With cacao, biscuits, TU lion and TU duck A digital welcome talk for parents and their babies

For the traditional welcome talk for “new” parents – students and employees – with their children, TU President Professor Angela Ittel invited them digitally for the first time. Alongside the President, Ulrike Wrobel, Central Equal Opportunities Officer, welcomed the young and old guests in front of the screens. The TU cuddly lion and the red TU rubber duck were also present. This time, the “baby bags” were handed out to the participating parents in advance. The bags contain lots of useful information about family-friendly offers at TU Braunschweig. This year there was also a “catering to go” in the form of cacao and biscuits, which could be enjoyed in front of the monitor. 15 families shared their experiences with the President and the Family Office as well as with each other and gave concrete suggestions for further support.

In the baby bag: TU cuddly lion and TU rubber duck. Photo credit: Markus Hörster/TU Braunschweig

TU President Ittel, who herself has experience of reconciling science and family, emphasised during the welcome: “Parents deserve appreciation and support and this is what we want to convey. Networks where experiences can be shared are an important part of the support structures for balancing family and work or studies.”

Digital relief

In the open and trusting discussion round, it becomes clear: the families’ experiences are as diverse as they are. The positive effects of digitalisation within the last 1.5 years are particularly emphasised. The possibilities of home office and online lectures have especially relieved parents with young children and helped with family organisation. Another important point is the contact to the team, also during parental leave. Many parents feel that they are well met and prepared for their return to work.

The welcome talk, which takes place once or twice a year, is organised by the Family Office team. Employees and students who have become parents during their time at TU Braunschweig can register for the next welcome talk at the Family Office or pick up a “baby bag” there. Do not forget the birth certificate and, for students, your enrolment card.

Implement suggestion

Conclusion of the Family Office: “It was very nice to be able to see the families again. The good and valuable exchange also worked very well digitally. We again received concrete suggestions that we will take up in our work.”