About us

Who are we?

The Working Group for Equal Opportunities (AKGL) is a university body established by law (cf. § 42 para. 1 Universities Act 2002). Its members consist of academic and non-academic staff as well as students. As stated in the part of the statute on the constitution of the Working Group for Equal Opportunities, the Working Group has 24 main members and 12 substitute members at the University of Graz. The Faculty delegates are responsible for the faculties and the organisational units.

What are the responsibilities of the Working Group for Equal Opportunities?

The Working Group for Equal Opportunities is responsible for combating discrimination by university governing bodies, as well as advising and supporting the university’s members and governing bodies in connection with issues relating to equal opportunities and the advancement of women (§ 42 para. 1 Universities Act 2002). Furthermore, the Working Group for Equal Opportunities is dealing with issues relating to equal opportunities and the advancement of women (§ 42 para. 1 Universities Act 2002 in conjunction with § 41 para. 2 Equal Treatment Act). In order to fulfill its tasks, the Working Group for Equal Opportunities has extensive rights of information, control and participation.

For whom?

The Working Group for Equal Opportunities is responsible for all members of the university: academic and non-academic staff as well as students can contact the Working Group for Equal Opportunities, if they have questions relating to equal opportunities, discrimination, the advancement of women, sexual harassment or bullying.

The members of the Working Group for Equal Opportunities shall not be bound by any instructions in the fulfilment of their tasks (cf. § 81c Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG), § 42 para. 3 Universities Act 2002). The members of the Working Group for Equal Opportunities are subject to the obligation of secrecy (cf. § 20 para. 3 Federal Constitutional Law, § 48 Universities Act 2002). They may not be obstructed in the fulfilment of their tasks, and shall not be disadvantaged in their career promotion as a result of these activities (cf. § 42 para. 3 Universities Act 2002).

The assurance of anonymity and confidentiality as well as the right of self-determination of the person seeking advice are our top priorities. As a general rule, measures are only taken after the individual concerned has clearly expressed consent.

When do I contact the Working Group for Equal Opportunities?

• In case of questions regarding equal treatment and the advancement of women
   
• In case of discrimination on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or conviction, worldview, age or sexual orientation
   
• In case of sexual harassment, gender discrimination/bullying and sexual assaults
   
• In case of harassment/bullying related to one of the issues mentioned above
   
• In case of questions regarding staffing procedures at the University of Graz
   
• In case of questions regarding the gender-balanced composition of collegial bodies