Referral scheme

1. Definitions

The referral scheme ("Scheme") is exclusively intended for former students ("Alumni" / "Referrers") of the University of Passau. Its aim is to convince prospective students ("Recruited students") to enrol at the University of Passau through personal recommendations from alumni.

2. Eligibility

Only natural persons who have successfully completed a degree at the University of Passau ("Alumni") are eligible to participate in the referral scheme. A degree is considered successfully completed if an academic title (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, Magister, State Examination, or Doctorate) has been awarded through the proper completion of studies at the University of Passau.

Exceptions apply. People who are currently enrolled as students at the University of Passau and people who are currently employed (regardless of the type or scope of employment) by the University of Passau are not eligible to take part, even if they are also alumni of the University of Passau. 

The University reserves the right to request documentation to verify eligibility.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary and free of charge.

3. Referral scheme process

1. Alumni register as referrers through a form on the University's website.
2. After registration, alumni receive a referral link that they can forward to the interested person along with their recommendation to study at the University.
3. Recruited students must also register for the scheme through a form on the website and provide the name of the referring alumnus/a. Registering for the scheme does not oblige them to enrol at the University of Passau.
4. At the start of the semester, the University verifies whether the recruited student has enrolled and whether there is a clear match between the referring and referred persons.
5. Upon successful enrolment and confirmed match, both parties are contacted by the University and informed about the rewards collection process.
6. Should a recruited student name several people as referring persons, only the first of these who registered with the scheme will receive a reward. The deciding factor in that case is the date of the form submission by the referring persons.

4. Rewards and Compensation

Referrers receive a reward in the form of a collection of University of Passau branded merchandise if their referral results in a completed student enrolment. A maximum of one reward per semester can be claimed by each referrer.

The collection of merchandise awarded to referring alumni includes:

• A stainless steel and bamboo water bottle (500 ml)
• Bamboo chopsticks
• Notepad with sticky notes
• Bamboo ballpoint pen
• Pencil case made from recycled PET
• Tote bag made from recycled cotton

Recruited students receive a welcome package courtesy of the University of Passau’s AlumniClub, containing:

• A free one-year student membership in the AlumniClub
• A notebook
• A multifunctional keychain
• Tote bag made from recycled cotton

The type and scope of the rewards are determined by the University and may be changed at any time.

There is no legal entitlement to a reward.

A maximum of 300 rewards are issued per application period (summer or winter semester), granted in order of registrations through the alumni form.

5. Exclusion of Participants

The University reserves the right to exclude individuals from the scheme without providing reasons if they violate the terms of the scheme, attempt to deceive, or misuse the scheme (e.g. through spamming, false information).

6. Data Protection

Personal data collected as part of the scheme will be used solely for its implementation and processing in line with Art. 6(1) lit. B GDPR. Individuals who voluntarily agree to offer testimonials may also be contacted for that purpose beyond the scope of the scheme in line with Art. 6(1) lit. A GDPR (Consent). No data is passed on to third parties, unless this is legally required in line with A rt. 6(1) lit. C GDPR. Further information can be found in the University's data protection policy.

7. Limitation of Liability 

The University accepts no liability for any adverse consequences or losses resulting from participation in this scheme, except if these were caused by malicious or grossly negligent conduct on behalf of the University of Passau. The University of Passau specifically accepts no liability for technical issues, data loss, or other problems outside of its control. Liability for indirect or consequential damages is excluded to the extent permitted by law. The liability exclusions do not apply to compensation claims for injury to someone's life, body or health.

8. Changes and Termination of the Scheme

The University reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the scheme at any time. Any changes will be announced on the University’s website or via email.

9. Final Provisions

The laws of the Federal Republic of Germany apply. Should any part of these terms and conditions be or become invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall not be affected. There is no recourse to legal proceedings regarding the distribution of rewards.