Protection and complaint
Protection and help at Freiburg University of Music
Freiburg University of Music opposes discrimination based on ethnic origin, gender, religion or ideology, disability, age or sexual identity (General Act on Equal Treatment, section 1) as well as all forms of sexual harassment or sexualized violence. The university would like to support affected persons in not accepting sexual harassment, sexualized, physical and psychological violence, racist and anti-Semitic discrimination, but to actively defend themselves.
The university also offers contact points for students in the event of health problems. This applies not only to those who start their studies with chronic illnesses or become chronically ill during their studies, but also to students who find themselves in a health crisis situation during their studies. The university would like to encourage those affected not to suppress or conceal health problems, but to address them openly or confidentially and accept support.
The university generally wants to promote students’ resilience, but also provide them with advice in the event of particular psychological stress and crisis situations and show them ways to get professional help.
Equal Opportunities Officer
The Equal Opportunities Officer elected by the Senate plays a key role in the development of protection concepts, guidelines and transparent complaints management. She works hand in hand with the rectorate and the appointed contact persons. The Equal Opportunities Officer is also one of the possible contact persons for people who need advice, protection and help. She treats all questions confidentially.
The Equal Opportunities Office also offers regular training courses for teaching staff and students on the topic of “Closeness and Distance” and works in the area of promoting women and family friendliness at the university.
Contact Persons
Prof. Katharina Kutsch and Prof. Michael Hampel are the contact persons for questions related to sexual harassment and anti-discrimination at Freiburg University of Music. Anyone who experiences or observes a situation that seems unjust can and should report it.
Studying with chronic illnesses
Prof. Alfonso Gómez is the representative for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses and can advise you on all matters relating to your studies.
Representative of the Ministry
Michaela Spandau is the external trusted lawyer appointed by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts. She can provide you with initial legal advice in cases of sexualized discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, anonymously and with legal confidentiality if you wish.
Problems in the doctorate
Prof. Dr. Ursula Nothelle-Wildfeuer from the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg is available as an ombudsperson for doctoral candidates and supervisors. In the event of conflicts that may arise from work on the dissertation, she is an independent authority to whom both sides can turn. Their tasks are described in the statutes (in German only) (pdf) (this file is not barrier-free).
Musicians’ Medicine
The Musicians' Medicine Outpatient Clinic of “Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine” at Freiburg University Medical Center can help you with music-related physical and psychological problems.
Code of Conduct
Get to know our understanding of good cooperation, to which all members of the university are committed.
By students for students
The Student Council (AStA) represents all students at Freiburg University of Music. It is happy to help you find the right contact person if you have any problems.
Have you just started your studies? The AStA will provide you with mentors to help you get off to a good start at Freiburg University of Music.
Protection concept
Freiburg University of Music is currently formulating a protection concept, which you will be able to access here at the end of summer semester 2025.
Stressed about your studies?
The Student Advisory Service of the Department for Academic Affairs can help you with all study-related difficulties.
Those affected can turn to external bodies and internal university offices. External counseling centers such as the “Frauenhorizonte” association or the Ministry’s trusted lawyer Michaela Spandau are available. Those affected can also file a complaint with the police or take legal action under civil law. Within the university, those affected can turn to the contact person for issues relating to sexual harassment and anti-discrimination, Prof. Katharina Kutsch and Prof. Michael Hampel, the Equal Opportunities Officer Prof. Regina Kabis-Elsner and deputy Prof. Mareike Morr and the Rector Prof. Dr. Ludwig Holtmeier.
The consultation takes place in a confidential setting. Information will only be passed on at the request of the person concerned.
The Equal Opportunities Officer, the contact person for issues relating to sexual harassment and anti-discrimination and the trusted lawyer have the opportunity to involve the Rector. Only the Rector and the Ministry can initiate disciplinary and university law measures against members of the university.
A sympathetic ear for your concerns
Do you have a specific complaint, a suggestion for improvement or do you think something is particularly good?
Send your request to our feedback e-mail address or use the following form, which you can also use to send us your comments anonymously.
Your message will be read by Dr. Lena Geimer-Breitenstein, who will consider in each individual case how best to deal with your message in your interests.
External consulting services
Telephone counseling
You can reach the ecumenical telephone counseling service on 0800 1110111.
Psychosomatic-psychotherapeutic outpatient clinic
The Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at Freiburg University Medical Center offers various outpatient clinics.
Frauenhorizonte
The specialist counselling centre against sexualized violence supports women aged 16 and over who have experienced rape or attempted rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment or other forms of sexual violence.
Psychotherapeutic counseling at the Studierendenwerk Freiburg
In the event of psychological problems, whether during studies or in everyday life, the Psychotherapeutic Counseling Center of the Studierendenwerk Freiburg is available after a short waiting period for individual counseling, such as crisis intervention or help with referral to therapy. In addition, workshops are offered that are organized by the staff of the Psychotherapeutic Counselling Service, for example on the topics of exam anxiety or stress management.
Further information on psychotherapeutic counseling and other services can be found on the homepage of the Studierendenwerk Freiburg.
Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine
Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine at Freiburg University Medical Center is a point of contact for professional singers and instrumentalists, for amateur musicians in choirs and instrumentalists as well as for members of vocal-intensive professions such as teachers, actors and actresses and others. In principle, the institute is open to all patients seeking help. You are welcome to make an appointment via the secretary’s office (telephone +49 761 270-61610).
Furthermore, Freiburg Institute for Musicians’ Medicine offers students various exercises and seminars aimed at preventing musician-specific health problems and enhancing performance when making music. You can find the exact range of courses on the Glarean learning platform.
