The university is actively committed to the full inclusion of all students, regardless of their individual challenges. This includes in particular:
* Students with disabilities
* People with chronic illnesses
* People with neurodiverse characteristics
In order to offer all students the best possible conditions
for successful study, the university has created special support structures
1. dedicated contact persons: There are specially assigned staff members who serve as the first point of contact.
2. individual counselling: each case is considered individually in order to find tailor-made solutions.
3. barrier-free design: the university works continuously to remove physical and digital barriers.
The Representative for Inclusive Studying provides support and advice on issues relating to studying with a health impairment. Starting with the application for a study place, through the course of study to graduation.
Counselling appointments can be made:
By telephone: 0471 - 4823 - 557
or
By e-mail: ckrieten@hs-bremerhaven.de.
Counselling is available on the following topics, among others:
* Support services
* Organisation of studies
* Compensation for disadvantages during examinations
* External assistance
Live Community: All on board!
Under the motto: "All on board", we advocate for equal-opportunity access and participation in everyday university life. For this, we implement a range of measures for all students and university members.
The following services are available for this purpose:
The Bremen Disability Equality Act (BremBGG) defines disability as follows:
‘Persons with disabilities are defined as persons with long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments. In interaction with various barriers, these can prevent them from participating fully and equally in society.’
This definition not only includes people with an official disability card, but also people with chronic illnesses - both physical and mental - even if they do not identify as disabled.
The 22nd Social Survey of the German Student Union (May 2023) provides the following findings:
- 16% of all students state that they have an impairment that makes studying difficult.
- This can be a chronic mental or physical illness, disability or partial performance disorder.
Converted to Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, this would be an estimated 440 students.
This figure makes it clear that you are by no means alone in your situation.
Disadvantage compensation is an important instrument for promoting equal opportunities in higher education. They enable students with disabilities or chronic illnesses to take examinations under fair conditions. These regulations are enshrined in the Bremen Higher Education Act (§ 31) and in the examination regulations (§ 11) of the Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes.
Who is entitled?
Students with:
* Physical, mental or psychological impairments.
* Chronic illnesses (physical and mental)
* Developmental or partial performance disorders.
Possible forms of compensation for disadvantages:
* Extension of the processing time
* Authorisation of additional aids
* Alternative forms of examination (e.g. oral instead of written)
* Individual examination dates
* Arrangements for breaks during the examination
* Deadline extensions for registrations and cancellations
Application:
1. arrange a counselling appointment (with the Counselling Centre for Inclusive Studying).
2. complete the application form for compensation for disadvantages
3. send the application to the representative for inclusive studying
4. enclose a medical certificate or other suitable evidence.
5. submit the application no later than six weeks after the start of the course.
You can find detailed information on the application procedure and the required forms on the university website under Inclusive Studying.
Study organisation
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences offers various options for flexible study organisation to accommodate students with disabilities, chronic illnesses or neuro-diversity.
Part-time study
Students can apply for part-time study, in which a maximum of 3/5 of the credit points required for full-time study can be earned per semester. This makes it possible to adapt the pace of study to individual needs.
Semester of leave
Another option is to apply for a semester of leave, which is an official interruption of studies for one semester. During this time, you retain your student status, but with limited rights regarding courses and examinations.
Study assistance
Students with special needs, such as those on the autism spectrum, have the option of applying for study assistance via the integration assistance programme. This support can make everyday study life considerably easier.
These measures aim to improve the compatibility of studying and individual challenges and to offer all students a fair chance of successfully completing their studies.
Studying with health challenges can often be lonely and overwhelming.
But you are not alone! At Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, we offer groups that create a safe space for exchange and mutual support.
Why peer-to-peer-groups?
* Shared experiences: Meet other students who are dealing with similar challenges.
* Mutual support: Share strategies and find encouragement.
*Confidential setting: Discuss openly in a protected environment.
What we offer
* ‘Mental Health’ group for students with mental illness, every Thursday at 18:30 in House B, Room 305
* ‘InkluZone’ group for students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and neuro-diversity, every Monday from 18:00 to 19:30 in House B Room 310and the House K cafeteria on the ground floor.
These groups not only offer emotional support, but also practical help with questions about compensating for disadvantages and coping with studies. Let's work together to find ways to make your studies successful. The Counselling Centre for Inclusive Studying is at your side - you don't have to go this way alone.
Contact the Mental Health group:
mentalhealth@hs-bremerhaven.de
Contact InkluZone:
inklusiv@hs-bremerhaven.de
Are you looking for opportunities to broaden your career prospects?
iXNet, the Federal Employment Agency's inclusive network of experts, offers you exactly that:
* Networking with other academics
Participation in workshops and events
* Improve your career opportunities
As part of the International Placement Services (ZAV), iXNet supports academics with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses and neuro-diversity in their professional participation and career development. The network offers:
* Information and counselling
* Peer support and mentoring
* Targeted networking opportunities
* Exchange platforms
Take the opportunity to benefit from this innovative, digital programme and actively shape your professional future.
https://ixnet-projekt.de/
Counselling on questions about starting a degree programme and studying with disabilities. Counselling takes place both online and on campus.
Disabled persons' representative: Representative for disabled persons at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences: Dirk Hagelstein
1. Substitute: Claudia Krieten
2. Substitute: Prof. Dr. Stefan Wittke
In the Barrier-free University workgroup, various members of the university work on implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and enabling barrier-free access and equal participation in studies, teaching, research and everyday work at the university.
We focus on intersectional approaches in order to consider the various diversity dimensions in their interactions and to help reduce inequalities and protect against discrimination
In 2013, Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences signed the Diversity Charter and has participated in the German Diversity Day every year since.
The university is currently developing regulations for the protection against and handling of discrimination. These will be published shortly.
In the event of discrimination, you may contact us for an initial consultation.
In 2024, Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences successfully participated in the "Diversity Audit: Shaping Diversity" conducted by the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft.
For all students at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans*, or otherwise queer, we offer our group Queere Studierende (Queer Students).
We meet weekly for a regulars’ table, movie nights, discussion groups, group outings, and much more.
Contact: Michaela Kleih (Student Assistant)
Instagram: @queere_studierende_bhv
Email: lgbtq@hs-bremerhaven.de
StudiTalk is a peer-to-peer program provided by the Center for Equal Opportunity and Diversity. We offer groups in the following areas:
Have you noticed anything that makes living together at university more difficult for everyone? Together we want to break down barriers and strengthen mutual understanding.
Our weekly meetings take place on Monday, 18:00 - 19:30 in building B, Kitchen room 310.
Feel free to send your ideas, questions or concerns to:
inklusiv@hs-bremerhaven.de
"Little Campus" is a program for student parents to connect and share their experiences.
Here, you’ll find information to help you navigate the challenges of studying while raising a child.
For more information, feel free to send an email to:
studitalk@hs-bremerhaven.de
Are you looking for a place to connect with others or simply meet new people?
Then feel free to drop by on Thursdays at 6:30 PM in Building B, Room 305.
You’re also welcome to send us an email at:
mentalhealth@hs-bremerhaven.de
to get to know us or to talk personally about anything on your mind.
You‘re studying medical technology, your exams are
coming up and you just don‘t have the motivation to sit down on your own and go through the big pile of work?
Then peer teaching is for you!
If you have any questions, contact me at:
svoll@smail.hs-bremerhaven.de
Health concerns us all!
Under this motto, we offer a wide range of services:
Headache Prevention
Information + additional materials
The university’s health management system is currently being expanded. Further information will be available shortly.
The health of our employees is very important to us. That is why we support them within the framework of Corporate Integration Management (CIM).
Football connects
The International Football Club focuses on fair play, diversity, respect, teamwork, fun and playing football together in an international group. International students and all other students have the chance to get to know each other.
With these services, we offer support for personal challenges and help you navigate difficult or crisis-related times:
Psychological Counseling Service:
Support for academic difficulties and personal problems.
All students at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences have the opportunity to visit the Psychological Counseling Service (PBS) of the Bremen Student Services on campus every Tuesday.
Further information is available here.
Mental Health Group
The student-led Mental Health Group meets regularly to share experiences, support one another, and engage in activities together.
Quality Factor Gender Equality
Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences also considers the advancement of gender equality—especially for women in technical disciplines—as one of its core responsibilities.
With a high proportion of women, including in senior positions in academia and administration, the university ensures that diverse perspectives, values, and norms are represented. For this reason, we see gender equality work not only as a contribution to social justice and democracy, but also as an integral part of university and staff development as well as quality management.
Overview of Contact Persons
With our offerings, we aim to support all university members in balancing their academic or work life with family and caregiving responsibilities.
The University of Bremerhaven has two family rooms that can be used for self-organized childcare.
Building B, Room B304-305 (3rd floor) – little campus:
Here, in addition to caring for one's own child/children while working or studying, there is also the possibility for one parent to take care of their own or other children on a self-organized basis, while their parents are in the event room, laboratory, or office. The workspace and spacious playroom are adjacent to each other. A desk, crib, breastfeeding, and changing facilities are available.
Building Z, Room Z3310 (3rd floor):
Here too, childcare is possible. A desk, breastfeeding, and changing facilities are available, and a travel crib is ready for self-assembly.
Breastfeeding and changing room:
Building T, Room T2.002 (2nd floor).
A toy kit can be borrowed from the information desk to keep children entertained on campus. The kit includes toys, crafts, coloring materials, and books for children of various ages.
As part of the Family Service Network of Universities in Lower Saxony and Bremen, various online lectures and training sessions on caregiving and family-related topics will take place during the Winter Semester 2024/2025 for students and staff. The program will be announced shortly.
For questions about balancing pregnancy and parenthood during your studies, childcare in Bremerhaven, and caregiving responsibilities for relatives, we are happy to provide advice or, if necessary, refer you to other advisory services.
For questions regarding maternity leave and parental leave, please contact the Human Resources department.
Contact: personalstelle@hs-bremerhaven.de
For questions about childcare in Bremerhaven and caregiving for relatives, we are happy to provide advice.
Holiday care programs for children during the Easter, summer, and autumn vacations are offered in cooperation with the City of Bremerhaven and other public and research institutions in Bremerhaven. The programs and registration information will be sent to all staff via circular.
"Little Campus" is an initiative for student parents to connect and share experiences. Here, you will receive information that can help you navigate the challenges of studying while raising children.
For more information, send an email to:
studitalk@hs-bremerhaven.de
Or join the WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/Kkn1KrLTgGF0MKxcPED0F5
In the cafeterias of the Student Union Bremen, children of students up to the age of six can eat for free! The necessary eligibility card can be obtained by presenting the child’s birth certificate and the enrollment certificate of the student parent at the cafeteria or at the Service Point.
www.stw-bremen.de/de/mensa