The inclusion of students and employees with disabilities or chronic/mental illnesses is an important concern for BOKU.

For this reason, the administrative office for the support of people with special needs was established in 2010 to ensure equal access to all BOKU services and offerings for this target group and to remove potential “barriers.” In January 2021, this administrative unit was integrated into the former Coordination Office for Equality and Gender Studies, and the new Coordination Office for Equality, Diversity, and Disability was established.

The office is headed by Ruth Scheiber-Herzog, who remains the Disability Officer at BOKU University and is primarily responsible for the areas of disability, inclusion, barrier-free BOKU, and diversity.

Contact: ruth.scheiber(at)boku.ac.at

Phone: + 43 / (01) 47654-19401

  • [Translate to English:] Portraitfoto Ruth Scheiber-Herzog
    [Translate to English:] Ruth Scheiber-Herzog (C. Gruber)

The Coordination Office offers advice on the following topics to prospective students, students, and employees with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or mental health issues:

  • Support and information on all study-related issues related to disabilities and/or chronic illnesses
  • Individual support with organizing studies
  • Advice on financial support options
  • Legal framework conditions
  • Orientation assistance at the beginning of studies
  • Organization of technical and/or personal assistance
  • Cooperation with the rectorate, interest groups, teachers, and affected parties to create improved learning, working, and examination conditions for the target group

Other important tasks include:

  • Assisting with the implementation of barrier-free access to BOKU buildings
  • Publicity events
  • Public relations work
  • Initiating projects and holding seminars that deal with disability-specific topics and issues