Family Friendly Work and Studies

During the audit the University was visited multiple times and numerous conversations with the administration, groups, and individuals were held. Fundamental questions included how well known the existing services are – such as for mobile work, flexibility of a study location, or the Equal Opportunities Family Services Office – and where there is further potential for development. The background of these questions is the challenge of raising awareness about the respective offers and activities within a large university like RWTH Aachen.

The re-audit included not only analysis of the current situation but also the adoption of an agreement between the Rectorate and berufundfamilie gGmbH regarding goals. University administration expressly supports the process, as professor Doris Klee in the Rectorate, emphasizes: "The family-friendly design of working and study conditions are a fundamental component for successful attracting personnel and for staff development at RWTHAachen. As an innovative university, we want to lead the way. I particularly value two components of the re-audit: the quality assurance of existing offers and addressing target groups in different life situations."

Manuela Aye, head of the responsible staff unit in the Rectorate, is also happy about the renewed title: "Being able to use this successful concept for family-friendly university development as a part of our gender and diversity management is valuable enrichment of our work. Experience from past years shows us that many positive incentives for more family-friendliness can be created through diverse internal university partnerships with departments from the Central University Administration, the Equal Opportunities Office, and staff councils."

Source: Press and Communications