Code of Conduct for Collaboration in Teaching, Research, and Administration at the Faculty of Catholic Theology
"The Goethe University fosters equal cooperation among its members and staff at all functional levels in service, courses, teaching, and research. It places great importance on trustworthy collaboration and respectful, appreciative interactions."
The university structures in which we interact are accompanied by diverse and complex dependencies and power dynamics. These affect students, technical-administrative and academic staff, and professors in different ways.
The Faculty of Catholic Theology is committed, in addition to the Anti-Discrimination Policy of Goethe University, to this Code of Conduct, which aims to reduce discriminatory and boundary-violating structures—particularly regarding racial attributions, social background, gender or gender identity, religion and worldview, disability, age, and sexual identity—within the academic community. The Code applies to the behavior of all members of the faculty in teaching, research, and administration on campus or in the university context.
Respectful and appreciative interactions are a priority for us at the faculty. We, as members of the faculty, take responsibility for our own roles and actions to safeguard the physical and psychological integrity of the university's members and staff. The faculty leadership acknowledges its responsibility to create and process structures that reduce discrimination and promote equal participation for all members of the faculty.
Higher positions within the university hierarchy come with an increased duty of care to establish conditions for positive collaboration and to protect individuals from discrimination, sexual harassment and violence, stalking, and bullying.
It is the responsibility of each and every one of us to foster a respectful and inclusive atmosphere within the faculty. This includes being mindful of the diverse backgrounds and perspectives among us, being sensitive to discriminatory language and actions, being open to different viewpoints and perceptions, and understanding the power dynamics inherent in academia.
We aim to maintain an ongoing and reflective dialogue about how we address boundary-violating and discriminatory behavior. Additionally, we commit to creating a culture where those affected feel encouraged to access the advisory and support services offered by Goethe University, while also knowing they have the solidarity of the faculty.
Together, we strive to make our daily interactions as discrimination-free and appreciative as possible.
Counselling Services
- Anti-Discrimination Office at Goethe University Frankfurt:
- violence-free living – Psychosocial counselling for women, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans, intersex, and queer individuals:
- Nightline Frankfurt – Anonymous listening hotline run by students for students:
- List of contacts for employees and students with disabilities or health-related limitations:
- Resources for psychological counselling:
Additional Resources and Structures
- Portal of Goethe University Frankfurt: Goethe University — Counselling & Support
- Website of the Gender Equality Office:
- Autonomous Inclusion Office (AStA):
- Anti-Discrimination Policy of Goethe University Frankfurt:
- LAUTSTARK: Goethe University’s campaign against sexualized harassment and violence:
- Portal for Conflict Management at Goethe University: Prevention and processing, including contact information and behavioral examples: