FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions​

Diversity means understanding that each individual is unique and respects the diversity of people and their lifestyles.

In the context of higher education, diversity means the equality of all people working at the university. This includes equal opportunities for work, education and participation for all students, doctoral candidates, applicants and employees of the university. However, equal participation and opportunities are hindered by various forms of discrimination. For example, educational success is still strongly dependent on the financial means of the parents, gender, sexual orientation or identity, origin, skin color, faith or ideology, physical or mental health, age, appearance and caring responsibilities in the family.

To promote and implement the mandate to realize equal opportunities for all members of the university. 

Since the implementation of the Thuringian Higher Education Act 2018, the tasks of the Thuringian universities include the commissioning for diversity. The mandate provides that the participation of all members, affiliates, PhD students and applicants of the university in research, teaching, studies and further education is enabled without discrimination.

The needs of applicants, students and doctoral candidates with disabilities, mental or chronic illnesses, students with children and/or dependents in need of care, foreign students and professionally qualified students without a university entrance qualification are taken into account through the work of the Diversity Office in the organization of study programs, in examinations and in the area of sports and culture.

The Diversity Office is open to all members of the university for consultation questions. Together we will discuss your concerns and work out a solution. It is up to you who you would like to be advised by.

The Diversity Office of the University of Jena is a counseling center for all students, members, family members, doctoral candidates and applicants of the university who are affected by discrimination and multiple discrimination. You can consult us or complain if you feel discriminated against on racist grounds or because of ethnic origin, gender, religion or belief, disability, age or sexual identity (§ 1 AGG).

In coordination with the Equal Opportunity Officer, the Representative for Severely Disabled Persons and the Inclusion Officer, we are committed to eliminating existing disadvantages and barriers in the planning and organization of teaching, study and working conditions for the members and staff of the university.

Name and gender registration change from 2025

From 2025, the University of Jena will comply with the new legal regulations on name and gender registration. Due to the simplification offered by the Act on Self-Determination with regard to Gender Registration (SBGG), the submission of formal/official alteration documents will be required for changes in the student database in future.

This means:

• The submission of an identity document (e.g. identity card) is required for a change of first name.
• To change the gender entry (which does not always appear on the identity card), a passport or other official document on which the gender entry is noted must be presented.

If official documents containing both details (name and gender) are available, these are very useful and should be submitted to support the change process.

As the previous practice of recognising the dgti supplementary ID card will no longer be continued from 2025, this alone will no longer be sufficient to make changes to the student database in future. Nevertheless, the dgti supplementary ID card will retain its importance as a helpful document in everyday life, especially until the corresponding official changes have been finalised.

Further information on the SBGG can be found hereExternal link (German version).

Procedure for changing the given name and/or gender in the University’s records:

(1) Change in the student database: Use the ‘Change notification’ pdf, 277 kb · deform in the Student Service Centre to have your first name and/or gender entry changed. Please attach a copy of your updated identity card (for the name change) and/or passport (for the gender entry).

(2) Change of university e-mail address: After the successful change in the student database, apply for the adjustment of your university mail address via the URZ Service DeskExternal link.

(3) Reissue of the thoska card: If the change affects the imprint of your thoska card, you can have it reissued during the opening hours of the thoska office.