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University President Signs “Family in Higher Education Institutions” Charter

Chemnitz University joined the “Family in Higher Education Institutions Association” – as a family-friendly institution, the university pursues ambitious standards in family-orientation

Chemnitz University of Technology President Prof. Dr. Gerd Strohmeier signed the “Family in Higher Education Institutions” charter in early June 2018. This is the formal requirement before Chemnitz University can be accepted into the “Family in Higher Education Institutions Association.” The new member higher education institutions (HEIs) will officially become part of the group in the coming weeks, as part of the association’s annual conference held at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum. The conference will focus on family policy developments in Germany and their effect on family-orientation at HEIs. The new institutions joining the network will present their current measures for helping their members balance family, career and studying commitments and will receive their certificates of admission. Karla Kebsch, Chemnitz University’s Commissioner for Equal Opportunities, will attend the conference.

Family-Friendly Chemnitz University

Over the last few years, Chemnitz University has implemented a variety of measures to support the ongoing improvement and expansion of family-friendly infrastructure and to make it easier for employees and students with families and caregiving responsibilities to balance their career, studies and family or caregiving commitments. The Family Services Office provides highly competent advisory services that are tailored to their audience. The university also works hand in hand with the Studentenwerk Chemnitz-Zwickau, the Lokales Bündnis für Familien Chemnitz and with additional organizations and associations in the city of Chemnitz that provide support for issues that concern families.

Network Focused on Balancing Family, Career and Studying Commitments

Chemnitz University is not alone in its years-long efforts to create good conditions for balancing family, career and studies. Many other scientific institutions in Germany, Austria and Switzerland have developed programs to strengthen this domain. The establishment of a sustainable family- and life-stage-oriented personnel policy increases the scientific institution’s appeal for students, employees, teachers and researchers. Proper conditions for balancing family, career and studying commitments support employees and students in their ability to organize their everyday lives and look after their families and other dependents. The “Family in Higher Education Institutions Association” was recently founded in order to continuously expand the network focused on balancing family, career and studying, recognize successes in this domain, provide information and share experiences with others. The association’s transnational dialogue and cooperation among equal partners truly set them apart. Prospective members of the network must sign the “Family in Higher Education Institutions” charter in order to join.

Keyword: “Family in Higher Education Institutions” Charter

The “Family in Higher Education Institutions” charter was established by the “Family in Higher Education Institutions” best practice club based on years of experience. It was tailor-made for the higher education and scientific research system and is oriented towards the needs of students, employees, teachers and researchers. The charter identifies the high standards to which a HEI is held after they declare their commitment to promoting a balance of family responsibilities with studying, teaching, researching and other scientific activities. By signing the charter, HEIs can establish family-orientation as a central element of their overall profile and highlight their commitment to these ideals. HEIs who have signed the charter work together in a close-knit network.

(Translation: Sarah Wilson)

Matthias Fejes
12.06.2018

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