Diversity at HSBA
Diversity is of key importance at HSBA. The institution signed the Diversity Charter in 2008, highlighting the significance of difference in origin, nationality, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation and other. HSBA understands that a variety in its student and staff body offers opportunities and therefore ensures that diversity as a cross- sectoral task is integrated into all aspects of university life.
Diversity makes out our society and is an enrichment for economic life in general. We know that we can only be successful if we take advantage of the opportunities that arise from difference. This applies to our diverse staff body, both faculty and admin, as well as the diverse needs of our students and cooperation partners. Diversity opens up opportunities for innovative and creative solutions. Our goal, in line with the Diversity Charter, is to create a working environment that is free of prejudice. Everyone, at all times, is acknowledged and with respect.
To assist implementing these goals, there is a Diversity Officer in place at HSBA as well as a Representative for people with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses. Any student, faculty or staff may reach out to the Diversity Officer They are contact persons for students, teachers, staff and employees.
HSBA shows the above mentioned goals and the development in this regard in the Diversity Concept and the annual Diversity Report.
The Diversity Officer
The Diversity Officer is committed to ensure the equality of HSBA students, faculty and staff. The officer is involved in the University’s organisational development and is part of structural and personnel decisions. The officer holds a special vote in appointment procedures and the right to inform, speak and apply to the University Council.
Together with the Representatives for the interst of students with impairments, the officer is the key contact for you in case of any questions or concerns.
Representatives for the interest of students with impairments; Disability representative according to § 88 HmbHG
HSBA would like to improve the study conditions for people with impairments. In doing so, we want to create an environment for non-discriminatory studies and offer targeted advice. However, not all impairments are immediately noticeable in everyday student life. In addition to mobility, visual, hearing and speech impairments, students are increasingly affected by mental illnesses (e.g. eating disorders, depression), chronic somatic illnesses (e.g. allergies, asthma, rheumatism, heart and kidney diseases, cancer) and partial performance disorders (e.g. dyslexia, dyscalculia, autism and AD(H)S).
We are your point of contact for all impairment-related concerns and represent your interests on the University Council. Contact us or make an appointment if we can support you.
Advice for Students
Application and Admission
We will gladly advise and support you through the application process. In addition to providing information and advice about study programmes, we can discuss the basic conditions of the admission procedure as well as individual solutions for your specific impairment.
Student Life
Everyday life at university is sometimes accompanied with barriers that are difficult to predict. This concerns general accessibility as well as specific technical demands for coping with study requirements. Please contact us if we can assist you in tackling barriers.
Compensation of Disadvantages
Students with impairments/chronic diseases are required to learn the same material and meet the same exam requirements as non-impaired students. However, since studying with impairment goes often along with an increased expenditure of time and energy, "compensation of disadvantages" shall ensure equal opportunities in exam situations. Compensation of disadvantages are always individual solutions for specific impairments. They must be designed to actually offset the specific handicap. We would be happy to assist you with the “request for compensation for disadvantages” that you must submit to the examination office. In addition, the special provisions on compensation of disadvantages, maternity leave, parental leave and students with children are included in the examination regulations.
Stays abroad for outgoings and incomings
Interested HSBA students with disabilities or inclusion needs reach out to the International Office to receive guidance on their planned stay abroad. Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses may have the opportunity to receive additional funding within the Erasmus+ programme. In addition, and if necessary, the International Office will liaise with the host institution abroad to organise a smooth stay abroad for the student in need.
Incoming students to HSBA are counselled by the HSBA International Office on topics such as impairments, chronic illnesses and more.
Students are welcome to contact the International Office directly.
Coaching
Even without a diagnosed disability or chronic disease, you will find confidential support for all study-related challenges, such as exam anxiety, time management, job pressure, etc. Our coaches offer a wide range of counseling services for study-related or personal problems.