It is possible to claim compensation for disadvantages not only for examinations, but also for the degree programme itself. Such compensation measures can be, for example
- Extension of the study period
The maximum periods of study for the first and final failure of the degree programme are set out in the respective Examination Regulations. These also state that grace periods may be granted for valid reasons for which the student is not responsible. An impairment or chronic illness may justify such a grace period in individual cases. It is particularly important that the application precisely describes the increased time burden caused by the impairment/chronic illness (e.g. therapies, longer duration of everyday activities or increased effort to adapt study-relevant documents, e.g. for students with severe visual impairment, to meet their needs)
- Needs-based adaptation of study materials (e.g. larger or more clearly structured font for visually impaired students)
In this context, reference is also made to the use of the university's internal services for students with disabilities (including needs-based PC workstations for students who are blind or have a visual impairment and the central library's digitisation service)
- Modification of coursework (e.g. term paper instead of a division)
- Granting of extended processing time for coursework
- use of personal assistance and/or technical aids to compensate for the handicap (e.g. writing or reading assistants, sign language interpreters) during the course of study
Important: The procurement of these aids/aids is the responsibility of the student. Due to the sometimes very long processing times, please always apply as early as possible and in advance to the responsible funding organisation for the assumption of costs for necessary technical aids and personal aids! When using aids, it is strongly recommended that you inform the examiners/lecturers concerned at an early stage and familiarise them with any special technical features that may need to be taken into account.
- Modification of internship regulations (e.g. splitting internship periods)
- Modification of excursion regulations (e.g. an excursion to the moor for biology students in wheelchairs)
- Preferential choices among several identical courses
IMPORTANT:
Applications for compensation for disadvantages must be submitted via the relevant examination secretariat of the respective subject for forwarding to the chairperson of the examination board in the respective subject. They must always be submitted in writing and on time (see subsection "Procedure").
You should therefore always react immediately to any problems that arise during your studies and not only after you have failed to complete an academic achievement on time or in the prescribed form! If a prescribed academic achievement is deemed not to have been completed within the specified deadline without prior application, there is no possibility of making subsequent changes. The compensation for disadvantages can therefore only have an effect for the future, but cannot retroactively influence a past and completed event! You should therefore make use of the counselling services offered by the contact persons listed here at an early stage!