Since the first audit in 2006, the University of Mannheim has implemented extensive measures to enable its members to reconcile family and career and/or studies. This includes an initial point of contact and counseling services as well as an advisor for employees who are caring for care-dependent relatives for finding solutions for individual problems. The university also offers flexible work time models such as flexitime and telework as well as a Parent and Child Room and reserved spots at the childcare center of the Studierendenwerk Mannheim. Other support measures are childcare during school holidays, a parents’ network, maternity leave for students, and consulting services for degree planning and examination organization. The FAiR@UMA program supports early-stage researchers with family obligations and the revised guidelines on professorial appointments take the reconciliation of family and work during the appointment process into account.
After being successfully re-audited as scheduled, the University of Mannheim was permanently awarded the family-friendly university certificate in 2017. The certificate is now renewed every three years in a dialog process.
Text: Editorial team/December 2023