National Code of Conduct (HRK / DAAD) - supporting international students
The position of a central contact for complaints, praise and suggestions (the Representative for Academic Quality) for all students - regardless of gender, age, disability / chronic disease, regardless of sexual or religious orientation, ethnic, cultural, social, economic or educational background - has existed since 2007.
Together with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the National Conference of Vice-Chancellors and Principals (HRK) has developed a National Code for foreign students at German universities. The aim of this is to secure or improve the quality of support for foreign students. The University of Göttingen has committed itself to the Code. [click to display more information]
The guiding principle of this is that all students, wherever possible, should receive the same rights, as well as to offer help to those who may as foreign guests particularly need it.
One element in this is the establishment of a complaints body to which foreign students can apply if the Code is not followed. This role is fulfilled by the Representative for Academic Quality.
Paragraph V of the Code:
"V. Dealing with complaints
1. The university shall appoint a body to which international students can complain regarding failure to follow this Code and from which they can seek remedy (e.g. the member of the university board with responsibility for international affairs). The final decision on the complaint may not be left to the body against which the complaint is made. The right of the complainant to object to administrative acts of the university or in relevant cases to take legal action in the civil, administrative and criminal courts is unaffected.
2. If disputes cannot be settled within the university, international students have the option of applying to a Joint Arbitration Office which will be established by the HRK".
(Source: National Conference of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, http://www.hrk.de/themen/internationales/arbeitsfelder/nationaler-kodex-fuer-das-auslaenderstudium)
You can find information about handling complaints regarding teaching and learning at the University of Goettingen here .
