and action taken and/or sanctions imposed as necessary. We recommend that you contact one of the advice centres before you file a formal complaint. An advisor whom you trust can assist as necessary.

Affected person

• Defend yourself: Take a stand against discrimination. Speak out if a statement or behaviour makes you feel uncomfortable or you find it hurtful. Do not blame yourself!
• Document the incident: Immediately make a record of what happened to you (place, time, incident, people involved or present, people you spoke to about the incident) and secure evidence (emails, messages, posts, etc.). This will be important should you wish to file an official complaint.
• Obtain support and advice: Speak with people you trust. Speak with people who witnessed the incident and ask for their support and also whether they'd be prepared to make a statement later as a witness. Contact an advice centre. All advice is confidential and, if desired, also anonymous.
• File a complaint: File an official complaint with the »Beschwerdestelle« (University Complaints Office). The advisors can help you with this.
• In case of an emergancy: Call the police.

Witnesses

• Provide support: Do not turn a blind eye – intervene! Talk to the victim and help them to get out of the situation. Help them to explain the perpetrator’s wrongdoing to the perpetrator. Also draw attention to any abusive undertones in dependency relationships.
• Document the incident: Immediately record what (almost) happened and offer to act as a witness.
• Inform of advice and complaint options: Explain to the affected person where they can obtain advice and/or file a complaint and accompany them there if necessary.
• In case of an emergancy: Call the police.