Graduate Academy

The Graduate Academy is the central, cross-faculty institution for doctorates at the University of Hohenheim. It manages the doctoral examination process and is responsible for advising offers and quality assurance at an interfaculty level.

Outstanding conditions

In the strategy and development plan the bundling and strengthening of support for young scientists at the University of Hohenheim is given great importance, The implementation of the 2014 amendments to the State Higher Education Act (Sec. 38) are an important cornerstone of this plan.

In June 2015, the Senate Commission on Research unanimously passed a plan for a new central institution for supporting doctoral candidates. The plan was approved by the Graduate Council with an overwhelming majority and in November 2015 won the first prize in a competition inviting "Ideas for Quality Assurance and Quality Development in Doctoral Training" initiated by the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science, Research and Arts

The subsequent creation of the Graduate Academy underlines the University of Hohenheim's commitment to providing its doctoral students with excellent conditions for successfully completing their degree and with the best possible career and professional development opportunities.


The Hohenheim Graduate Academy represents uniformity and transparency in university-wide standards in doctoral studies. It is designed, most importantly, to simplify doctoral procedures in administrative terms and to expand the range of non-subject-specific mentoring services for doctoral candidates.

 

 

The responsibilities of the Graduate Academy include the following:

  • Non-subject-specific information and advice for prospective doctoral students, current doctoral students, professors, coordinators
  • Central doctoral studies administration: Managing the administrative aspects of doctoral procedures in a compact manner for all Faculties
  • Professional development and networking opportunities for doctoral candidates
  • Non-subject-specific quality assurance in doctoral studies
  • Coordination of affairs that are relevant to doctoral studies
  • Administration of state graduate support funding
  • Liaising with the Graduate Council
  • External representation, contacts, networking

In the advising session on funding opportunities, the following questions, among others, are discussed and answered:

  • How can I fund my doctorate?
  • Is a job as a research associate the right fit for me?
  • Which scholarships are available and what should be considered when applying?
  • Which subsidies (e.g. travel expenses, conference fees) can I apply for?

More information about funding and financing

Make a request for a consultation


Advising in case of conflicts that negatively influence a doctorate

During the doctoral process, situations may arise for doctoral candidates and supervisors that endanger the completion of the dissertation. The Graduate Academy sees itself as the first point of contact for conflict cases that arise and is a guide for possible advice.

In the consultation or the further procedure we distinguish between the two following conflict areas:

1. Conflicts arising directly from the supervisory relationship or the work on the dissertation
(according to Sec. 38(4) LHG)

The faculties of the University of Hohenheim have contact persons for confidential conversations offering advice for doctoral students and acting as intermediaries in case of conflicts. The elected ombudspersons work across faculties and can therefore also be contacted by doctoral candidates outside their own faculty (Faculty A, Faculty N, Faculty W).

2. Social conflicts among doctoral students outside the immediate supervisor relationship

Basic understanding: A social conflict always involves at least two people or groups. Needs, interests, or goals are tangibly impaired. If, for example, you are dependent on the cooperation of a colleague during the doctoral process, but from your point of view this colleague does not cooperate sufficiently, then you may start to feel excluded, disrespected, or insulted. Such situations often lead to open conflict or aggressive behavior.

The University of Hohenheim provides counselling services for students for these kinds of issues and conflicts via the Studierendenwerk and, in part, via the Gender Equality Office, which are also accessible to enrolled doctoral candidates.

Graduate Academy

For personal difficulties, mentally stressful situations, or crises, you can make an appointment to talk to Dr. Anja Pohl. Dr. Pohl has completed further education as a Mental Health First Aid assistant. She is happy to help you and listen to your concerns.

Studierendenwerk (only for enrolled doctoral candidates)

Gender Equality Office:
https://gleichstellung.uni-hohenheim.de

  • Representative for students with a disability or chronic illness
  • Contact person for questions relating to sexual harassment
  • Contact person for anti-discrimination
  • Contact person for maternity leave

Make a request for a consultation


Advising in other topics related to the doctorate, e.g. change of supervisor

If you have questions about changing your supervisor, if you are thinking about dropping out of your doctoral program, or if you have any other questions about your doctorate, the Graduate Academy will be happy to advise you confidentially.

Make a request for a consultation

Do you have any questions about doctoral studies?
Would you like to find out about funding opportunities for your doctorate?
Do you need assistance with a scholarship application?
Do you have questions about career prospects?
Do you need help with your application?

All consultations are offered for those interested in doctoral studies, doctoral candidates, and supervisors. Consultations are confidential.

Graduate Academy Team