Confidants

We, the confidants of the University of Potsdam, offer our support to members of all status groups – whether students, staff and/or lecturers – in university-related conflict situations.

The aim is to provide an internal university authority that can be consulted at a low threshold. You have the opportunity to talk about your problem in a calm and friendly atmosphere and to reflect on the stressful situation together with the confidant and develop possible solutions. In addition, the confidants can provide information for further steps and, if necessary, refer you to other counselling services.

Potential conflict scenarios include:

• You feel down or burdened by worries.
• You have been feeling uncomfortable in your team for some time.
• You are experiencing a conflict you would like to speak about with a neutral person.

The commitment of the confidants is voluntary and honorary. The confidants are regularly trained and further qualified in their counselling skills. They work according to the following principles:

• Independence
  The confidants act as autonomously as possible, independent of their assignment to departments or institutions.
• Neutrality
  The concerns are dealt with neutrally, without prejudice to the outcome and in a solution-oriented manner.
• Confidentiality
  Concerns are treated confidentially.
• Appreciation
  The confidants always show esteem for the persons concerned and their concerns.

The Code of Conduct is available here.

As an affected person you can freely choose from the following list to which confidant you would like to address your concerns. The list is arranged according to location, but this does not have to play a role in the selection.

Would you like to become a confidant yourself to support a conflict-positive university climate? Then please contact the team at theEqual Opportunities Coordination Office, which organises this service.