Complaints procedure in the event of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment

Discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment

The Guidelines on preventing and dealing with cases of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER) are an important contribution towards ensuring equal treatment and promoting a culture based on treating others with respect, where each and every individual is valued and ignoring discrimination is not tolerated. These guidelines ensure that cases of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment are dealt with transparently at FAU and UKER.

They apply not only to members of staff but also to students and integrated external parties. They stipulate the rights and obligations of the various parties, give information on which points of contact and counselling services there are and set out the official complaints procedure. At the same time, these guidelines set out transparent rules governing employees’ rights to file a complaint at FAU pursuant to Section 13 AGG.

Legal basis for a complaint

The complaints procedure is regulated in Sections 7 and 8 of the Guidelines on preventing and dealing with cases of discrimination, harassment and sexual harassment at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen (UKER) dated 1 June 2021.

How and where can I file a complaint?

Please contact the complaints team if you would like to file a complaint. You can do so either in writing or by submitting a written statement in person (but not over the phone). You can also use our complaints form.

The complainant must name the defendant, describe the case in as much detail as possible, and include evidence (witnesses). Details should also be provided of any advice sought beforehand.

Depending on the case in hand, the complaints team may also suggest an arbitration procedure.

Unfortunately, complaints cannot be filed anonymously.

Complaints team

For members of staff, students and integrated external parties at FAU

FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
University Administration – P 6
Constanze Becker
Hauptstraße 32 (Büro)
Schloßplatz 4 (Post)
91054 Erlangen

Complaints form (FAU) (german)/
Complaints form (FAU) (english)

For staff at UKER

Complaints team
Dezernat Personalwirtschaft (human resources department) at UKER

Complaints form (hospital)

Where the complaint should be filed depends on whether the defendant is employed at the University or UKER.

The complaints team is not an initial point of contact or a counselling service. It deals objectively with the case in hand and does not provide any advice. The complaints team has no knowledge of the complaint and the issue at its core until the complaint is filed.

What happens during the complaints procedure?

The complaints team sets out the issue and asks the defendant for a statement on the claims.
After receiving the statement, the complaints team has a meeting with the defendant, possibly involving their manager.
The complaints team may conduct extensive enquiries.
If the complaints team comes to the conclusion that the complaint is unfounded, the procedure is discontinued.
If the complaints team comes to the conclusion that the complaint is justified, they inform the President or Chancellor of FAU and suggest how to proceed or recommend necessary sanctions. The President or the Chancellor of FAU decides on further measures and sanctions and implements them accordingly.
Depending on the case in hand, the complaints team may also suggest an arbitration procedure.