According to Section 43 of the Basic Regulations of Witten/Herdecke University dated June 30, 2010, as amended on April 25, 2023, liaison officers are elected by the faculty councils for the "swift and sustainable resolution of conflicts between members or affiliates of the university". The focus is on conflicts "that do not concern good academic practice or are regulated by other regulations". Confidants are available to those affected in a "neutral and confidential advisory capacity and should, if necessary, point out possible solutions to the conflict". The prerequisite for the conflict discussion is that the persons of trust can be used as contact persons impartially and without bias. If these conditions cannot be met due to official or personal relationships, support can be provided by another person of trust at the university or such a person can be arranged.

The reasons for approaching the persons of trust and asking for support and advice are usually interpersonal or social relationship problems in the university context. People of all status groups, i.e. students as well as employees (administrative and academic staff), can contact the confidants in this regard.

At best, contact is made by e-mail with a brief description of the issue. An initial consultation appointment is then arranged, which can take place in person, by telephone or via video chat. During this appointment, the issue is clarified in detail, a support or target perspective and a solution strategy are developed and an agreement is reached on how to proceed.

The liaison officers Dr. Julia Nitsche and Junior Professor Dr. Theresa Sophie Busse were elected by the Faculty Council for a two-year term of office in March 2026 and confirmed by the Senate.