Discrimination and conflicts on the basis of disability and chronic illness

The university provides information and advice for anyone who experiences discrimination and conflicts on the basis of

  • gender
  • gender identity or sexual orientation
  • origin, religion, belief or racial prejudice
  • age
  • disabilities or chronic illnesses

Insults, favoritism or discrimination come in various shapes and with different ramifications: Two opposing parties, especially those directly affected, are often unsure about how to assess conflicts and potential reactions.

The Vice Rector for International Affairs, Equal Opportunity and Diversity serves as the university’s contact person for anti-discrimination and carries corresponding institutional responsibility within the Rectorate as per § 4 para. 10 Landeshochschulgesetz LHG (state law on higher education). She works to ensure "that all university members are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or belief". Moreover, she is responsible for the various contact points you can turn to confidentially for advice or just to have someone to talk to.

Contact:
Equal Opportunity Office
Marion Woelki, director
Phone: +49 7531  88-2032
Email: marion.woelki@uni-konstanz.de
Website: Equal Opportunity Office

Person of trust for individuals with severe disabilities

Tobias Neumann
Room: G 405
Office hours: by appointment
Phone: +49 7531 88 -4016

  • The representation for employees with disabilities champions the participation of individuals with disabilities in the workplace and safeguards their interests, i.e. it
    • ensures that the legislation, statutes and agreements instituted in favour of persons with disabilities are met,
    • applies to the authorities to implement measures that serve the interests of people with disabilities,
    • accepts suggestions and complaints from individuals with disabilities and helps to improve their situation,
    • supports employees with applying for official recognition of their disability or equivalent status.
  • Legal framework:
    • § 95 para. 1 SGB IX

Representation for employees with disabilities

Christine Aicheler
Room: V 839
Office hours: by appointment
Phone: +49 7531 88 -2054

  • Responsibilities:
    • The representative for employees with disabilities safeguards the interests of disabled persons on behalf of the employer.
    • Amongst other things, she advises on available financial help, starting a job or working at the university and deals with questions about additional leave
  • Legal framework:
    • § 98 SGB IX

Director of Human Resources

Renate Pfeifer
Room: V 836
Office hours: by appointment
Phone: +49 7531 88 -2366

  • Human Resources offers advice on the following topics:
    • Resolving conflicts
    • Transferring to another location, changing your workplace
    • Facilitating mediations within working groups
    • Facilitating personal coaching sessions
    • Re-integration programme after absence due to illness
    • Resolving work issues related to illness
  • Qualification:
    • Lawyer
    • Transaction analysis expert

In-house physician

Dr Anne Liepert
Room: G 427 - 429
Office hours:
Monday: 08:15 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 16:00
Tuesday: 08:15 - 12:30 and 13:00 - 16:00
Wednesday: 08:15 - 12:30
Phone: +49 7531 88 -2668 and/or -8039 (pager)

  • Responsibilities:
    • Advises all university institutions and staff on matters of occupational safety and health
    • Advises on how to set up the workplace, the work routine and the work environment. Inspects workplaces and helps with risk assessments
    • Occupational medicine. Prevention and medical examinations to assess work-related illnesses.
    • Social medicine, advice, support with the re-integration programme after absence due to illness, organises first aid
    • Advises on “Mutterschutz” (protection for expectant mothers in the workplace), as well as occupational medicine and toxicology
    • Vaccinations in compliance with occupational safety provisions, including travel vaccinations for business trips
  • Qualification:
    • Occupational medicine professional
    • Addiction expert

Staff council

Email
Room: G 402
Office hours: usually from 9:00 - 15:30 or by appointment
Phone: +49 7531 88 -3556, -3939, -5274

  • Responsibilities:
    • Ensures that all members of the unit are treated equally
    • Point of contact for problems that individuals may experience in relation to their unit, their superiors or whilst working alongside their colleagues
  • Legal framework:
    • Landespersonalvertretungsgesetz - LPVG (state staff representation act)