Gender and diversity at IMC Krems

At IMC Krems, gender and diversity are central to our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful academic community.

We promote equal opportunities and value the diversity of perspectives and backgrounds among our students, staff, as well as partner individuals, companies and institutions.

Through targeted measures and programmes, we support equality and create an environment where all members can thrive. Our goal is to raise awareness of the importance of gender and diversity, thereby making a positive contribution to society.

We are represented on the following platforms and are certified in the following areas:


Measures

To achieve our goals, the university implements the following measures:

For Students

Family-friendly policies

We understand that balancing family life and studies can often be challenging. Therefore, it is our priority to support our IMC students in this area. 

Through our Family matters programme, we offer various measures to help reconcile family and professional or academic commitments more easily. These measures include childcare services, midwifery counselling, and various benefits for students.

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Studying at IMC Krems in difficult situations or with disabilities and illnesses

Disabilities, chronic illnesses, acute or permanent mental health challenges, or recent personal tragedies: a range of factors can make completing or continuing your studies a significant burden or challenge. 

At our university, we aim to support students facing challenging life situations to navigate their studies successfully. Our message is: you are not alone; please feel free to reach out to us at any time. 

As a first point of contact, we encourage you to use our Helpdesk, which has been established to support students in difficult situations, though it is not limited to such cases. 

If you feel that you need additional support during your studies, you can always contact Heide Hoda for advice on potential accommodations. These consultations are always confidential and aim to develop a solution tailored to your individual needs. 

In cases of stress or situations beyond this scope, IMC Krems, in collaboration with Hilfswerk, also offers free psychological counselling for students . This service is coordinated by Birgit Zauner.

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LGBTIQA+/queer@hochschulen

Our university actively advocates for the rights and well-being of the LGBTIQA+ community. We promote an inclusive and respectful environment where all individuals can freely express their identities without discrimination. 

Through special events and awareness-raising activities, we foster understanding and acceptance of sexual and gender diversity. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued.

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Gender & Diversity in research and teaching

Our university consistently integrates the themes of gender and diversity into teaching and research. We promote a diverse and inclusive educational environment where different perspectives and experiences are valued and included. 

Through targeted research projects and interdisciplinary approaches, we contribute to the scientific exploration of gender and diversity issues and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Our goal is to empower students and researchers to actively advocate for equality and diversity.

Overview of our research work: SDG 5 & 10

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Financial assistance for students in need

IMC Krems provides financial support in the form of grants for certain costs and expenses. Only active enrolled students of IMC Krems are eligible to apply.

The grants primarily cover costs for:

  • Psychotherapeutic counselling and treatment
  • Necessary childcare for custodial parents
  • Other expenses related to general social hardship cases

Eligibility for a grant is based on financial need or social hardship.

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For employees

Family-friendly policies  

We understand that balancing family life and studies can often be challenging. Therefore, it is our priority to support our IMC students in this area. 

Through our Family matters programme, we offer various measures to help reconcile family and professional or academic commitments more easily. The programme includes targeted offers in the areas of pregnancy, parental leave and caring for relatives.

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LGBTIQA+/queer@hochschulen

Our university actively advocates for the rights and well-being of the LGBTIQA+ community. We promote an inclusive and respectful environment where all individuals can freely express their identities without discrimination. 

Through special events and awareness-raising activities, we foster understanding and acceptance of sexual and gender diversity. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Show More Show Less

Gender & Diversity in research and teaching

Our university consistently integrates the themes of gender and diversity into teaching and research. We promote a diverse and inclusive educational environment where different perspectives and experiences are valued and included. 

Through targeted research projects and interdisciplinary approaches, we contribute to the scientific exploration of gender and diversity issues and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. Our goal is to empower students and researchers to actively advocate for equality and diversity.

Overview of our research work: SDG 5 & 10 

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Supporting women in science and research

Our university actively advocates for the rights of women in science and research. 

We regularly organise awareness-raising events to increase the visibility and equality of female scientists. In addition, all conference rooms in our new building have been named after outstanding female scientists to honour their contributions and present inspiring role models. 

Our aim is to create a supportive and equal environment that actively supports the career development of women in science.

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Working at IMC Krems in difficult situations or with disabilities/illnesses

At IMC Krems, we warmly welcome employees with disabilities or chronic illnesses and are committed to providing a supportive and accessible working environment. 

We offer customised workplace facilities, flexible working hours and individual support to ensure that everyone in our team can develop to their full potential. 

Your skills and perspectives are important to us, and we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful working environment.

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Training and further education

At IMC Krems, we offer regular training courses on gender and diversity in order to continuously sensitise and promote our team to these important topics. 

All new employees take part in mandatory training to develop an understanding of our values and guidelines. 

These measures help to ensure a respectful and inclusive working environment for everyone.

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Inclusive Infrastructure 

Inclusive infrastructure at IMC Krems

A parent-child room is available for all staff, faculty, students (and anyone responsible for childcare) at IMC Campus Krems, Wing G (Room G.3.04) and at IMC Piaristengasse. These rooms are equipped with a variety of toys and educational materials and are open to all interested parties at any time without prior registration.

A nursing room for undisturbed breastfeeding and feeding of babies and small children has been set up in the First Aid room at IMC Campus Krems, Wing G1 in the basement. A corresponding retreat room is also located in Wing U on the ground floor.

All-gender toilets are important because they create an inclusive and respectful environment for people of all genders, helping to avoid discrimination and stigmatisation. They provide a safe and accessible solution for individuals who identify outside the binary gender categories or feel uncomfortable in gender-segregated facilities. All-gender toilets are located on the ground floor of IMC Campus Krems, Wing G and G1, as well as on the second floor of IMC Gozzoburg.

At IMC Krems, we place great emphasis on accessibility to ensure an inclusive learning and working environment. Our campus is equipped with specially designated disabled parking spaces and features a comprehensive guidance system. Accessible toilets are available in all buildings. Our goal is to offer unrestricted access and a supportive environment to all members of our university community.


International students

International Students

Our International Welcome Center is specifically designed to support international students as they begin a new chapter.

Through a variety of activities and programmes, we promote an inclusive and diverse community. From intercultural workshops and social events to individual consultations, our goal is to ensure that all students feel welcome and supported.

Erasmus+ inclusion support

The Erasmus+ program promotes equal opportunities, inclusion, diversity and equity. Participants with fewer opportunities often face barriers to their participation in a mobility program, such as physical or mental illness or disability, or students traveling with children during mobility.

In order to facilitate access to mobility for students with fewer opportunities, it is ensured that all participants receive equal and fair access. To this end, Erasmus+ offers additional financial support for this target group. Further information : Erasmus+ Grant

More about our International Welcome Center

A university for everyone

A university for everyone

Our university is dedicated to “Communicating Science to the Public” and opens its doors to young and old alike. For our university, the early promotion of children and young people in the fields of science and research, as well as lifelong access to higher education, is an important societal mission. 

Based on this guiding principle, the IMC Krems Junior University, the first university for children and young people in Lower Austria, was established in 2006, along with the SeniorInnenUNI as a continuing education opportunity for the post-professional generation.

More about these offers


News

Contact

Contact us

If you have any questions about our principles and efforts in these areas, please contact our Gender & Diversity Advisory Committee at diversity(at)imc.ac.at.

Victoria Englmaier, MSc (WU) BSc (WU)
Projectmanagement / Executive Management
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