Freie Universität Recognized Third Time in a Row for Family-friendly Policies
Attractive Conditions Certified by berufundfamilie gGmbH
№ 221/2014 from Jun 17, 2014
For the third time in a row, Freie Universität Berlin has been recognized for providing its employees and students with good conditions for a healthy balance between study, work, and family life. The award was presented on Tuesday by Caren Marks and Iris Gleicke, Parlamentary Secretaries of State in the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. Family-friendly measures in place at Freie Universität that were rated particularly positively include partnerships with day care centers, nursery schools, and schools, a continuing education project for employees with relatives requiring care, and sports courses for families that are offered by the Center for University Sports. Freie Universität was recognized for making great strides in giving students who are parents greater flexibility in organizing their studies and more support for planned stays abroad. The certification was carried out by berufundfamilie gGmbH on behalf of the nonprofit Hertie Foundation. The audit is under the patronage of the German Federal Ministry for Family Affairs and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs. It is endorsed by leading German business associations, BDA, BDI, DIHK, and ZDH.
Freie Universität was first certified in 2007. One of the first steps the university took was to set up a Family Support Center. To help students maintain a better balance between studying and family, students who are parents are given certain privileges such as preferred registration for seminars, more e-learning opportunities, and an opportunity to attend classes and lectures even while they are officially on leave because of caring for children or frail relatives. Employees of Freie Universität who have care responsibilities can participate in alternating teleworking or benefit from a program providing child care in unforeseen situations.
Further Information
Sabrina Kusch, Director, Family Support Center, Freie Universität Berlin, Tel.: +49 30 838-51137, Email: familienbuero@fu-berlin.de