The University of Stuttgart has once again been confirmed as a family-friendly university. This is the second time it has received the berufundfamilie Service GmbH certificate in recognition of its long-term, sustainable commitment to creating family-friendly working and study environments. The certificate is recognized across Europe as a mark of quality for strategic policies that support work, study, and family life. The University of Stuttgart was first awarded the certificate in 2012.
The strategy paper on balancing work, studies, and family life at the University of Stuttgart was rated as excellent by the Board of Trustees. The overall assessment states: “Thanks to the clear stance of the Rectorate and the strong commitment of ‘Uni & Familie’, the topic of balancing academic and professional commitments with family life is highly visible at the university."
Compatibility of family and science should be a common goal
Rector Prof. Peter Middendorf says: “Family and outstanding science do not stand in each other’s way—on the contrary: Family is a foundation on which university studies, research, and teaching can be sustainably built. As a university, we have a responsibility to create conditions in which balancing family life and academia is not just possible - it’s a requirement. The renewed certification as a family-friendly university confirms that we are on the right path."
Since the first audit in 2012, numerous services and structural conditions that strongly support flexible working and personalized study paths have been introduced.” In addition, the strategy paper considers not only the requirements of the auditing organization but also the standards of the “Family in Higher Education” charter to which the University of Stuttgart is also committed. It also reflects the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
Childcare services are being strengthened and expanded
Over the next three years, the University of Stuttgart will focus on three priority areas: childcare, information and communication, and recognition and support. The existing childcare services are to be consolidated and further developed in line with demand. Although childcare is primarily the responsibility of local authorities and, for students, the Studierendenwerk (student services organization), the university provides additional support through
- allocated daycare places,
- extended access to childcare facilities,
- vacation programs,
- emergency care, and
- childcare during events, hiring processes, and business trips.
In addition to improving current services, the university will explore an additional childcare option aimed at families who are new to the region or whose needs are not met by existing services.
Chancellor Anna Steiger emphasizes: “Reliable childcare is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a key prerequisite for equal opportunity and the ability to balance work, studies, and family life at our university. Anyone who wants to strengthen education and science must also ensure that parents do not have to choose between children and a career. That is why we are committed to supporting employees and students through comprehensive, targeted measures.”
Strengthening communication, qualification, and professional volunteer roles
To support the balance between work, study, and family life, communication channels, internal university networks, and family-friendly infrastructure will be optimized through targeted information services tailored to specific audiences. Particular attention is also given to recognizing and supporting university members with caregiving responsibilities during qualification phases or while undertaking professional volunteer roles.
The university management also relies on the Stuttgart Way of interdisciplinary cooperation: Departments across the university work together with key advocates for work–life balance and affected individuals to raise new questions, develop solutions, and implement measures from the strategy paper.