---
type: concept
title: Groupware Calendar Availability
tags: [groupware, calendar, privacy, permissions]
related: [groupware, gdpr-compliance]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_webdienste_groupware_module_kalender_verfuegbarkeit.md"]
---

# Groupware Calendar Availability

**Groupware Calendar Availability** (Terminliche Verfügbarkeit) is a specific permission setting within the Universität Greifswald [[groupware]] system that allows designated users or groups to see whether a person is "busy" or "free" without granting access to the actual contents or private details of the calendar events.

## Privacy and Data Protection
In accordance with [[gdpr-compliance]], availability is **not shared by default** (disabled by default). Users must explicitly opt-in and manually grant these permissions.

### Distinction from Calendar Sharing
It is critical to distinguish between **Availability Release** and **Calendar Sharing**, as they are two distinct permission types; granting one does not automatically grant the other:
- **Availability Release**: Only shows time-block status (Busy/Free) and indicates whether a time slot is occupied.
- **Calendar Sharing**: Allows viewing of event titles, locations, descriptions, and the actual content of appointments.

## Preliminary/Provisional Appointments
The availability system integrates with the invitation workflow to handle **Preliminary Appointments** (Vorläufige Termine). When an organizer with availability access invites a participant, an entry is automatically generated/placed in the participant's calendar.

### Characteristics of Preliminary Appointments
- **Visuals**: Identified by a **dashed border** in the calendar view to indicate they are not yet confirmed.
- **Workflow**: Participants can double-click the entry to accept or decline the invitation.
- **Synchronization/Cleanup**: These entries are managed by the organizer; if the organizer deletes the event or removes the participant, the preliminary entry is automatically purged/removed from the participant's calendar.

## Configuration Path
Users can manage these settings via the following path:
1. Click the **Account Icon** (top-right) in Groupware.
2. Select **Mein Konto** (My Account).
3. Navigate to the **Kalender** (Calendar) category.
4. Manage users or groups under **Berechtigungen für Verfügbarkeit** (Permissions for Availability).