Inclusive Studies at RWTH Aachen University
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- Inclusive Education Officers
- Reporting Accessibility Problems
- Support
- Consultation Hours
- Current Offers
- Mailing List
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Inclusive Education Officers
RWTH Aachen University is committed to ensuring that all students can pursue their studies without barriers. We recognize the diverse needs of students with disabilities or chronic conditions and offer personalized guidance and support to help them thrive academically and personally.
Inclusive Education Officers serve as the primary point of contact for students facing health-related challenges during their studies. They advocate for the rights and needs of students with disabilities or chronic conditions on university committees and lead initiatives that promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities across campus.
Contact
Inclusive Education Officer
Phone: +49 241 80-97872\ Send Email\
Reporting Accessibility Problems
Digital, structural, and other barriers to accessibility can be reported on the following web page:
Students with Disabilities and Chronic Health Conditions
Approximately 16 percent of all students have health conditions that impact their academic experience. However, only 3 percent of these students have immediately visible disabilities.
Mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety disorders, represent about 65 percent of health-related academic challenges. Chronic physical conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, metabolic conditions, and severe allergies account for approximately 13 percent of cases. (Source: German National Student Survey - best3)
While many of these conditions are not immediately apparent, they can significantly affect a student’s ability to participate fully in academic life. The impact on learning, concentration, attendance, and academic performance can be just as substantial as more visible disabilities.
Many students hesitate to seek disability services because they don’t identify with the term “disability” or question whether their condition qualifies for compensatory measures. It's important to understand that you don't need a formally diagnosed “disability” to benefit from academic support services. If a health condition – whether physical, mental, or chronic – affects your ability to succeed academically, you may be eligible for reasonable accommodations and support services.
Support
If you have had or still have similar concerns, please contact us so that we can look at your situation together.
We provide information and guidance on questions about inclusive studies, including the following topics:
- Academic Accommodations
- Quiet Rooms
- Peer Support Groups
- Accessible Housing
- Student Financing (e.g. special Bafög regulations)
- Leaves of Absence and Returning to Studies After a Leave of Absence
- Resources for Returning Students and Academic Support
- Other Support Offers and Information on Specific Policies
Our advice is free of charge and your concerns will of course be treated confidentially. Counseling can take place on site, by telephone or via Zoom. Counseling for students with disabilities and chronic conditions is affiliated with the Student Counseling and Advising Center and also takes place on the premises there.
To make an appointment, please send an email to bis@rwth-aachen.de.
Consultation Hours
The open consultation hour takes place on Thursdays from 2 to 3pm via Zoom. When you join the Zoom meeting room, you will first enter a virtual waiting room. As soon as it is your turn, you will be admitted to the Zoom room by the representatives. We ask you to be patient if necessary.
During the open consultation hours, brief concerns can be addressed and initial information provided. If you have a request that requires more time, please make an appointment by e-mail.
Access data
Link to the Zoom-Meeting \ Meeting-ID: 670 5641 5031 \ Kenncode: 180866
Current Offers
Support Options at RWTH Aachen University
The Inclusive Education Officers support students facing challenges related to disabilities, chronic conditions, or health-related difficulties during their studies. They provide personalized guidance and connect students with resources to ensure accessible and equitable participation in university life.
To help students better understand the available support services, an online information session is offered regularly:
- Every third Thursday of the month from 1 to 2pm: German-language session – “Inklusiv studieren an der RWTH Aachen” (Inclusive Education at RWTH Aachen University)
You can register by email, even at short notice. If you have specific needs related to a disability or health condition, or require particular accommodations for the session, please let us know when registering or reach out to us directly by email or phone.
Academic Accommodations
Academic accommodations are adjustments to learning or testing environments that support the individual needs of students with disabilities or chronic conditions. These accommodations help ensure that all students are assessed equitably, without altering academic standards or providing an unfair advantage.
All health-related information is kept strictly confidential throughout the process, and accommodations are not recorded on transcripts or final certificates.
Students are encouraged to request accommodations at the beginning of the semester, but applications can also be submitted at any point during the academic term.
For details on how to apply, please visit the Academic Accommodations Information Page. We also offer regular online information sessions:
- Every first Thursday of the month, 1 to 2am: German-language session on requesting academic accommodations
You can register by email, even at short notice. If you have specific needs related to a disability or health condition, or require particular accommodation for the session, please let us know when registering or reach out to us directly by email or phone.
Connecting With Other Students
Students with disabilities or chronic health conditions often face unique challenges during their studies, whether related to learning, exams, or building connections within the university community.
“Meine Erkrankung, mein Studium, und ich” (My Health Condition, My Studies, and Me), is a workshop series offered in collaboration with the Psychological Counseling Service. It provides a confidential and supportive space for students to share experiences, reflect on the intersection of health and academics, and build community. Participation is flexible — you can attend once, occasionally, or on a regular basis. Please note that the sessions are held in German.
In addition, German-speaking peer-led support groups are available on various topics. These student-moderated groups offer a safe, informal space to connect with others navigating similar experiences, exchange advice, and offer mutual support.
For more details and registration information, please visit the “Meine Erkrankung, mein Studium, und ich” and Peer Support Groups information pages.
Mailing List
If you are interested in receiving further news on the topic of inclusive studies, please subscribe to our mailing list.
External Links
Information for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses - Sozialberatung des Studierendenwerks - Studying with Disabilities
Information in sign language on the subject of studying with disabilities. - Studying with a health impairment - best3
Data on studying with impairments and disabilities. - Ergänzende Unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (EUTB)
Specialist office for supplementary independent advice (with local associations). - Die Verfahrenslotsen - Barrierefreiheit.nrw