What is the Working Group for Equal Treatment Issues?
The Working Group for Equal Opportunity Issues (“AKGl”) is a legally required, independent and noninstructional body that advocates for all members of SFU in matters of equal treatment, equality and equal opportunity.
What is the composition of the AKGl?
The AKGl is composed of members appointed by the SFU Senate. Prior to appointment, they must express their interest in serving on the Senate. The current composition of the AKGI can be viewed here.
For which cases of complaint is the AKGl responsible?
The AKGl is responsible for equal treatment or equality-related complaints if at least one person formerly or currently affiliated or closely related to SFU is involved. This includes academic staff, administrative staff, lecturers (internal and external), researchers, students, as well as facility management or applicants.
How can I contact the AKGl?
Concerned and interested parties can contact the AKGl via e-mail at gleichbehandlung@sfu.ac.at or personally contact each member of the AKGl (via phone, e-mail or letter).
How does a consultation with the AKGl work?
After the initial contact has been made, an individual and non-binding consultation takes place, during which an initial assessment of possible AKGl action is discussed. Without the express consent of the person concerned, the complaint will not be brought to the AKGI and no action will be taken by the working group. If the person concerned agrees to the case being brought to the AKGI, the complaint will be dealt with at the next meeting of the working group. The person concerned can decide whether he or she wishes to be named or remain anonymous. Participation of the person concerned as a respondent in the part of the meeting concerning the submitted complaint is possible on request and by arrangement.
If the AKGl is not responsible for a concern, it refers affected persons to the responsible person or institution.
What happens to the information I pass on?
The members of the AKGl are bound to secrecy. All concerns are therefore treated with absolute confidentiality. Information is only passed on to other persons (e.g. decision-makers) with the consent of the person making the complaint.
What measures can the AKGl take in the event of a complaint?
The working group has a wide range of measures at its disposal to counteract unequal treatment in the best possible way. Only by way of example – and under the premise of taking the individual case into consideration – the obtaining of statements, the holding of discussions, the consultation of experts, the obtaining of information or the making of recommendations and suggestions come into consideration.
Complainants may request that the proceedings be discontinued at any time. If this is the case, no further steps will be taken by the AKGl.
Must a recommendation of the working group be followed?
The AKGl makes recommendations to decision-makers on the basis of complaints or on its own initiative. If a recommendation is not followed within eight weeks, a written explanation must be provided.