Pursuing a Doctorate under Special Circumstances

Pursuing a doctorate with children

Parents pursuing a doctorate often face special challenges: In addition to working on their doctoral dissertation, they have to provide childcare, organize everyday family life, and usually also have to cope with a higher financial burden. 

The University of Mannheim therefore offers a wide range of counseling and support services to parents who are pursuing a doctorate. Find out more on the website of the Department of Equal Opportunity and Social Diversity and make an appointment for a consultation.

Contact

Alexandra Raquet

Alexandra Raquet (she/her)

Diversity and Dual Career
University of Mannheim
Department of Equal Opportunity and Social Diversity
B 6, 30–32 – Room 014
68159 Mannheim

German maternity protection act (Mutterschutzgesetz, MuSchG)

Since 1 January 2018, the German maternity protection act (Mutterschutzgesetz, MuSchG) has also been applicable to students and doctoral candidates. The MuSchG governs the health protection provisions for the mother and the (unborn) child during pregnancy, after delivery, and during the breastfeeding period. It applies to all expectant mothers, regardless of their marital status and/or nationality.

In order to comply with the protection provisions, doctoral candidates with an employment relationship must report to their employer, while doctoral students without an employment relationship must report to the Central Doctoral Students' Office in Division I as soon as they are aware of the pregnancy and know the expected date of birth.

We will be happy to advise you in more detail in a personal appointment.

Contact

Nadine Bradt, M.A.

Nadine Bradt, M.A.

Support of Early-Stage Researchers
Allgemeine Promotionsberatung, Finanzierungsfragen, Promotionsstipendien, Landesgraduiertenförderung
University of Mannheim
Division I – Research Services and Quality Management
L 1, 1 – Room 326
68161 Mannheim
Office hours:
Mon-Thu 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Advice for doctoral students with a disability or chronic illness

We offer individual, competent, and confidential advice to all doctoral students with a disability or chronic illness. We support you in your everyday life as a doctoral student, so that you will not experience any problems due to your health condition.

Doctoral students who are not employed at the University of Mannheim can contact the commissioner and counselor for disabled students and students with chronic illnesses.

Contact

Alexander Holzer

Alexander Holzer

Commissioner and Counselor for disabled students and students with chronic illnesses
University of Mannheim
Division II – Student Affairs
L 1, 1 – Room 128
68161 Mannheim
Consultation hour(s):
Consultations currently take place by telephone or video conference. Please book your appointment via email.

Doctoral candidates with an employment relationship can contact the Representative for Employees with a Disability.

Contact

Andreas Wick

Andreas Wick

Representative for employees with a disability
University of Mannheim
B6, 30–32 – Room 10
68159 Mannheim
Phone: +49 621 181-1289
Mobile: +49 172 7502005
Fax: +49 621 181-1231
E-mail: andreas.wickmail-uni-mannheim.de
Consultation hour(s):
by appointment