Break down barriers. Embrace diversity.

Equality, Gender & Diversity

Equal opportunities for everyone.

Diversity, equality, and inclusion are a given for us—because only equal opportunities for all can unlock true potential.

Promote diversity. Ensure inclusion.

Your concerns.

Here you can contact the GG&D Committee leadership directly—confidentially and easily.

To the suggestion box

Especially at a time when discrimination and unequal treatment are still a reality in many areas of life, we are committed to creating an open and respectful learning environment. Diversity should not merely be a buzzword, but should be reflected in our structures, our communication, and our daily interactions. As a distance-learning university with a strong focus on work-life balance and equal opportunity, we see it as our mission to break down barriers and raise awareness of diverse life experiences.

Structures for Diversity in Action

Through the Committee on Gender, Equality, and Diversity (GG&D), FERNFH has established a central platform that is continuously committed to promoting equal opportunities and an inclusive university culture . Our goal is to create spaces where all members of the university feel safe, seen, and heard. We foster dialogue and are constantly refining our programs—in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff.

Getting Involved and Making a Difference

Diversity thrives on participation. Students, faculty, alumni, and staff are invited to get actively involved, share ideas, and help shape projects. Whether it’s feedback, suggestions, or constructive criticism—every form of engagement is welcome and helps make our university even more inclusive.

FERNFH’s flexible, digital learning model offers many advantages, especially for people with diverse life circumstances. At the same time, we are working to foster connections, networking, and visibility in the virtual space as well.

Our Path to the Future

Our goal is to create a university where diversity, inclusion, and equality are naturally integrated into everyday life—at all levels and in all areas. We view diversity as a strength and as an essential component of forward-looking university development.

Our Goals

AWARENESS-RAISING & CAPACITY BUILDING

We promote awareness and understanding of gender, equality, and diversity issues—to foster an open and respectful university culture.

GG&D THEMATIC ANNUAL CYCLE

Regularly curated content and campaigns across all channels keep the topic of diversity in the spotlight and part of the conversation.

EVENTS & EXCHANGES

From the GG&D Film Lunch to expert presentations—we create spaces for connection, dialogue, and new perspectives.

PRIDE MONTH & VISIBILITY

As a queer-friendly university, we are setting an example of acceptance and celebrating diversity—together with the community.

PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT

We are developing new counseling services to support and empower students as they navigate personal challenges.

CHRONIC ILLNESS & COLLEGE

Our initiative works to provide more support and equal opportunities for students with chronic illnesses.

Our Committee on Equality, Gender, and Diversity

The people behind GG&D

The GG&D team is made up of dedicated colleagues and students from various departments:

Committee Chair:

Astrid Braun, she, Director
Nicole König, she, Director

Committee members:

Tanja Adamcik, she | Program Director
Michaela Hofer, she | Quality Management
Peter Luckmann, he | Student Representative
Johannes Miklos, he | Faculty and Research Staff
Martina Mokricky, she | Human Resources
Barbara Prazak-Aram, she | Program Director
Reinhard Staudinger, he | Instructional Systems Design
Tanja Stopfer, she | Student Representative
Timna Tonn, she | Marketing and Communications
Sabine Zöchling, she | Alumna

Here's what we've done

The GG&D Committee has already been able to get a number of important initiatives off the ground in the past:

Equality is firmly enshrined in FERNFH’s bylaws and mission statement
Introduction of gender-neutral restrooms on the FERNFH campus
Third gender option and gender-neutral language in applications and during studies
Ongoing efforts to make our website and our online campus accessible
Internal awareness-raising sessions & presentations
Development and implementation of guidelines on gender-inclusive language and diversity-inclusive teaching
Anonymous feedback box for tips, complaints, and suggestions for improvement regarding diversity and equality
Certifications and Initiatives for a Family-Friendly University and Employer

Together, we are building a university where openness, respect, and equal opportunity are put into practice every day.

A university for everyone

Studying Without a High School Diploma
Learn more about how we're making higher education more accessible.
At FERNFH, it’s not just your high school diploma that counts—your experience and motivation matter too. This is how we make higher education accessible to people from all walks of life—an important step toward equality and equal opportunity.

Learn more about studying at FERNFH without a high school diploma.
Studying with a Family
We're committed to helping you balance family life and your studies. Find out how here.
Balancing studies and family life is a unique challenge. FERNFH is committed to ensuring fair study conditions, regardless of one’s life situation or caregiving responsibilities.

This is also reflected in our “family-friendly university” certification. Many initiatives have been implemented as part of this program.

Learn more about “College & Family” at FERNFH.

Our FERNFH Family Room

At the Wiener Neustadt campus, our family room is available to you during in-person sessions: a private space for breastfeeding or feeding, equipped with toys and art supplies for older children, which our students or caregivers can use. This allows us to create the flexibility needed to ensure that education and family life remain compatible.
Accessible Education
Your right to higher education matters! With personalized solutions, we make your education accessible and achievable.
At FERNFH, we are committed to ensuring that you can pursue your studies at any time, regardless of your individual circumstances and needs.

Accessible Education

Our campus in Wiener Neustadt, all lecture halls, and accessible restrooms are designed to be open and accessible to all students.

In addition, we provide you with personalized support —whether it’s with the admissions process, exam scheduling ( in consultation with the program director), or other challenges related to your academic journey.

Access to higher education

We know that different educational paths require different approaches. That’s why, in addition to skill-building courses in English and math, we also offer the “Jump into Accounting” preparatory course. This course helps you overcome any uncertainties you may have about accounting and start your studies with confidence—it’s open to everyone at any time.

We focus on helping you pursue your higher education. Through targeted programs and accessible opportunities, we ensure that you can achieve your higher education goals without any obstacles.

We've also put together some additional information for you on the topic of accessible higher education at FERNFH .
Students to the university
FERNFH is part of a nationwide initiative that provides students with access to higher education.
Since April 2025, FERNFH has been part of the Austria-wide initiative “Students to Higher Education”!

This initiative, which has been in place for over 20 years, enables highly gifted, motivated, and inquisitive high school students to gaintheir first experiences in higher educationwhile still in school: they can attend classes, take exams—in short, they can study.

Participation sends a strong message to the outside world and aligns perfectly with FERNFH’s values:academic education,breaking down educational barriers,diversity, and the desire to be an institution dedicated to lifelong learning. Furthermore, the initiative specifically supports thepromotion of excellence and potential.

More information:
- General Information About the Initiative: Students to Universities – OeAD Website
- FERNFH as part of the initiative: Lower Austria-FERNFH