Confidential Advisor for PhD researchers

The PhD representatives have approached the Graduate School (GS) with a request to establish the position of a confidential advisor at faculty level, suggesting Esther Muschelknautz (Graduate School Coordinator) for the role. Esther is coordinating the faculty´s Graduate School since 2005 and very familiar with the structures of the faculty and university; she is also a member of the committee for PhD issues on University level. Esther is trained in communication skills, mediation, intercultural communication and Anti-Bias. 

What is the role of the confidential advisor?

• to provide a space where you can talk about problems related to your PhD at an early stage and at short notice, without formal procedures. This could be about challenges with your supervisor or colleagues, issues with the progress of your PhD, or discrimination or well-being issues.
• to listen, to help to assess the situation and identify possible approaches to tacking the problem.
• to refer to services /departments that can provide more specific support (psychological support, mediation, coaching, legal or formal advising).

How to get in touch with the confidential advisor?

Please contact Esther by email or phone:

• esther.muschelknautz@unr.uni-freiburg.de

• 0761-203 3607
• Office: Tennenbacherstraße 4,  Herderbau, 2nd floor, room 02 045
• Working hours: 08.30 to 15:30