Doing a PhD is not always easy, and interpersonal problems and conflicts can arise for a variety of reasons whenever humans work together. Conflict is virtually impossible to avoid, it is human nature to disagree, and disagreements are healthy when approached correctly.  Eliminating conflict entirely would cause its own problems: there would be no diversity of opinion, and no way for us to catch and correct flawed plans and policies. Or, if you feel affected by the stress, or in case you are facing discrimination or other forms of assault,seek help. Talking to other people can give you a feeling of relief and help cope with anxieties.

We take the issue of conflict management seriously and offer our support to all students who need it. If conflicts arise during your PhD studies that require outside assistance to solve, please do not hesitate to contact the doctoral school’s executive manager Isolde Prommer (isolde.prommer@univie.ac.at or phone ext. 50030) OR student representative(s) (studreps.phanuspo@univie.ac.at) OR any other member of the steering team directly.

We are available for one-on-one meetings to discuss the problem and take measures to reach a conflict/problem resolution together with you. For conflict solving we will do our best, dependent on conflict specifications, to analyse contributing factors (causes), to generate interventions (e.g. brainstorm possible solutions, creative thinking), to evaluate solutions (e.g. discussion, mediation, prioritizing, and includes identifying possible barriers to successful solution implementation), to implement a plan and to evaluate their effectiveness.

Of course, all information will be treated highly confidential and only communicated to other (involved) parties with your consent.

Below a list of further units at University of Vienna, free public assistance & emergency councelling services: e.g. women's and men's against violence helplines/services, psychological/psychiatric services, anti-racism work, free legal advice on residencial permits, among others.