The university of applied sciences was once again awarded the state quality mark “hochschuleundfamilie” for its measures to reconcile studying, work and private life.
Vienna, January 17, 2022 – To offer not only excellent education and training, but also to make it possible for students and employees to combine their studies, careers and families: FHWien der
WKW has been pursuing this goal for years. With the renewed granting of the “Audit hochschuleundfamilie” certificate at the end of December 2021, the Vienna University of Applied Sciences was confirmed that its corresponding initiatives are effective and its goals meaningful. The third recertification, which is valid until 2024, was preceded by target agreement workshops and an audit by an external expert. The university of applied sciences, which specializes in management and communication, was first awarded the state quality mark “hochschuleundfamilie” in 2012.
Balancing study, work and family
“FHWien der WKW was one of the first universities to be awarded the ‘hochschuleundfamilie’ quality mark. That was ten years ago. The certificate, which is valid for three years, has now been renewed for the third time. This confirms that we are organizing our university operations in a family-friendly way – for the benefit of our students and employees,” says Michael Heritsch, CEO of FHWien der WKW. “When students and employees are able to reconcile their education, work and private lives, their satisfaction and motivation increases. Satisfied and motivated students and employees, in turn, are of great concern to us and are crucial to the success of our university of applied sciences,” Heritsch continues.
How FHWien der WKW creates a family-friendly environment
FHWien der WKW makes it easier for its students and employees to find a work-life balance through numerous measures. Examples of measures already implemented include:
- All Master’s programs and continuing education programs as well as numerous Bachelor’s programs are offered on a part-time basis.
- To make it easier for students with childcare obligations to plan, the obligation to attend courses that have been postponed at short notice has been lifted for them.
- Employees benefit from a flexitime system and flexible working time models.
- In the summer, vacation care is organized for employees’ children.
Family friendliness is further improved
For the next three-year certification period, FHWien der WKW has set new goals to become even more attractive as a place to study and work. Planned measures include:
- Students with children are to receive greater support in completing a study-abroad semester.
- Lecturers with a corresponding need will be provided with rooms for online teaching.
- Online teaching is to be further expanded.
- Employees should benefit from a flexible home office solution in the time after Corona.
About the “Audit hochschuleundfamilie” certificate
Certification by the “hochschuleundfamilie” audit offers universities and universities of applied sciences an effective instrument for making everyday university life family-friendly. In the course of the certification process, family-friendly measures are jointly developed. Universities that successfully complete this process can use the state quality mark and thus document their commitment to family-friendly university operations. 30 Austrian universities are currently taking advantage of this opportunity.
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“The state quality mark ‘hochschuleundfamilie’ confirms that we are making university operations family-friendly,” says a delighted Michael Heritsch, CEO of FHWien der WKW.
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FHWien der WKW – University of Applied Sciences for Management & Communication
FHWien der WKW has been Austria’s leading university of applied sciences for management & communication for over 27 years. Working in close contact with Austrian corporations, FHWien der WKW offers comprehensive and practice-oriented academic programs to over 2,800 Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Two thirds of our teaching staff have a background in business. Our programs are tailored to the needs of companies, optimally preparing our graduates – around 12,700 to date – for their future careers.
Contact:
Bernhard Witzeling
Head of Corporate Communication, Marketing and Alumni & Career Services, Press Officer
Tel.: +43 (1) 476 77-5733
presse@fh-wien.ac.at