Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to footer

Equal opportunities office of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Gender equality work at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam follows the logic of gender mainstreaming. In all projects and in all decisions, the interests of and consequences for the genders must be considered. The fact that gender goes beyond the binary of man and woman is part of the concept of gender equality work at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Learn more about our work and our topics.

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam has set itself the goal of actively contributing to the realisation of gender equality, to the promotion of women in those areas in which they are underrepresented, and to the compatibility of work, study, teaching, research and family at the University of Applied Sciences.

University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Equality Statute 2013

Themes of gender equality work

The Brandenburg university act defines the core tasks for equal opportunities officers. The gender equality concept defines the goals and priorities in concrete terms. Current developments also contribute to the setting of topics.

Gendering is about not only "joining in" but making all genders linguistically visible (and audible). The fact that images are created in our heads through language, but that they can also be broken up and actions changed as a result, is one of the most important arguments for gender-appropriate language.

The FHP recognises this in § 9 of the basic regulations. Here it is stipulated that gender-equitable language is used at the FHP in "general correspondence and in legal and administrative regulations".

There are different variants of gender-appropriate language. We use the gender star, which also includes all those who do not find themselves in the binary system of man/woman. Further information and practical tips can be found in our publication MitSprache.

Further information:

It is part of the self-image of gender equality work at the FHP that gender identities go beyond the binary of man and woman. The equal opportunities office represents the interests of LGBTIQ+, actively supported the "Queer Brandenburg" action plan passed by the Brandenburg state parliament in 2016 and is also involved in the monitoring committee of the new "Action Plan for Acceptance of Gender and Sexual Diversity, for Self-Determination and against Homophobia and Transphobia in Brandenburg".

Naming of trans persons at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam
Since the winter semester 2018/2019, it is possible to submit an application for a name change immediately after enrolment (or even later), which includes first names and/or gender indication. A dgti supplementary identity card is sufficient as proof. Afterwards, only the specified name and gender will be used at the university. For information on how to apply, but also on the possible consequences of a name change (from the BaföG office to the pension fund), please contact the colleagues at the department of student affairs.

Toilets for all
Since the winter semester 2016/17, toilets for all have been available in all buildings at the FHP, which can be used by all persons regardless of their gender. The room details of the toilets for all can be found in the well-being plan of the equal opportunities office.

By including gender aspects in teaching, universities can make an important contribution to counteracting gender-based discrimination. This involves both study content and teaching methods as well as research projects.

We advise on the integration of gender aspects into teaching and research at the FHP.

The university's goal is quality-oriented, parity-based staffing at all qualification and employment levels. The monitoring of appointment procedures is a central area of equal opportunities work. However, the responsibility for increasing the proportion of female professors and women in leadership positions and, if necessary, promoting women in those positions where they are underrepresented, lies with the respective decision-makers - the president, senate, dean, departmental council, appointment committee.

In appointment procedures, the state-wide "Checklist for Appointment Procedures to Ensure Quality Standards for Equal Opportunities for Women and Men at Brandenburg Universities" is applied.

The maxim of promoting women in those areas in which they are underrepresented applies not only to appointment procedures, but also to recruitment procedures.

University of Applied Sciences Potsdam successful in the Female Professors Programme III and also in the Female Professors Programme 2030

In 2025, the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam convinced with its strong ‘Gender Equality Concept for Parity’ in the Female Professors Programme 2030 and was awarded the title of ‘University with Strong Gender Equality’. As a result, after 2008, 2023 and 2019, the FHP will once again receive start-up funds for the initial appointment of women to permanent professorships.

The funds released thanks to funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR) will be used to implement measures to promote equality and support families. The current measures (Female Professors Programme III) include:

The current measures will be realised between January 2021 and April 2026. New measures with a term until 2030 (Female Professors Programme 2030) are in preparation.

Actively promoting the compatibility of family responsibilities with studies or work is one of the central tasks of the equal opportunities policy at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. The university sees itself as a "family-friendly university" and is committed to the Brandenburg quality standards: Gender-equitable, family-friendly and life-phase-orientated studying and working in the academic sector. According to the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam's understanding, a family includes all persons who take on long-term responsibility for other people in their private lives, i.e. marriage-like relationships, biological and non-bodily children, or even different generations.

In order to prevent dropouts and the drop-out of women from academia, it is especially important to start where there are difficulties in reconciling family and studies or academia. The equal opportunities office works closely with the family team in this area. One of the measures in this context is the graduation scholarships for female students with family responsibilities.

Further information:

There is often uncertainty about where sexism, sexual harassment and violence begin: What is still a compliment, what is funny, what is already assault? What is still a come-on, what is already harassment? Sexism, sexualised harassment and sexualised violence range from discrimination, jokes and attributions based on gender to harassment and actions to serious criminal offences. The following always applies: The person concerned decides for him- or herself what he or she perceives as harassing and discriminatory behaviour.

Have you experienced or witnessed sexism, sexual harassment or violence? The equal opportunities officer will advise and support you, also anonymously, by e-mail or telephone. Take a stand against sexism, sexual harassment and violence! Further information and practical tips can be found in our publication "Sexismus ist kein Kavaliersdelikt!"

Here you can find help quickly and easily
The help hotline "Violence against Women" is available.

For Potsdam students, the student listening phone nightline Potsdam and the psychological counselling centre of the Studentenwerk Potsdam can be reached. The psychological counselling centre of the Studentenwerk Potsdam provides an overview of other (telephone) contact points in Berlin-Brandenburg on its website.

External help
Immediate medical care and confidential evidence recovery, regardless of gender, are offered by the clinic association for victims of rape in Brandenburg. Counselling services, free legal advice and other help and support services for women are offered by the Potsdam women's centre.

Further information:

Publications

You can order printed copies of the publications in the ‘Atmosphere of Recognition’ series from the equal opportunities office.

Together with the University Library, the equal opportunities office is also responsible for keeping the library up to date on the topics of gender, equality and anti-discrimination. You can find lists of new annual acquisitions under the keyword ‘specialised literature’ in the ‘offers at a glance’ section.

Ease-In Map

We want you to feel at home at the FHP and have a clear head for studying and working. The FH Potsdam therefore offers services for children and families, (social) counselling, quiet spaces and meeting places. We have listed some of these services and places for you in the well-being plan: from quiet and nappy-changing rooms to the mobile children's room, from the toilets for everyone - regardless of gender - to the campus garden. You are very welcome to explore these places!

Gender-appropriate language

Atmosphere of Recognition series

Changes in social structures always goes hand in hand with changes in language. The use of gender-appropriate language, also known as gendering, therefore shows awareness and is an expression of recognition of gender equality. ‘MitSprache – Empfehlungen für eine gendergerechte Sprache’, published by the Equal Opportunities Council of the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, offers assistance for gender-appropriate language.

At this point the publication is in German only.

Dealing with sexism, sexualised harassment and violence at universities

Atmosphere of Recognition series

Strategies for dealing with sexualised harassment and violence at universities can be found in the brochure ‘Sexism is not a trivial offence’ (2nd, revised edition 2017), published by the Equal Opportunities Council of the FH Potsdam.

At this point the brochure is in German only.

Diversity at universities

Atmosphere of Recognition series

‘Plurality - Conflict Potential - Opportunities. Guidelines for the implementation of diversity at universities' is the third publication by Prof. Dr Gudrun Perko in the “Atmosphere of Recognition” series, published by the Equal Opportunities Council of the FH Potsdam. The brochure provides information on the importance of diversity, gives an insight into the legal basis and shows examples of measures that have been realised at the FHP. It also provides guidelines for the further implementation of diversity at universities.

At this point the brochure is in German only.

Dates

More events
Fair
09/10/2025

herCAREER Expo: The career event for female students

Target audience: Students
MOC Event Center Messe München
Fair
10/10/2025

herCAREER Expo: The career event for female students

Target audience: Students
MOC Event Center Messe München
Workshop
12/11/2025, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm

Finance Fit – Getting to Grips with your Finances Step by Step

Target audience: University members, Lecturers, Employees, Students
Location: OnlineRoom via Zoom

News

More news
Awards

News

"Courage for Perspective" - Volunteer Award for the perspektiv;wechsel collective

With great appreciation for student commitment, the FH Potsdam Supporters’ Association, together with the Student Union Vice President Leo Blohm, honoured the perspektiv;wechsel collective.

University policy

Press release

FH Potsdam once again in the top group for the proportion of female professors in the CEWS university ranking for gender equality in 2025

In the current university ranking according to gender equality aspects 2025 by the Center of Excellence Women and Science (CEWS), the UAS Potsdam ranks among the top 20 universities nationwide in terms of the proportion of women in professorships compared with 148 other universities of applied…

Study & Teaching

Press release

"Trotz(t)dem" – Potsdam Universities with Cult Film and Party at the Brandenburg Women's Weeks

The Equal Opportunities Offices of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the Film University Babelsberg KONRAD WOLF as well as the Equal Opportunities Office of the University of Potsdam invite you to "The Watermelon Woman", a cult film of the New Queer Cinema of the 1990s, on the 14th of…

Awards

Press release

Female professors programme 2030: FHP receives award for gender equality concept

Potsdam University of Applied Sciences (FHP) has impressed the jury in the second selection round of the Female Professors Programme 2030 with its strong "Gender Equality Concept for Parity". In addition, the FHP was honoured with the title "University with Strong Gender Equality". The positive…

Equal opportunities office

You can reach the central equal opportunities officer on mondays to thursdays. On tuesday mornings, you can usually meet Sandra Cartes in the office. You are welcome to make an individual appointment for counselling, on site, by phone or by video call.

Central Equal Opportunities Officer

Representative of the Central Equal Opportunities Officer

Staff member Information Literacy, Training and Systematisation
Deputy Head

Representative of the Central Equal Opportunities Officer

Decentralised equal opportunities officers I Equal opportunities council

There are decentralised equal opportunities officers for each department as well as for administration and central institutions. The decentralised equal opportunities officers and the central equal opportunities officer work together in the equal opportunities council, which evaluates and defines measures in regular meetings.

Social and Educational Sciences Department

Professorship for Political Science

Deputy: Alma Lucia Balmes

CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE Department

Professor for Conservation and Restoration – Stone

Deputy: Dr. phil. habil. Renate Ruhne

Civil Engineering Department

Design Department

Information Sciences Department

Administration and Central Institutions

Staff member Student Counselling Service

Substitute: Maike Hagen