Glossary and further links

Accessibility
Accessibility refers to the condition where all buildings, digital and analog information sources, and communication tools are accessible to people with disabilities in the usual manner, without additional difficulty and without the need for external assistance. This includes the use of aids necessary due to disabilities (e.g., wheelchairs, reading devices, etc.).

Active Listening
Active listening is about giving your conversation partner open, nonjudgmental, and empathetic attention. This attitude makes it possible to understand and empathize with the other person's feelings and thoughts—without offering evaluations or unsolicited advice.

Ally / Allyship
"Allyship" (from the English word ally) refers to the active, supportive behaviour of individuals toward marginalized or discriminated groups, without being part of these groups themselves. The goal is to address existing inequalities, support those affected, and stand up against discriminatory structures -  especially through reflective actions, active listening, and the use of one's own privileges to promote equality. Allyship is an ongoing process of learning and personal development.

See also: Marginalized Groups

Autism Spectrum Disorder
An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a medical diagnosis that qualifies individuals for Reasonable accommodations. However, many now view the term "disorder" critically and instead understand autism as a natural variation of human neurology that can present in varying degrees (see also Neurodiversity). People on the autism spectrum often encounter barriers, in areas such as nonverbal communication, academic organization, or social interaction.  

See also: Reasonable Accommodations

Document such Incidents
This refers to the structured and privacy-compliant recording of consultation or complaint matters. The documentation typically includes information on the reason, process, actions taken, and outcomes of a case.

Environment of Acceptance
A learning and working environment in which diversity is actively and consciously valued, respected, and promoted. Differences between people; such as those related to origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or worldview are not merely tolerated, but recognized as an enrichment and integrated into everyday university life. This is supported by open, respectful communication.

First-Generation Students
These are individuals who are the first in their family to attend university. They often face specific challenges, such as a lack of financial security and limited access to academic or professional networks.

Gender Equality Plan
The Gender Equality Plan of Saarland University outlines binding measures to promote equal opportunities, staff development, and the compatibility of studies, work, and caregiving responsibilities. It is based on the State Gender Equality Act and supports a gender-equitable university culture.

House Rules
The domiciliary rights determine who is authorized to control access to university buildings and rooms, set usage conditions, and, if necessary, ask individuals to leave the premises.

Hybrid Teaching
Hybrid teaching refers to designing courses in a way that allows participation both in person and virtually.

In-House Care Guides
Since 2023, Saarland University has been supporting employees and students with caregiving responsibilities through certified Care Guides. In a confidential setting, they provide guidance, tailored information, and helpful materials – all adapted to the individual's specific care situation.

Invisible Disabilities
While visible disabilities (e.g., mobility impairments) are generally recognized, they make up only a small portion of the full spectrum. Most impairments are not visible, which often leads to a need for explanation and can create additional barriers. This includes, for example, individuals with mental health conditions, metabolic disorders, chronic pain, or autism spectrum disorder. To foster an inclusive academic and work environment, all university members should signal openness and support awareness and relief initiatives.

See also: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sunflower Symbol

KidsBox
The mobile KidsBox includes, among other things, a travel cot, toys, and mats, making office or seminar rooms child-friendly quickly. It can be borrowed by employees to bring children to the office in emergencies or transitional situations at short notice. It is particularly suitable for childcare during university events.

Leave of Absence
A leave of absence is an official interruption of studies during which a student's rights and obligations as a member of the university are suspended. It does not count toward the standard period of study or the maximum duration for BAföG funding.

Marginalized Groups
Population groups that face barriers to participating in cultural, political, and economic life. They are pushed to the "margins" of society.

See also: Othering, Microaggression

Maternity Leave
The maternity protection period includes legally protected time frames, six weeks before and eight weeks after childbirth, during which employment is not permitted. An exception applies to students: they may voluntarily participate in mandatory classes, exams, or internships during this time.

Maternity Protection Act
The Maternity Protection Act (MuSchG) protects the health of pregnant and breastfeeding individuals and their children. It applies to employees, trainees, and students.

Microaggression
Everyday remarks or actions that, whether consciously or unconsciously, convey demeaning messages. Common examples include asking about someone’s origin or complimenting their German skills when they are a Person of Color raised in Germany; using incorrect pronouns for trans* individuals; lack of accessibility; or stereotypical portrayals of groups in the media.

See also: Marginalized Groups

MoKi
MoKi – short for Mobile Children's Rooms – are flexible children's trolleys filled with sustainable and diversity-sensitive toys as well as multilingual books. Employees can borrow them to quickly transform offices or seminar rooms into playrooms during emergencies or university events.

Neopronouns
Newly created pronouns used when binary pronouns (“he,” “she”) do not align with a person’s gender identity. Examples include: dey/deren, sier/siem, xier/xiem.

See also: Non-binary, Trans*

Non-binary
People who do not identify as exclusively male or female. The term is also often used as an umbrella term for various non-binary identities and to express that gender is understood as a spectrum.

See also: Trans*, Neopronouns

Online Babysitting Database
The babysitting exchange supports UdS parents when they need short-term childcare—such as for appointments or during exam periods. The insured babysitters, all with a certificate of good conduct, can also be booked privately. In certain cases, UdS may reimburse the costs.

See also: Short-Term Care

Othering
"Othering" refers to the process of portraying individuals or groups as “different” and outside one’s own social norm, in order to create separation or exclusion.

See also: Marginalized Groups

Parent-child Room or Family Room
Parent-child rooms provide a child-friendly environment where parents can work or study while their children play under supervision. These rooms are equipped appropriately for different age groups and are tailored to meet the needs of both parents and children.

Part-Time Study
A way of studying designed for individuals who cannot manage full-time study for various reasons (disability, caregiving responsibilities, work, etc.). Each semester, only 50–60% of the usual credit points are required, which extends the overall duration of the study program accordingly.

Racism and Racism in Germany
Racism is the belief that people are "better" or "worse" based on external traits such as skin color, origin, or culture. This mindset leads to the systematic disadvantage, devaluation, or exclusion of certain groups—in society, daily life, or institutions.
In the public (white) perception in Germany, racism was long not seen as a German issue. This has changed in recent years, leading to greater visibility and stronger efforts to combat racism. Nevertheless, People of Color in Germany still face racism in their everyday lives.

See also: Marginalized Groups, Self-Designation

Reasonable Accommodations
Reasonable Accommodations (Nachteilsausgleich) is a legally guaranteed right to modified conditions in studies or at work. The term is typically used in the context of disabilities or chronic illnesses. In academic settings, compensation must be requested through individually appropriate measures.

Remote Work
Commonly referred to as "home office," telehome remote work means working from home where a fixed workstation is set up within the employee’s own residence. This workspace must meet occupational health and safety requirements and, in many cases, needs approval from the employer to ensure the health and safety of employees.

Risk Assessment
A risk assessment evaluates working or study conditions for potential hazards to a pregnant or breastfeeding person and their child. The goal is to implement protective measures and prevent health risks as early as possible.

Sandwich Position
This term describes a life situation in which individuals simultaneously care for their children and for relatives in need of care. Balancing parenting and caregiving responsibilities at the same time can be emotionally and logistically very demanding.

Self-Designation
A term chosen by individuals affected by marginalization to describe themselves. It expresses identity and empowerment. Using these terms supports self-determination and is an active step against discrimination and toward recognizing the diversity of human experiences. Example: Person of Color, Queer.

See also: Marginalized Groups

Self-Determination Act
The Self-Determination Act (SBGG) provides the legal basis for changing one’s name and registered gender.

Sensory Sensitivity
In certain disabilities or chronic illnesses, affected individuals react to brightness, noise, smells, touch, etc. much more strongly than the average person. Whenever possible, these stimuli should be minimized. If that’s not feasible, compensation strategies are urgently needed (e.g., quiet rooms, breaks, the use of so-called stimming aids, etc.).

Sexual Discrimination, Sexual Harassment und Assault
Refers to all forms of behavior with a sexual connotation that aim to exert power, humiliate, or cross boundaries. This includes unwanted touching, lewd remarks, sexual harassment, coercion, and sexual violence. Sexualized discrimination can be verbal, nonverbal, or physical and particularly concerns power dynamics in work and academic settings.

Short-Term Care
For work-related or study-related reasons, costs for childcare provided by babysitters from the online babysitting database can be reimbursed as part of short-term childcare.

See also: Babysitting Database

Studying with Disabilities
This term covers all health-related impairments that affect participation in studies for more than six months. Students are often unaware that they meet these criteria and may therefore be at risk of discrimination and disadvantages, which in the worst case can lead to dropping out. To promote equal opportunities in the spirit of a “university for all” and to enforce the legal prohibition of discrimination, measures such as compensation for disadvantages are in place.

See also: Reasonable Accommodations

Sunflower Symbol
The sunflower symbol is a sign for non-visible disabilities. It originates from an international initiative (Hidden Disability Sunflower) and serves as a visual cue that a person has an impairment that is not immediately apparent but still significantly affects their activities. Ideally, wearers of the sunflower symbol should not have to explain why they need special accommodations.

See also: Non-Visible Disabilities

Tokenism
Tokenism refers to the visible highlighting of individual people from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups - such as women in male-dominated fields, people of color, people with disabilities, or LGBTQ+ individuals - in order to outwardly signal diversity and openness. However, this approach often remains at a symbolic level and is not accompanied by actual structural changes or genuine participation.
A second aspect of tokenism is the expectation that individuals speak on behalf of entire groups. For example, when in a class the only person with an apparent migrant background is asked how “people from their background” view a particular topic. This reduces their personal perspective to a group identity, without truly taking their individual opinion or professional expertise seriously.

Trans*
Trans* is an adjective meaning a person does not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth. It is also an umbrella term for many different gender identities beyond male and female.

See also: Non-binary