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    The University

    Work-Life Balance

    At the HTWG Konstanz

    Promoting the balance between studies, work, and family is a (key) priority for the University of Konstanz. The university is continuously developing its structures and support services in this area. On the following pages, (expectant) parents and family caregivers who are studying or working at the university will find information on legal frameworks, university-specific regulations, childcare options, and the family-friendly campus.
    We view family-friendliness as an integral part of our university culture and as a contribution to equal opportunity.

     

    What does work-life balance mean?

    Work-life balance means coordinating one’s studies or career with family responsibilities in such a way that both areas of life can be well-organized and successfully managed.

    Work-Life Balance at HTWG - Overview

    The University of Konstanz has launched an internal audit process to guide its strategic development toward becoming a family-friendly institution. Since then, it has placed a high priority on balancing academic studies, work, and family responsibilities, and has been continuously refining its structures and support services.
    By signing the charter, the University of Konstanz has joined the  „Familie in der Hochschule“ association. In doing so, it reaffirms its commitment to sustainably promoting the balance between studies, work, and academic pursuits on the one hand, and family responsibilities on the other, and to systematically expand and further develop its programs and services.


    Family Service Center

    Would you like to balance your studies or professional work at the University of Konstanz with your family responsibilities as effectively as possible? We’re here to support you!
    The Family Service Center is your one-stop resource for balancing your studies, career, and family life. We provide advice and support to students and employees who are parents, expectant parents, or caregivers—in a confidential, personalized, and solution-oriented manner.
    Since every family situation is unique, we’re happy to take the time for a personal conversation. Schedule an appointment — we’ll advise you in person, by phone, online, or via email.


    Balancing studies, work, research, and family is a key priority for our university.

    Studying While Balancing Family Responsibilities

    To help you balance your studies and family life as effectively as possible, we're here to offer you advice and support. 

    Studying with a Child

    Studying While Caring for a Family Member

    Working While Balancing Family Responsibilities

    We support our employees at every stage of life—whether they have children or are caring for family members.


    Work and Caregiving Responsibilities

     


    Child Care

    The University of Konstanz would like to support its students and employees in finding suitable childcare. The following information is intended to help you get an overview.

    Information on Child Care


    Family-Friendly Campus

    The University of Konstanz offers family-friendly facilities on campus that are continuously being improved.

    • Cafeteria

      The dining hall and cafeteria on the HTWG campus are easily accessible with strollers. The dining hall on the first floor can be reached with a stroller via the freight elevator. Please speak to the dining hall staff if you wish to use it. There are plenty of high chairs available in the dining hall and cafeteria.

      Children up to age 10 whose parents are students can eat for free in the cafeteria when accompanied by a parent. To do so, apply for the MensaKidsCard at the Studierendenwerk Seezeit.

      MensaKidsCard Application

    • Mobile Game Box

      You need to bring your children with you to the university. No problem—to make their time in the office or lecture hall more enjoyable, you can borrow a portable toy box. The box can be borrowed by the hour or by the day. It contains toys and activities for children ranging from toddlers to elementary school age. 
      You can get the mobile game box at the Familien- Servicestelle.

    • Baby-changing and breastfeeding facilities on campus

      On the campus of the University of Konstanz, you will find freely accessible baby-changing facilities in the following buildings.

      • Building A: 1st Floor, Room A190 (Accessible restroom)
      • Building I (Cafeteria): Ground Floor (Accessible Restroom)
      • Building L: Ground Floor, Room L 090 (Accessible restroom)
      • Building M: Ground Floor, Room M 090 (Women's Restroom)
      • Building O: Ground Floor O 092 (Accessible Restroom)
      • Building P: Basement K 93 (Accessible restroom)

      Use of this facility is at your own risk. All users are asked to leave the changing area clean. If you have any complaints or questions, please contact the Family Service Center.

      You’ll find another changing station and a breastfeeding area on the ground floor of Building G, in Room G 030 on the Gleich Campus. Please note that access here requires an activated Zack card; please apply for one at the Family Service Center.

       

    • Ways to Rest During Pregnancy

      At Gleich-Campus G 030, pregnant women can find a place to relax and rest. Please note that access is only possible with a valid Zack card; please apply for one at the  Family Service Center.

    Dual Career Service

    • Dual Career Service – Successfully Shaping Dual Careers

      Do you want to succeed together? Do you both want to advance your careers while still actively fulfilling your family obligations?

      The Dual Career Service at the University of Konstanz is here to support you. It offers partners of incoming professors, early-career researchers, and executives information and counseling on all aspects of continuing their professional careers. This includes assistance with job searches, as well as information and advice on continuing education and professional development.

      The offer includes

      • Personalized Strategic Business and Career Consulting and Coaching
      • Job Application Advice
      • Job Search Assistance
      • Work-Life Balance Counseling

      as well as in the areas of continuing education and professional development

      • Cross-organizational and Individual Continuing Education and Career Development Counseling
      • Information about current funding opportunities, scholarships, and more

       
      To contact Michaela David

      How can you make a successful start in Konstanz with your family? 

      The university’s Family Service Center is here to help. It provides information on housing options, childcare and caregiving services for family members, schools and educational institutions, and recreational activities in Konstanz and the Lake Constance region.

      To contact the Family Service Center

       

       

    Contact

    Do you have questions about our offerings or would you like to share your suggestions?
    Feel free to contact us at:

    teamgleich@htwg-konstanz.de

    We're active on Instagram with the following content:

    @teamgleich_htwgkonstanz