Fachhochschule Dortmund has once again been honored for its family-friendly working and study conditions. The occasion was the 26th berufundfamilie Service GmbH certificate award ceremony in Berlin. The UAS has been using the family-friendly university audit as a strategic management tool since 2008, which initiates and controls a sustainable process of compatibility.
In recognition of its long-standing commitment to work-life balance, the auditing company confirmed the certificate with distinction. Rector Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel received the university's 6th quality seal for the family-friendly university audit at a festive event from the audit patron, Federal Minister for Family Affairs Lisa Paus, and Oliver Schmitz, Managing Director of berufundfamilie Service GmbH.
The University of Applied Sciences is one of a total of 306 organizations - 119 companies, 151 institutions and 36 universities - that were awarded a certificate this year, which generally has a duration of three years. The award was preceded by a structured auditing process lasting several months by berufundfamilie Service GmbH. During this process, solutions are (further) developed to improve the compatibility of work or studies, family and private life and the family-friendly orientation is anchored in the culture of the organization.
Holistic equality of opportunity
"After six auditing phases on the topic of family equality, the University of Applied Sciences will focus on further dimensions of 'diversity' in the upcoming 2025/26 process in order to holistically improve equal opportunities," explains Rector Prof. Dr. Tamara Appel. Around 900 employees and 13,500 students at the University of Applied Sciences can benefit from the measures to promote compatibility. Since 2020, the offer has been expanded to include mobile childcare for emergencies and off-peak times as well as advice and networking for people with care responsibilities. The introduction of further measures is planned, such as the promotion of management models for part-time employees.
"The University of Applied Sciences is made up of people who learn, teach and work here. They all have commitments and also take responsibility in their private lives. By further improving our family-friendly structures and addressing diversity in all its facets, we are sending a signal both internally and externally: the whole person is strengthened here and can make a holistic contribution," emphasizes Tamara Appel.