Mehrgenerationenfamilie mit Kindern, Eltern und Großeltern

Studying with family responsibilities

Are you a student and a mum or dad-to-be? Congratulations!
You already have children and would like to start studying? That's a good decision! Of course, family doesn't just mean parenthood, but also caring for (grand)parents and partners.

 

The need for care can happen to anyone: your partner, your parents or your child. Increasingly, students face the challenge of juggling their duties at university and caring for relatives. Studying with children and/or relatives in need of care requires good time management and the courage to set priorities. We are happy to support you with a wide range of offers to help you combine your studies with your family life.

What is the definition of family?

"Family” is the union of a couple with or without children and of single parents with their children intended to be durable and characterised by mutual responsibility. Besides the two-generation nuclear family (father, mother, children, siblings and their relationships), the concept of family also comprises non-marital relationships, homosexual relationships, blended families and foster families. Where direct social responsibility cannot be met in the two-generation model, family can also mean a three-generation model (grandchildren and grandparents).

Definition of terms

This definition of family, which Ulm University formulated as part of its “Family-Friendly University” audit, also serves as the basis for the definition of family in § 24 of the General Provisions on Study and Examination Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programmes at Ulm University (General Framework) of 27 July 2017. In it, most of the support options for students with family responsibilities are set out:

Family responsibilities are social responsibilities performed by students within the concept of “family” as defined by Ulm University in its auditing as a “Family-Friendly University”. These are, in particular, the raising of children that are under 14 years of age at the beginning of the semester and the care of dependants in need of care within the meaning of § 7 (3) of the Caregiver Leave Act Pflegezeitgesetz

Close relatives within the meaning of the Caregiver Leave Act are:

  1. grandparents, parents, parents-in-law, step-parents
  2. spouses, life partners, partners in a marriage-like or life partnership-like relationship, siblings, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, life partners of siblings and siblings of life partners,
  3. biological, adopted or foster children, the biological, adopted or foster children of the spouse or life partner, children-in-law and grandchildren.

What needs to be considered during pregnancy and maternity leave?

You are on the threshold of a new phase in your life. Many happy moments await you but, of course, also some challenges. There are a few things to consider even during pregnancy. We have summarised them for you - if you have any questions, please contact us!

Since 1 January 2018, the Maternity Protection Act also applies to students, if the higher education institution stipulates the place, time and schedule of the education. This means that statutory provisions protect students enrolled at Ulm University who are pregnant or breastfeeding from risks during pregnancy, the maternity protection period and, if applicable, for up to 12 months during the breastfeeding period. They can continue their studies with as few restrictions as possible and with optimum protection.
Please note: For student assistants and employed academic staff, the provisions of the Maternity Protection Act for employees also apply. For further information, please contact Human Resources. 

Ulm University aims to ensure that you and your child are not exposed to any risks at your place of study in accordance with the Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG). Therefore, hazards at the place of study must be assessed and, if necessary, the courses in the degree programme must be adapted accordingly. Hazards in the context of maternity protection are defined in §§ 9 to 12 MuSchG.

Please inform the University or teaching staff of your pregnancy or the fact that you are breastfeeding as soon as possible, as this will ensure effective protection for you and your child.

You can find further information on maternity protection for students on the web pages of the Studiensekretariat (student administration and examinations office)

Kindergarderobe mit Mänteln in einem Kindergarten

Information event "Studying with a child"
The information event "Studying with a child" takes place twice a year and is announced in advance via circular mail and on the ZSB website. Together with the Social Department of the StuVe, we provide you with information about studying with a child and are happy to answer your questions.

Family Campus map

What support options are available during your studies?

Students with children or responsibility for relatives in need of care have to manage their time resources differently than students without these commitments. Good planning and study organisation make it much easier to reconcile course attendance and the many related tasks with family responsibilities. Very helpful for this are, on the one hand, precise knowledge of the study regulations and module handbooks for your own degree programme and, on the other hand, the various support options and advisory services at the University, which we present to you below:

Information on family-friendly study organisation

Ulm University offers the possibility of individually tailoring your curriculum, i.e. planning and optimising your course of study together with the course advisors. 

On the application of a student, protection periods as defined in the Maternity Protection Act must be considered. These maternity protection periods interrupt any periods specified by subject-specific examination regulations. The parental leave periods must also be taken into account on application.
We will be happy to provide you with more detailed information in a counselling session, e.g. on the duration or the possibility of dividing your parental leave into periods.

Gernerally: Students who fulfil the legal requirements that would entitle employees to parental leave (see §15 of the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act - BEEG) can also apply for parental leave. They must notify the Studiensekretariat in writing of the period(s) of time during which they wish to take their parental leave no later than four weeks before doing so and submit the required proof (birth certificate and certificate of residence or maternity records (“Mutterpass”). The Studiensekretariat will then notify them of the result and the new examination periods.

Upon application, students can be exempted from the obligation to study in accordance with the regulations for good cause (leave of absence). Good cause is given, in particular, if students

  • fulfil family responsibilities,
  • are unable to attend classes due to impending childbirth and the subsequent care and upbringing of the child

Students who are on leave of absence due to family responsibilities are generally entitled to attend courses, complete coursework and examinations (coursework and module examinations in accordance with § 61 (3) sentence 2 LHG), and use University facilities.
Proof of family responsibilities must be provided by means of a birth certificate and confirmation of registration; in the case of leave of absence to care for relatives, the Studiensekretariat requires notification from the care insurance fund that the person concerned is receiving care allowance. Further information and the application for leave of absence can be downloaded from the web pages of the Studiensekretariat.

 

In bachelor’s programmes, withdrawal from an exam without giving reasons is possible up to one day before the exam. Thereafter, withdrawal is only possible for good cause. Good cause usually exists if the examinee is unable to take the exam, but also if their under-age child is ill (medical certificate) or in the event of an unavoidable cancellation of childcare. The proof/medical certificate must be submitted to the Studiensekretariat.

For Human Medicine and Dentistry the following applies: If a student is prevented from regularly attending a course or taking an exam due to illness or for another important reason (e.g. also if the child is ill), the responsible course instructor will authorise withdrawal from the course or exam upon written application. The medical certificate confirming the inability to take the exam must be submitted to the Dean of Studies' Office of Medicine/Dentistry.

The University generally offers preferential course registration for students with children. The respective course coordinator is responsible for this - in the medical degree programme this is the Dean of Studies' Office.

If, for example, you are unable to attend courses regularly in accordance with the provisions of the subject-specific study and examination regulations (FSPO) or to complete coursework and/or module examinations in full or in part in the intended form due to a prolonged illness of the child or prolonged time-intensive care of a relative, the subject examination board will determine in consultation with you and the examiners whether any absences can be compensated or whether the course must be repeated or how equivalent coursework and module examinations can be completed within an extended period or in another form. The examination board takes this decision upon the application of the student.

Unless otherwise stipulated in the FSPO, the subject examination board may, upon a justified application, extend the completion time for final theses. An application is justified, in particular, in case of a student’s own or their child’s illness or prolonged time-intensive care of a dependant. The good cause invoked for the extension of the completion time must be reported and substantiated immediately after its occurrence.

These are stated in § 25 of the Regulatory Framework for doctoral studies at Ulm University of 25 July 2019. The special situation of  doctoral students with children or relatives in need of care within the meaning of § 7 (3) of the Care Act and of doctoral students with disabilities or chronic illnesses must be considered to ensure equal opportunities. Extensions of examination deadlines or examination concessions are granted upon electronic or written application. Suitable proof must be attached to the application if necessary. The chair of the doctoral committee decides on the application.

The Gender Equality Officer, who advises academic staff and students on their academic careers, the Promovierendenkonvent, which represents the interests of doctoral students at Ulm University, and we at the Central Student Advisory Service (ZSB) are happy to answer any questions you may have.

Further information

about financial support

Euroscheine und Münzen in der Draufsicht

Studying is investing in the future!

But it's not so easy to invest when money is tight. There are various ways to finance your studies, such as BAföG, scholarships and student jobs. Students must decide for themselves which is the most suitable for their individual situation. The Studierendenwerk (student services) will be happy to advise you in a personal consultation.

about accommodation

Ansicht eines Wohnblocks an einem sonnigen Tag. Im Vordergrund kleinere Bäume im Schatten.

The Studierendenwerk will be happy to help you find accommodation. There are even some apartments available especially for single parents who are studying.

about childcare

Kindergarderobe mit Mänteln in einem Kindergarten

University students can take their children aged 9 months to 3 years to the “Flohzirkus” crèche run by the Studierendenwerk on the University campus. Early registration is possible; there is a waiting list.
For more information, please visit the Studierendenwerk website.

Where can I get support?
  • The Zentrale Studienberatung (central student advisory services) are your first point of contact for general questions about studying with a child
  • Please contact the course advisors to plan your individual course of study and if you have any questions about the organisation of exams
  • If you have any questions about  financial support  and available childcare options, the Studierendenwerk will be happy to help you 
  • If you study medicine and have a child or are pregnant, please contact the Medical Faculty for counselling services 
  • Counselling and support from students for students with additional challenges is provided by the Equal Opportunities Unit
  • If you have any questions about holiday and emergency childcare, please contact the family service of Ulm University
  • The Compass for advisory services gives you an overview of all counselling services at Ulm University  

Publications, external information sites

Link to the brochure of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth with information about maternity protection.

The family portal of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ) provides information on family benefits such as parental allowance, offers assistance in various life situations as well as in calculating family benefits and provides application forms.

Link to the brochure of the BMFSFJ with information about the Federal Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act.

Infotool Family - A service provided by the BMFSFJ that uses an online tool to find out which family benefits can be claimed individually.

Information about services provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Integration in Baden-Württemberg for families in special circumstances.

Information on the current situation and living conditions of trainees and students with children. It also addresses the central problems of parenthood during training and studies as well as specific measures to improve the compatibility of parenthood and training or studies.  

Download the monitor.

Download the leaflet with first information and counselling services for pregnant women in emergency situations

 

Leaflet on caring for relatives aimed at students and employees of the Uni.

Link to the care guide of the Federal Ministry of Health with all relevant information on the topic of care.

Link to the brochure “Bessere Vereinbarkeit von Familie, Pflege und Beruf” (Better reconciliation of family, care and work) by the Federal Ministry for Families, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ)

Link to the guide of the Federal Ministry of Health on care services.