Co-Participation Day 2026

This workshop is for all new members of co-participation councils at universities who want to know exactly what their legal rights, duties and responsibilities are.

In this training, we’ll teach you the basic principles of what’s known as Mutual Gain Negotiation. Learn how to turn potential conflicts and significant disagreements into win-win situations!

TAQT’s training is based on Harvard University’s negotiation model: integrative or “mutual-gain” negotiation. In this approach, reaching an agreement is viewed as a shared challenge for the administration and the student council. Key concepts in negotiation are therefore investing in the relationship, communication, and commitment. In addition, attention is given to how this method can be applied while firmly advocating for your own interests. The “Negotiating According to Harvard” training can be taken at any level, from beginner to advanced. The training is custom-designed based on the client’s needs.

During this training, you will create a “soft map.” This method not only provides an overview of all the organizations and actors that are important but also assigns meaning and characteristics to them. It helps you become more effective and more aware of your organizational environment.

The focus is on the “soft map” method developed by TAQT. Whereas an organizational chart shows how an organization is formally structured, a soft map reveals how it actually functions. Who knows everyone? Who is consulted before a decision is made? Who connects departments, safeguards the culture, or possesses crucial expertise?

Together, participants map out their organization and its environment. This not only creates a rich picture of informal networks and patterns of influence but also fosters a collaborative discussion about strategy. Where are the opportunities? Which contacts are still missing? Who should we get to know better? And how can we organize our influence more effectively?

The strength of this workshop lies not only in the map itself, but above all in the collaborative analysis process. Participants leave the training with a sharper understanding of their environment and concrete starting points for achieving their goals more effectively.

As a council member, you need not only knowledge but also skills. In this training, we’ll look at some key council skills that every council member needs to effectively represent their constituents.

Our training also offers valuable insights into critically reading policy documents, including practical tips such as using a checklist, to help participants grasp the essence of the material and be better prepared for discussions and negotiations.

Furthermore, participants will learn how to ask follow-up questions effectively and handle vague or unsatisfactory answers from administrators, and they will become skilled at recognizing and countering debate tactics during meetings.

Our training is designed to equip participants with practical skills, including formulating sharp questions, summarizing, paraphrasing, and responding to administrators’ comments.

What role can the employee participation body play in relation to the issue of social safety? What are the procedures? How do the lines of communication work? What should you do if a socially unsafe situation is reported to the employee participation body? All these questions will be addressed during the workshop. Attention will also be paid to communication techniques.