The “hochschuleundfamilie” audit is a managerial tool designed to implement family-friendly initiatives at universities on a sustainable basis.

Based on 13 fields of action and as part of an internal university process, we have defined and implemented five clusters of objectives and measures that support being a family-friendly university. We want all university members - students and employees alike - to benefit from ways to improve work/life balance.

The JKU is currently in the third re-auditing phase.

Information about the “hochschuleundfamilie” certification is available on the Family and Career Management Ltd. website here, opens an external URL in a new window.

Being a mom and pursuing an academic career can often be difficult to juggle. Regularly scheduled, in-house networking opportunities at the JKU give working mothers in academic time to share ideas and information with each other. The networking meetings are also intended to raise the profile of mothers in academia and acknowledge their accomplishments. Depending on the available resources, any ideas and actions resulting from these meetings can be incorporated within the “hochschuleundfamilie” audit.
 

The Motherhood and Academia Network is a forum to not only share ideas and connect with others, but also provide mutual support and information to anyone who identifies as a mother and works in academia.

See: https://www.mutterschaft-wissenschaft.de/, opens an external URL in a new window to learn more about the Motherhood & Academic Network.

In an effort to assist in balancing academic studies and childcare responsibilities, the JKU offers a variety of services to students who have children.

• Kidsversity offers flexible childcare services right here on campus, including holiday periods. Click here to learn more.
• The Austrian Student Union's Office for Social Affairs provides extensive advising services. Contact information is available here, opens an external URL in a new window.
• Click here for more information about studying as a parent.

When it comes to work-life balance concerns, as of now, the Work-Life Compass is a first point of contact. The Compass outlines support measures for JKU employees and leadership when it comes to organizing time off from work without complications.

Subdivided into three categories - parenting, caregiving and education - the Compass provides information, legal provisions, to-dos, and useful advice when it comes to organizing a period of absence and then seamlessly returning to the JKU.

Employees can access the Work-Life Compass here., opens an external URL in a new window