advisory services

• Advice for students and prospective students
• Information about degree programs and degrees
• Referral to the academic advisors

A new Maternity Protection Act has been in effect since January 1, 2018. This law includes more comprehensive provisions for female students as well. Under this law, maternity protection is generally granted without the need for additional applications. However, this is contingent upon the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences being aware of the pregnancy in question!

Essentially, the following applies to those affected:

1. In accordance with Section 15 of the Maternity Protection Act, you should notify the university of your pregnancy and the expected date of delivery as soon as you know you are pregnant. If you are breastfeeding, it would be advisable to inform the university of this as early as possible as well.
2. You are generally covered by the protection periods specified in Section 3 of the Maternity Protection Act, namely the six-week period before and the eight-week period after childbirth. If you wish to attend required classes or take exams during the protection period, you must expressly declare this in writing to the university.
3. Pursuant to Section 10 of the Maternity Protection Act, the university must identify the risks to which you, as a pregnant or breastfeeding student, or your child are or may be exposed. Based on this risk assessment, the university must decide whether and to what extent protective measures must be taken.

Please read the information “Important Maternity Protection Regulations for Female Students ” carefully.

Of course, Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences can only fulfill its obligations if you have properly reported your pregnancy—as required by law.

Notification of Pregnancy and Further Information

Please inform us of your pregnancy as early as possible! To do so, please use the form below, which you can submit in person at the Examination Office responsible for you or scan and email to the following address: DSI-Sekretariat(at)hszg.de. Your matter will be handled discreetly and confidentially!

If you would like advice on how to proceed, please schedule an appointment with the Student Advisory Service at Tel.: 03583 612-4255.

The university has enshrined a family-friendly culture in its mission statement. In the brochure “Studying with a Child,” you will find comprehensive information for students with children at Zittau/Görlitz University on topics such as pregnancy and childbirth, counseling services, financial aid options, child care, and organizing your studies.

If you have any questions or concerns—or even suggestions for improving the experience of studying with a child or children—the university’s Equal Opportunities Officer, Dr. Reinhold, is available at any time.

College is a phase of personal development that is almost inevitably accompanied by crises. Difficulties can arise at the beginning of your studies, throughout your academic career, and while working on your thesis. The 'Studentenwerk' (student union) in Dresden offers psychological counseling to address these issues.

Common issues addressed in our counseling sessions include, above all, doubts about continuing one’s studies, difficulties with coursework, test anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship problems, social difficulties, and issues with alcohol, drugs, or internet addiction. Appointments are scheduled via email.

Do you need advice on personal legal matters?

We offer expert legal advice—included in your Studentenwerk membership fee—within the scope of our responsibilities and jurisdiction as defined in § 109 of the Saxon Higher Education Freedom Act.

We provide expert advice on legal issues related to the following topics:

• Higher Education Law
• Rental law
• BAföG (German financial aid for students)
• Civil law
• Labor law
• Anti-Discrimination

You’re a student and know what credit points, tutorials, and SHK are. Even so, things don’t always go smoothly, and you may need independent, objective advice when facing social or financial difficulties in your student life. The 'Studentenwerk' (student union) Social Counseling Office is the first place to turn to for this. It is bound by confidentiality and is open to all students at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences.

Key areas of counseling:

• Securing a livelihood while studying (excluding BAföG (German financial aid for students))
• Pregnancy and parental leave during your studies
• Support options for students with disabilities and chronic illnesses
• Support options for students from international backgrounds

Students with disabilities and chronic illnesses have the right to equal opportunities in their studies. To this end, any disadvantages in their studies resulting from a disability must be addressed on an individual and situation-specific basis. The legal basis for this is the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Article 24, subsection 5) and the Higher Education Framework Act (§2, subsection 4, and §16, Sentence 4).

To facilitate improved support in difficult personal situations, Claudia Döring has been assigned as an officer to receive questions and concerns and, if necessary, forward them to the appropriate offices.

Support is available for:

• Questions regarding reasonable adjustment
• the application process for reasonable adjustments
• Organizing your studies, timetabling
• Issues with faculty members
• Health-related impairments
• Chronic illnesses / disabilities
• Personal crises

Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences is committed to promoting a respectful and safe campus environment. In accordance with the Saxon Equality Act, we provide information on advisory services for victims of sexual harassment. These support services help those affected by providing information about their rights and ways to resolve stressful situations. We encourage students and staff to take advantage of these confidential and empathetic counseling services to promote respectful interactions and proactively address sexual harassment.

The Bautzen Employment Agency works with you to develop strategies for starting your career.

Career counseling also supports you if you’re looking to change career paths or, if you don’t expect to successfully complete your degree, in finding new opportunities, such as vocational training or an academic program.

The Employment Agency provides information on the current job market, hiring criteria, and employer requirements.

We’re also happy to answer any questions you may have about your application and advise you on financial assistance options available through the Employment Agency.

Simply schedule an appointment!