Measures to Offset Disadvantages for Students with Caregiving Responsibilities

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There are specific regulations under maternity protection laws for pregnant and breastfeeding students. In short, based on a preliminary assessment of potential risks specific to the student’s program of study, it is determined whether protective measures are necessary in individual cases and whether the possibility of implementing measures to compensate for disadvantages should be examined. (→ see the Maternity Protection for Students webpage)

After the breastfeeding period (twelve months after birth), there are no uniform regulations for student parents.

Caregiving Responsibilities and Child-Rearing

Many examination regulations stipulate that child-rearing and caregiving responsibilities should be taken into account.

Examination regulations generally do not specify concrete options for compensating for disadvantages, but rather outline the circumstances under which such accommodations should be granted (for example: “care of a spouse, registered partner, or a relative in the direct line or a first-degree relative by marriage”) and whether proof must be provided.

The following always applies: The actual academic and examination requirements must remain the same for all students.

Specific accommodations are always decided on a case-by-case basis; therefore, students should

• familiarize themselves with the regulations in the examination regulations applicable to their degree program,
• approach faculty members as needed to jointly agree on solutions for individual needs or possible alternative requirements,
• discuss accommodations related to exams with their instructors and submit the appropriate applications to the examination board.

“Leave of Absence from Studies for Special Reasons” with the Right to Take Exams

In certain phases and situations, a leave of absence from studies may be individually necessary and provide relief. The “Leave of Absence from Studies for Special Reasons”—specifically for the reasons of child-rearing and caregiving—enables students with caregiving responsibilities to continue to complete coursework and take exams even during their leave of absence.

• Pregnancy or maternity leave (proof: medical certificate or maternity record)
  → No eligibility to take exams
• Child-rearing
  → Eligibility to take exams possible
• Caregiving for a spouse, registered partner, or a relative in the direct line of descent or a first-degree relative by marriage
  → May be eligible to take the exam