Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)

A first piece of advice: If you have any queries or issues, talk first to members of staff from your faculty, such as members of the teaching staff, the Dean of Studies, the Study Coordinator or an academic advisor. We will help to you get in contact with the right person.

As a general rule: you can contact us in the first instance regarding any matters related to your studies! We will address every query individually, also anonymously on request, and will always try to help.

We can provide direct help in the following cases:

• You have a complaint regarding the organisation of your degree programme (e.g. my courses overlap, etc.)
  

• You have problems concerning course content (e.g. I feel that I have been assessed unfairly. I find that the requirements are too high, etc.)
  

• You have a personal conflict or a problem with a member of the teaching staff, with other university employees, or with fellow students.
  

• You have a complaint regarding university matters that are not related to your degree programme.

• You would like to make us aware of a general problem relating to the university.
  You may make a complaint without requesting us to take action. All concerns are documented (in abstracted form) in the statistics part of our activity report.

• You know someone who requires advice.
  Feel free to advise that person to contact us. To protect the interests of all concerned, we will only contact the individuals concerned once they have requested our involvement. However, we are happy to advise you on how to deal with the situation.

• You are an employee wishing to talk about a study-related problem.
  Although students are our main target group, you may also contact us at any time.

In the following cases, please contact the responsible advisory centres directly. We can help you get in contact with them...

Essentially, you can come to us with any matter concerning learning and teaching. We will be happy to refer you to the right contact person. The following list provides initial guidance:

• You are interested in pursuing a degree programme at Leibniz Universität Hannover and require advice.
  Who to contact: Student Advice Office
  

• You have a personal difficulty or a mental health issue.
  Who to contact: Centre for Psychological-Therapeutic Counselling (ptb)
  

• You have financial problems.
  Who to contact: Social Advice Centre of the Studentenwerk Hannover; University Student Representation (AStA)
  

• You are a PhD student and have a problem.
  Who to contact: Graduate Academy
  

• You are an international student and have a specific problem.
  Who to contact:International Office; AStA’s Representative for International Affairs; counselling services offered by the Studentenwerk
  

• You feel discriminated against.
  Who to contact concerning sex discrimination: Equal Opportunities Office;
  concerning discrimination on the grounds of origin or religion: AStA’s Representative for International Affairs

• You have a legal issue.
  We do not have the capability or the permission to provide legal advice. However, we will be happy to help you obtain the information you need.

The principles and methods of our work:

• Confidentiality
  We treat all matters confidentially; names and other details will only be passed on after consultation with you.

• Anonymity
  We also deal with anonymous concerns; it is helpful to have some form of contact though (e.g. an email address).

• Drop-in hours
  We offer drop-in hours every Thursday afternoon (alternative appointments may be given on request). Please arrange an appointment beforehand by phone or email!

• Documentation of our work…
  …is provided in our activity report

• Our documents…
  …are for our eyes only. All information is treated as strictly confidential.

• Both groups and individuals…
  …can contact us. The concern will be dealt with regardless.

• Feedback…
  …can be provided using the questionnaire that will be sent to you a few weeks after we have dealt with your concern. Or simply send us an email!