In order to systematise the protection against discrimination, the Anti-Discrimination Office of Fulda University of Applied Sciences has developed an anti-discrimination concept. The concept serves to further develop the work of the anti-discrimination office in a targeted manner and to identify the gaps in the universitys' protection against discrimination that have become apparent primarily in the counselling context and to counter these, among other things, with a view to best practice approaches of other facilities. To this end, six building blocks of protection against discrimination, which have been classified as particularly relevant by the Federal Anti-Discrimination Office, are considered. Based on these building blocks, the HFD's pass measures with regard to protection against discrimination are described, the need for action is derived and future measures planned by the ADS for the period between the winter semester 2023/2024 and the summer semester 2026 are formulated. The planned measures are aimed at all members of the HFD and take into account the various status groups.
This will supplement and specialise existing concepts and strategies at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.
Contact
Dr. Pritima Chainani-Barta
Interculturality and cultural reflexivity
The Anti-Discrimination Guideline (ADR, English version) of Fulda University of Applied Sciences was adopted by the Presidential Board in 2017 with the approval of the Senate and revised in 2024.
To whom does the ADR apply?
The directive applies to all members as well as every body and institution of Fulda University of Applied Sciences. It therefore includes all students and doctoral candidates (including applicants), all staff members (including lecturers), professors, guest students and participants in further educational courses at the university.
Where does the ADR apply?
Ansprechperson
Dr. Pritima Chainani-Barta
Interculturality and cultural reflexivity
The Diversity Charter is an initiative for the funding of diversity in enterprises and institutions. It was founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting the recognition, appreciation and inclusion of diversity. The focus is on an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination. Over 2,800 enterprises and institutions with a total of more than 9.4 million employees (including numerous federal states, cities, ministries and universities) have now signed the charter. Fulda University of Applied Sciences has also been a signatory since April 2018 and is thus committed to the six guiding principles of the Diversity Charter.
Official website of the Diversity Charter
Signatory certificate of the Fulda University of Applied Sciences
The Diversity Charter has launched Diversity Day to publicly promote and raise awareness of diversity. Every year, the aim is to motivate people to stand up for diversity in their own organisation through campaigns, presentations, information events, etc. Fulda University of Applied Sciences has also been taking part in this day since 2018. An overview of the courses that have taken place so far can be found here.
Contact person
CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2025
In the current CEWS University Ranking 2025, Fulda University of Applied Sciences was able to reach the top group in all categories again. Together with 18 other universities of applied sciences, it is once again in the top group in the overall ranking. Fulda University of Applied Sciences has consistently maintained its place in the top group since 2019. Over the last five years, the proportion of female academic staff has increased by three percentage points to 55 percent and the proportion of female professors has risen by four percentage points to 49 percent. This means that Fulda University of Applied Sciences once again clearly exceeds the Hesse-wide average for the proportion of female professors, which currently stands at 30 per cent.
CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2023
In the CEWS University Ranking 2023, Fulda University of Applied Sciences reached the top group in all categories and, together with three other universities of applied sciences, took a top course in the overall ranking. Over the last five years, the university has increased the proportion of women among its academic staff by seven percentage points to 58 per cent and the proportion of female professors by five percentage points to 48 per cent. With the latter, Fulda University of Applied Sciences is well above the average for Hesse, which currently stands at 28 per cent.
CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2021
In the CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2021, Fulda University of Applied Sciences achieved 8 out of 8 points and was once again among the top group. HFD was able to increase its proportion of female professors to 47 per cent and also improved its score in the area of "Main academic and artistic staff". Fulda University of Applied Sciences was also placed in the top group in the ranking for students.
CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2019
In the 2019 CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects, Fulda University of Applied Sciences achieved 8 out of 8 points and was once again among the top group. HFD was able to increase its proportion of female professors to 44 per cent and also improved its score in the area of "Main academic and artistic staff". Fulda University of Applied Sciences was also once again placed in the top group in the ranking for students.
CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2017
Fulda University of Applied Sciences once again achieved 7 out of 8 points in the CEWS university ranking according to gender equality aspects in 2017 and was one of the top universities in Germany. In particular, with the proportion of female professors of 41.6 per cent, HFD achieved the highest value in the ranking among state universities and universities with a comparable number of students. In the overall ranking for students, the HFD is above the national average with its proportion of female students in the indicators Computer Science, Engineering and Management and Mechanical & Process Engineering and is therefore also among the top group.
In June 2021, Fulda University of Applied Sciences successfully completed the "Shaping Diversity" re-audit by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The certificate was awarded for the first time after successfully completing a two-year auditing process in February 2017. The university has thus set itself the goal of systematically promoting the topic of diversity and equal opportunities, particularly with regard to students, at Fulda University of Applied Sciences.
Re-audit 2021
The re-audit serves to review, consolidate and further develop the diversity strategy developed in the initial audit. It aims to support audited universities in consistently pursuing their specific diversity goals. After a successful re-audit, the validity of the certificate is extended for a further three years.
For the re-audit, Fulda University of Applied Sciences has set itself the goal of focussing in particular on the quality of teaching, learning and Teaching. To this end, the good approaches to a culture of diversity already passed at our university should be expanded and specialised. Particular attention should be paid to students from families without university experience.
The re-audit of Fulda University of Applied Sciences was successfully completed with the peer review on 9 June 2021.
Auditing process 2015 - 2017
The primary aim of attendance in the auditing process was to develop a comprised diversity concept and to bundle, further develop and network existing ideas and activities. The primary focus was on improving the quality of Learning and Teaching with regard to the heterogeneous backgrounds of students. In the medium and long term, this also addressed the goals of increasing academic success, removing barriers to accessing higher education and reducing drop-out rates among students. This enabledthe systematic funding of a culture of diversity in Learning and Teaching and the reduction of discrimination against students.
In February 2017, Fulda University of Applied Sciences was finally awarded the "Shaping Diversity" certificate after successfully completing the two-year auditing process. Dr Daniela De Ridder, member of the German Bundestag and owner of the consulting firm CEDIN Consulting, accompanied Fulda University of Applied Sciences throughout the entire process as an auditor.
Contact person
Rebecca Biermann
The Women's Advancement and Gender Equality Plan 2020 - 2025 brings together all of Fulda University of Applied Sciences' passing strategic concepts and initiatives. As a pioneering framework plan, it provides a good basis for promoting equal opportunities in the academic system at all status levels as well as gender-equitable human resources development.
To the Women's Promotion and Gender Equality Plan 2020-2025 (PDF in German)
Ansprechperson
Birgit Hohmann
Head of division, Representative for Women's Affairs and Gender Equality
Recommendations for action for gender diversity at universities of the bukof
The aim of the recommendations for action is to make gender diversity at universities more visible and to strengthen it. The recommendations are intended as expertise from the Federal Conference of Representatives for Women's Affairs and Gender Equality at Universities (bukof) and are aimed at Presidential Board Offices and equal opportunities and diversity stakeholders.
To the recommendations for action (bukof website)
Handout "Sexualised discrimination and violence at universities"
The bukof committee "Sexualised discrimination and violence at universities" aims to reduce discrimination against women in university studies and in professional life due to sexualised discrimination and violence at universities. It is committed to ensuring that measures for prevention and the establishment of adequate intervention options are implemented. The online handout contains information, assistance and materials.
To the handout (bukof website)
Handout "Gender-equitable and diversity-sensitive management culture" from LaKoF Hessen
The handout is the result of the HMWK-funded project of the State Conference of Hessian University Women's Representatives, which was supported by the Presidential Boards of Hessian colleges and universities. In the brochure you will find ideas on gender-equitable and diversity-sensitive leadership culture as well as practical tips for dealing with anti-discrimination and the selection of personnel.
To the handout (PDF in German)
Mentoring analysis
Mentoring offers are considered an effective instrument for supporting students at the start of their studies and accompanying them on their way to a successful degree. Various forms of mentoring are already offered at Fulda University of Applied Sciences. These were systematically surveyed as part of a stock and effectiveness analysis and analysed with regard to conditions for success and tips for a successful mentoring concept.
Analysis including recommendations for actionfor implementation (in German)
Language and Communication Guidelines - Gender and Diversity at Fulda University of Applied Sciences
The use of language that is sensitive to gender and diversity is an essential contribution to the further development of a university culture that appreciates and recognises diversity. In 2017, Fulda University of Applied Sciences therefore published the Language and Communication Guideline - Gender and Diversity. It contains suggestions, recommendations and tips for gender- and diversity-sensitive language.
Fulda University of Applied Sciences twice successful in the Female Professors Programme III
In 2018, Fulda University of Applied Sciences is the only university of applied sciences in Germany to receive the rating "Equality: Excellent". This means that it can apply for a fourth start-up funding for the initial appointment of a woman.
Fulda University of Applied Sciences was successful twice in the first selection round of the current phase of the federal and state programme for female professors. Not only was its concept for the future of gender equality (in German) positively evaluated, which entitles it to apply for funding for three initial appointments of female professors. It was also one of ten universities to be awarded the title "Equality: Excellent!" for its gender-equitable personnel development and recruitment on the path to professorship, which was rated as outstanding.
Fulda University is the only university of applied sciences (HAW) in Germany among a total of ten to receive this award; it is the only university of applied sciences in Hesse to receive this award. This means that it can apply for a fourth start-up funding for the first appointment of a woman. The award honours the activities of Fulda University of Applied Sciences with regard to making academic careers easier to plan for women. At the same time, the aim is to reduce the number of young female academics who drop out on the way to a professorship.
111 universities from all federal states participated in the first selection round. 86 equal opportunities policy concepts were positively evaluated.
More on the topic (in German):
Ansprechperson
Birgit Hohmann
Head of division, Representative for Women's Affairs and Gender Equality
To receive theTOTAL E-QUALITY distinctioncan be applied for by organisations that have successfully implemented personnel and institutional policy measures to ensure equal opportunities for women and men.
TOTAL E-QUALITY stands for the establishment and sustainable anchoring of equal opportunities for all genders in the profession and in research. The certificate with distinction appoints a successful and sustainable commitment to equal opportunities for women and men in professional and academic life.
Fulda University of Applied Sciences was the first university in Hesse to apply for the TOTAL E-QUALITY distinction at the beginning of 2009 in order to visibly stand up for equal opportunities. It received the award again in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2021 with distinction. In addition, the HFD was also awarded the sustainability prize of the TOTAL E-QUALITY award for 2021 to 2023, the fifth time it has been honoured with distinction.
TOTAL E-QUALITY PREDICTION 2024 - forward-looking overall strategy
With the current distinction, the project manager is no longer focussing solely on gender equality, but also on diversity with an intersectional and inclusive approach. The application manages to combine both topics in a forward-looking overall concept.
The jury's statement states, among other things:
"Due to its exemplary actions in terms of an equal opportunity-oriented personnel and organisational policy, HFD has been awarded the TOTAL E-QUALITY distinction for the sixth time for the years 2024 to 2026. [...]
HFD manages extensive, structurally anchored and mostly innovative measures for funding equal opportunities; it also pursues an intersectional anti-discrimination approach as an important part of its organisational identity. [...]"