The equal opportunities officers at BURG work towards creating equal opportunities between the genders at all levels of the university and are committed to implementing a family-friendly and inclusive university culture. They pursue the elimination of all structurally based discrimination and focus on diversity and equality for all groups.
The Equality Officers of the university and of the individual faculties work towards the creation of equal opportunities for women and men and the avoidance of disadvantages for female members of the university. Their tasks also include the implementation of the goal that women should be represented in an appropriate manner in the various bodies and committees in the university. They promote the integration of topics from women’s studies into the academic work of the university.
The Equality Officers are involved in all matters that affect female members of the university, particularly where personnel measures are imminent. They are to be informed and involved in a comprehensive manner and in good time; they are allowed to inspect application materials.
They are the point of contact for complaints about sexual harassment, provide advice to those affected and, with the consent of those affected, forward details of this sexual harassment to the relevant university authorities.
The Equality Officers are obliged to maintain secrecy regarding issues and facts that they become aware of in the course of performing their functions.
They report annually on the status of their work. These reports are accessible to all at the university.
(Excerpts from the Higher Education Act of the German federal state of Saxony-Anhalt § 72 and the Promotion of Women Act § 14 and subsequent)
Discrimination or discriminatory behaviour describes any form of unequal treatment and (devaluation) of a person, e.g. based on certain characteristics such as gender, religion or ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual identity/orientation. Discrimination always goes hand in hand with the abuse of power. Discrimination can occur individually as the marginalisation or devaluation of a person or a certain group of people. Discrimination can also be caused by norms, rules, laws or work routines of institutions and organisations that deny rights and opportunities to certain people or groups of people. Discrimination can be caused by all persons, regardless of their university status group. Finally, discrimination can also have developed historically without a specific perpetrator being identifiable. This includes, for example, social models, language usage or even privileges.
Sexism refers to a range of behaviours aimed at belittling, excluding and/or insulting a person on the basis of their gender. The term ‘sexist’ refers to prejudices, behaviours and structures that aim to or have the effect of disadvantaging people on the basis of their (ascribed) gender (or sexual orientation). This includes, for example, unequal pay for men and women in jobs of equal (value), gender stereotypes and comments that express a hostile attitude towards one gender. This may be conscious or unconscious discrimination.
Sexualised discrimination and violence (SDG for short) is defined as any verbal or non-verbal behaviour with a sexual connotation that is perceived by the person concerned as transgressive, i.e. unwanted and degrading or hurtful, or is intended to have this effect.
Whether a boundary has been crossed depends solely on the perspective of the person concerned. The decisive factor is the effect on the person concerned and not the intention of the perpetrator. A boundary can also be crossed unintentionally and unnoticed by the perpetrator.
SDG can be expressed in words, facial expressions, gestures and actions. SDG also includes behaviour that is prohibited by law and can be sanctioned.
Examples of SDG are:
In principle, anyone can be affected by SDG and perpetrate it. However, studies show that the extent to which people are affected by and practise SDG is gender-specific: in most cases, people who are assaulted are men, while women are particularly affected. In addition, people who are affected by other forms of discrimination are at increased risk - e.g. LGBTIQA* people (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, inter*, queer, asexual), people affected by racism or people with disabilities.
SDG is a specific form of exercising power and control and has nothing to do with sexuality as a fundamentally positive event. Perpetrators do not (only) act out of a sexual intention and are not interested in consensual sexual contact. Instead, perpetrators use sexualised, sexually connoted and sexually charged statements and actions to exercise power and superiority. This is what the term ‘sexualised’ refers to instead of ‘sexual’.
Stalking describes behavioural patterns of stalking, persecution and harassment of a person by another person, regardless of sexual orientation. The person being stalked can be physically or psychologically harmed by a prolonged threat. Stalkers feel they are in the right; stalking fits into their constructed world view. Third parties often manipulate them in their favour. Stalking is a criminal offence in the German legal code.
Bullying describes the systematic hostility, regular harassment and repeated injury of individuals within groups. This leads to an imbalance between the parties and often escalates. Examples of bullying include: the assignment of unreasonable tasks and thus attacks on work performance; general humiliation and inappropriate criticism; spreading false allegations and rumours; refusal to communicate and thus social integration in the workplace. Bullying can take place in the family as well as at university, in clubs, in neighbourhoods, in influential social groups or on the internet (cyberbullying).
The handouts for gender-appropriate language and gender- and diversity-appropriate visualisation at BURG are here! The precise use of language and visual messages is important for all of us.
Dear members of the BURG,
finally the time has come! The handouts for gender-appropriate language and gender- and diversity-appropriate visualisation have been completed. Address all, show all, mean all. The precise use of language and visual messages is important for all of us. When representing the university externally and internally, you will receive information and suggestions on how to use language and imagery consciously.
The handouts in booklet form plus an overview as an A4 abstract are available as a PDF file here. A printed version will be available from mid-August.
The handouts were designed by the students Hannah Englisch (layout) and Clara Girke (illustration) from the Communication Design course. Many thanks also to the numerous other contributors, with whose support we are now expanding the communication of our university with this important building block.
The language of words and images is constantly changing. We therefore look forward to your suggestions and proposals for future development.
With best regards,
Your Equal Opportunities Officer
The Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle attaches great importance to ensuring that no person is disadvantaged within university life on the basis of gender, ethnic or social origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ideology.
BURG promotes a culture of respectful interaction with one another. Fairness, equal treatment, respectful communication and cooperative behaviour on the part of all employees and students in cooperation, but also in the handling of conflicts, are important in the workplace and study environment.
At its meeting on 27 April 2016, the Senate of Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle adopted the ‘Guideline for Protection against Discrimination under the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG)’. It was published in the university's official gazette on 10 May 2016.
This guideline creates a prerequisite for preventing discrimination, harassment and violence, stalking and bullying and, in the event of a conflict, provides clear behavioural procedures and possible sanctions for violations. The policy serves to reduce and prevent discrimination of any kind.
In order to report violations of equal treatment, receive help or initiate a complaints procedure, those affected can contact the following offices in accordance with § 5 of the directive:
The Commission for Protection against Discrimination was set up by the University Senate to deal with complaints procedures in accordance with Section 6 of the Directive.
Its members are:
If you decide to study with a child or become pregnant during your studies, you will have to deal with a wide range of questions and options in order to fulfil yourself and your family's requirements on the one hand and to be able to continue studying successfully on the other.
Reconciling studying, having a child and securing a livelihood requires a high degree of organisational skills, energy and flexibility.
This page is intended to serve as an initial guide for students with children. It should help you to quickly find the right contacts and addresses and give you an overview of help and support services as well as other information options.
We would like to encourage all student parents, especially the single parents among you, to face the challenge of studying and having children. It is important that students with children are aware of their situation, which differs from the life situation of other students, and that they make use of all possibilities in order to organise their everyday study life positively and successfully. The BURG Equal Opportunities Commission would like to support you in this endeavour.
For questions, initial assistance and basic information, please contact the Equal Opportunities Officer of your faculty, the Central Equal Opportunities Officer and her deputy.
You can also make use of the counselling services offered by the Student Secretariat/ Student information centre.
The space available at BURG is currently still limited. However, we are endeavouring to change this situation in the future. The following rooms are currently available:
It is possible to switch to part-time study at the BURG. To do so, please first speak to the relevant degree programme coordinator or contact the Department of Student and Academic Affairs.
More information
The new Maternity Protection Act came into force on 1 January 2018. Previously, female students were not included in the scope of this law. Since the beginning of 2018, you also enjoy special protection during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In addition to the entitlement to protection periods (6 weeks before and 8 weeks after giving birth), this also includes the possibility of compensation for disadvantages if examinations fall within this period.
In order to take advantage of this protection and the associated regulations, you must notify the university of your pregnancy or breastfeeding period (§15 MuSchuG). We cannot oblige you to do this. However, we recommend that you do so in order to inform you in good time about your special rights during pregnancy and breastfeeding and to protect you from any risks.
Pregnant and breastfeeding students are entitled to preventative protection during their studies, which involves a responsible weighing of interests between the welfare of the child and the self-determination of the woman. The university has a responsibility to offer affected students an environment that enables them to continue their studies with as few restrictions as possible and to compensate for any disadvantages. At the same time, the university ensures that protection standards are adhered to, e.g. in the case of irresponsible risks.
The first point of contact for students who would like information and advice on maternity protection in accordance with the new legal requirements and on studying with a child is the Student Advisory Service of the Department of Studies (link), in particular the Matriculation Office and the Examinations Office (Ms Stolte). Here you can also ask your first questions about the organisation of your studies during maternity leave, parental leave and with child(ren).
If you are a pregnant or breastfeeding student and wish to exercise your maternity protection rights, you must register with the Enrolment Office. A copy of the mother's passport or equivalent documents stating the date of birth is sufficient proof of pregnancy. If the child has already been born, the birth certificate is also valid. After registering your pregnancy and breastfeeding period, you are fully entitled to maternity protection rights. This includes compensation for disadvantages in the study programme and active protection against hazards in the workshops and studios.
If you are unsure about the best course of action, you can always contact the various equal opportunities representatives in advance.
Maternity Protection Act (MuSchuG)
The Stura has the possibility to support you with a social loan if necessary. The maximum loan amount is 700 euros and the loan must be repaid after 12 months at the latest. The first instalment of the loan must be repaid within three months of receiving the money.
Further information, contact details and the Dwonload form can be found here.
If you would prefer to speak to a non-male confidant, please send us or the Stura an e-mail and we will see how we can support you and, if necessary, refer you on.
The BurgKita (daycare centre) has 15 crèche places for children aged 0-3 years and 35 kindergarten places for children aged 3-6 years. You can register for a place at any time using the contact details below.
Please note: It is only possible to register for a nursery place after the child has been born.
Further information and contact details can be found here.
We are currently working on a supplementary support programme for time-intensive study phases, which can support you outside the closing times of the regular facilities. News about this will be announced here.
The Studentenwerk in Halle offers students with children a comprehensive range of counselling and support services:
The Studentenwerk Halle offers students a graduation loan (maximum €735 per month, up to 12 months before the end of their studies), as well as book allowances (subsidy for books, maximum €50 per semester; financial aid for additional study-related needs). In addition to the aid mentioned below, a childcare allowance can be claimed in the case of BAföG.
The Studentenwerk Halle pays newborn children of students a welcome money of 100€. The prerequisite for this is that the student parent has paid the semester contribution. The application must be submitted within six months of the child's birth and must be accompanied by a copy of the birth certificate and a current enrolment certificate.
The Studentenwerk offers a free children's plate in the canteens for the children of student parents. To apply, please complete the relevant application form and submit it together with a current certificate of enrolment and a copy of your birth certificate. Upon receipt of a child's plate card, the child can eat free of charge in any canteen of the Studentenwerk, provided that one of the child's parents is eating lunch.
For students in need, there is the possibility of a free lunch worth €1.90. The application should be made in person: in addition to the completed application, a certificate of enrolment, bank statements and, if applicable, the tenancy agreement and proof of academic progress are required.
Here you will find answers to questions such as
More info here.
Here you will find numerous links and information on the subject of studying with a child/with caring responsibilities.
Parents' portal of the city of Halle
The service centre is responsible for services for families living in Halle. These family benefits include Educational support, federal parental allowance, support in finding a place in a daycare centre, maintenance advance, cost coverage for daycare centres and after-school care centres.
Office hours for family benefits: Tue, 1 - 6 pm, Thu, 8 - 12 am and 1 - 3 pm
Huckepack is an initiative by parents with the aim of combining childcare with their own working hours. Huckepack is open Mondays to Thursdays from 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.: parents can work on their homework, dissertation or anything else in the work area until 12.00 p.m. while their children are looked after in the next room. Afterwards they can eat together. Address: Premises of the Evangeliumsgemeinde Halle, Glauchaerstr. 77, 06110 Halle (Saale).
Information on recognised cases of hardship for students with child(ren)
If required, the job centre will pay standard benefits and accommodation costs (during leaves of absence), additional needs for pregnant women and single parents, social benefits for students' children and the granting of a loan in cases of particular hardship for graduation. More information here
Studying abroad with a child is a particular challenge. The DAAD provides an overview of studying abroad. It also provides information on financial support for a stay abroad during your studies.
Further information can be found on the website auslandsstudium-mit-kind.de. In addition to testimonials from other student parents, it also contains a wealth of information about studying abroad with a child.
Mawista Scholarship: Studying abroad with a child
The Mawista scholarship programme supports students abroad with children. Applications can be submitted until 15 January each year.
On the website ‘http://www.studieren-mit-kind.org/’ you will find a wide range of information on all questions relating to starting a family, pregnancy and childcare during your studies. This includes information on parental allowance, student grants, parental leave, time and career planning and tips and tricks from other students with children.
Further support opportunities
The help hotline offers women who have experienced or are still experiencing violence a 24-hour counseling service for calls from all over Germany. Telephone counseling is free of charge, confidential, anonymous, multilingual (17 languages) and barrier-free. There is also the option of e-mail counseling (only in German, response within 24h) as well as counseling via instant chat (from 12:00-20:00, only in German) or appointment chat (only in German)
T: 08000 116 016
www.hilfetelefon.de
The focus of the work if this association is on children and women who experience or have experienced sexualized violence. The counseling is also aimed at family and private caregivers of those affected and professional helpers. In addition to a broad range of counseling services, Wildwasser also offers training and prevention programmes.
Große Steinstraße 61-62 06108 Halle (Saale)
T 0345 5230 028
ed.enilno-t@ellah-ressawdliw
www.wildwasser-halle.de
The Anti-Discrimination Agency of Saxony-Anhalt offers counseling for people who experience discrimination on the basis of their ethnic origin, gender, religion or ideology, disability, age or sexual identity.
Große Steinstraße 75, 06108 Halle (Saale)
T 0345-22580203, T 0176-20443395
ed.tfnukuz-ehorf-wj@elletssgnureinimirksiditna
http://antidiskriminierungsstelle-sachsen-anhalt.de/
Entknoten provides advice and support in cases of everyday racism and racist discrimination. The counseling is independent, confidential, free of charge and anonymous upon request. The counseling team advises in German, English and Farsi. If necessary, language mediators can be organized. The office is accessible to the greatest possible extent without barriers.
LAMSA e.V.
Große Ulrichstr. 25, 06108 Halle (Saale)
Telefon: 0391 9907 8887
ed.asmal@netonktne
www.alltagsrassismus-entknoten.de
The Central Reporting Office for the Registration of Discrimination and Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans*, Intersex and Queer People (LSBTIQ*) in Saxony-Anhalt (DiMSA) collects and documents all incidents of discrimination and violence directed against queer adolescent and adult women, men, trans* and intersex people.
The Begegnungs- und Beratungs-Zentrum "lebensart" e.V. (BBZ for short) provides confidential advice on issues relating to gender-sexual identity. It offers support for non-heterosexual, transgender and intersex people and their relatives.
Beesener Str. 6, 06110 Halle (Saale)
Telefon: 0345-2023385
ed.trasnebel-zbb@gnutareb
https://www.bbz-lebensart.de/CMS2021/
The mobile victim counselling counsels and supports victims and their social environment after a right-wing, racist, anti-Semitic, social Darwinist or LGBTTIQ*-hostile attack. The counselling is independent, free of charge and anonymous upon request. It takes place on the premises of the Mobile Victim Counselling Service, on-site or online.
Landsbergerstr. 1
06112 Halle (Saale)
Telefon: 0345-2267100
ed.ve-rednanietim@deus.gnutarebrefpo
https://www.mobile-opferberatung.de/
The Psychosocial Centre for Migrants in Saxony-Anhalt (PSZ) offers psychological counselling, therapy, psychosocial groups and accompanying social counselling. The services are free of charge for clients and can be used regardless of their residence status. If necessary, an interpreter can be called in free of charge. All conversations are treated as strictly confidential.
Charlottenstr. 7
06108 Halle (Saale)
Telefon: 0345-2125768
ed.tlahna-neshcas-zsp@tkatnok
https://www.psz-sachsen-anhalt.de/
The gay assault hotline in Magdeburg has existed since 1997 and offers help and counselling to victims and witnesses of homophobic and trans-hostile assaults of all kinds (e.g. insults, belittling, discrimination, bullying, blackmail, robbery, physical and psychological violence as well as damage to property). Lesbian women, bisexual people as well as trans* and inter* people can also contact the assault hotline. Counselling is confidential and, if necessary, anonymous. It can take place by telephone or in person by appointment and is always independent of the police.
Schäfferstr. 16
39112 Magdeburg
Telefon: 0391-19228
https://lsvd-lsa.de/support/
ed.dvsl@tlahna-neshcas.teus
The association is committed to the concerns and needs of transgender, intergender and non-binary people. It offers support for affected persons, relatives and partners in interpersonal conflicts in connection with gender identity, in questions about medical or legal matters, such as operations or name changes, and arranges contacts with other trans, inter and non-binary people. The support is provided by trained peer counsellors. Counselling is free of charge. Counselling is available by email and telephone.
Lessingstraße 4
08058 Zwickau
Telefon: 0375 81998950
gro.vitka-retni-snart@gnutareb
https://www.trans-inter-aktiv.org/
NoA pursues the goal of reducing harassment in everyday life. The idea behind it is simple: If a person wants to know your name but you don't want to reveal it, you can introduce yourself as "Noa. If the person also wants to have your number, you can give them this number: 0157 53024990.
If the person then contacts you later via this number, he or she will receive an automatically generated reply from NoA. This explains that the other person felt uncomfortable in the situation. And via a link, the person can then learn how to avoid putting other people in uncomfortable situations in the future.
The Nightline Halle is an initiative by students for students. Exam nerves, fights with your loved ones or stress in your flat-sharing community, whatever is bothering you - the telephone help line is always there for you. The calls remain anonymous and are treated with absolute confidentiality. The calls are free of charge also. The Nightline can be reached at the call times on Monday and Sunday from 8 p.m. to midnight on 0152 251 323 65.
Crisis guide - Counselling and support services in the city of Halle (Saale)
You can use this questionnaire to report cases of abuse of power, discrimination, sexualised assaults or similar cases to the BURG. The Equality Office will handle your information carefully and confidentially and will contact you if you provide the relevant data. If the problem you have reported is not related to Equal Opportunities but to the Commission for Protection against Discrimination, we will put you in touch with this commission.
You will find information on various forms of discrimination here.
