Tasks of the Working Group on Equality Issues (WGEI)
Pursuant § 42 University Act, the University for Continuing Education Krems is obligated to establish a Working Group on Equality Issues (WGEI). Its task is to counteract discrimination by university bodies on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or ideology, age or sexual orientation and to advise and support university members and bodies in these matters.
Its legally defined tasks and rights are executed by one member individually or two members or by the WGEI as a committee.
What is the Working Group on Equality Issues (WGEI) responsible for?
- The WGEI provides advice and information on ways to address discrimination, sexual and gender-based violence or harassment, as well as bullying. Other topics the WGEI provides information on include: the promotion of women, equal treatment, and anti-discrimination.
- Through the preparation of the annual activity report, the WGEI informs about its involvement in activities related to gender equality.
- In cases of suspected discrimination, the WGEI can refer the matter to the Arbitration Commission of the University Council or submit an application to the Federal Equal Treatment Commission for an expert opinion on the existence of unequal treatment.
- The WGEI is involved in staff recruitment and appointment procedures, as well as in habilitation processes, and works to counteract unequal treatment and discrimination.
- Srategically, the WGEI is involved in planned measures to promote a non-discriminatory organizational culture.
- The WGEI has the right to submit a proposal for the University’s Women’s Advancement and Equality Plan. When necessary, statements on university regulations are prepared, and suggestions for improvement are submitted in the annual activity report.
- The WGEI actively participates in Austria-wide networks (e.g. ARGE Gluna) and is committed to continuously advancing the topics of equal treatment, anti-discrimination, and the promotion of women in internal university working groups, committees, and collegiate bodies.
Contact Us
In addition to contacting our members directly, you also have the option to reach out to us anonymously via a reporting form. Click below for more information.
More information and ways to get in touch with usWhat can victims of unequal treatment or discrimination rely on?
- The members of the Working Group of Equality Issues (WGEI) act independently and are not subject to directives.
- They are bound by official confidentiality and handle the issues brought to them with discretion and confidentiality (providing advice, information, and support).
- During the initial consultation, you will receive information about discrimination in accordance with the Federal Equal Treatment Act (B-GlBG) and about contact points where you can seek further support.
- If the AKG is deemed responsible for the case, the next steps will be discussed in a follow-up strategy meeting based on your individual needs and the WGEIs legal assessment. In this meeting, possible approaches and perspectives are developed to help you remain capable of taking action.
- Only at the request of the affected person will the specific case be forwarded to the relevant university bodies.
- If the AKG ultimately identifies a suspicion of discrimination, a formal complaint may be submitted to the Arbitration Commission (see sanctions options).
Support and Information in Cases of Sexual Harassment and Violence
On this page, you will find contact points and information on the topic of sexualized violence/harassment provided by external organizations.
Click here for more informationInformation about External Help Services
Here you will find a list of external support services that can assist you in various challenging situations.
Click hereWhat powers does the WGEI have to carry out its mandate?
- Right to access all documents and data necessary for the fulfillment of the tasks of the Working Group.
- Right to refer matters to the Arbitration Commission.
- Right of the chairperson to be heard in meetings of the University Council on agenda items concerning the AKG’s area of responsibility.
- Right to submit proposals for the University’s Gender Equality and Women’s Advancement Plan.
- Right to receive information on all internal university matters insofar as this is necessary for fulfilling the statutory mandate.
- Right to provide statements on draft laws and regulations in the areas of university law, equal treatment, and related fields.
- Independence and freedom from directives for the members.
- No obstruction of the members of the Working Group in exercising their powers and no disadvantage in their professional advancement because of their activities.
Legal Basis
For whom is the Working Group on Equaliy Issues responsible?
The Working Group for Equality Issues represents, when necessary, all university members according to § 94 UG, which includes:
- Students
- Research fellows
- Academic university staff
- University professors
- University lecturers
- Research and teaching assistants
- Physicians in specialist training
- General university staff
- Administrative personnel
- Technical personnel
- Library staff
- Nursing staff
- Physicians exclusively fulfilling tasks within a public hospital
- Private lecturers
- Retired emeritus university professors
What formal sanctions are possible?
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If the Working Group has reason to believe that a decision by a university body according to § 94 UG constitutes discrimination against individuals based on their gender, ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, or sexual orientation, or violates the requirement to promote women or the University’s Women’s Advancement and Gender Equality Plan, it is entitled to refer the matter to the Arbitration Commission within three weeks.
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The respective collegiate body must inform the WGEI immediately about its composition. If the minimum 50% female quota according to § 20a paragraph 2 UG is not adequately met, the WGEI may raise an objection of improper composition with the Arbitration Commission within four weeks. The objection of improper composition must not be raised if there are objective reasons. If the collegiate body is improperly composed and the WGEI raises an objection, the resolutions of the collegiate body are null and void.
- Important: if the Working Group's complaint affects a decision relating to a significant change to, or termination of, an employment or education agreement, the university body’s decision will become invalid and/or not effective until the Arbitration Commission’s final ruling.
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