GA-Counseling Mission Statement

1. Availability

We offer counseling and advice to all (prospective) doctoral candidates, postdocs and supervisors, regardless of whether they are a member of the Graduate Academy or not. However, individual coaching for doctoral candidates and postdocs is only available for GA members. Counseling takes place in an open and unprejudiced atmosphere, supporting consultees in developing their own decision-making and problem-solving processes.  

2. Confidentiality

We treat consultees’ individual concerns and questions with maximum confidentiality. We do not share information or impressions we draw from the counselling sessions with third parties. If further advisory services or third persons are to be involved in order to facilitate the counselling processes, this happens only with the consultees' consent.  

3. Professionalism

We have several years of work experience in academic advisory services and received professional training in coaching/counselling. We are informed about current developments in research funding and other relevant issues and receive continued training. Furthermore, we are closely cooperating and exchanging knowledge with other counselling and advisory services at TU Dresden.   

4. A person-centered, nonjudgmental approach

The focus of the counselling process is the consultee with their individual concerns and questions, their interests, and values.

5. A systemic perspective

We do not perceive the concerns and questions of the consultees in an isolated way, but as embedded and interconnected within various social systems which will be taken into consideration during the counseling process.    

6. Helping people to help themselves

We establish a relationship on equal footing with those who are seeking advice and counselling. Thus, our focus is on supporting consultees with acquiring the appropriate information and with their individual decision-making and problem-solving rather than on giving expert advice. 

7. A resource- and solution-oriented approach

The competences and resources of the consultee are the focus of the counseling we offer. We put more emphasis on the development of individual decision-making and problem-solving options than on an extensive root cause analysis.

8. Networking

We are part of a network of various advisory services of TU Dresden and beyond. With the consultee's consent, these partners might be involved in the counseling if this helps the problem-solving process. Here you can find an overview of further advisory services at TU Dresden.