Keeping a valuable connection to students: adapt and stay positive

We know the pandemic seriously impacted students’ wellbeing. Lockdowns in particular have had negative effects on mental health. Students feel lonely, isolated, lost, and unmotivated. And these (mental health) issues seem to be getting bigger. For the team of study advisors, this is more than enough reason to adapt our methods and expand our services.

Throughout 2021, we aimed to be ‘flexible’: we cater to every student’s needs
Appointments could be made by phone and online. For those in need of ‘real-life contact’ and a breath of fresh air, we were able to plan appointments to take a walk together (as far as restrictions would allow us). In addition, we organized online office hours, Q&As, and online non-study activities, for students to talk about anything and everything. We worked hard to remain visible for students, for example by reaching out to them through informative videos about our methods and services.

Keeping the increased (mental health) problems that our students faced in mind, we kept in close contact with UM psychologists. The workload and working from home meant it wasn’t always easy to have a quick face-to-face with a colleague to discuss a student’s particular situation. So, as of September 2021, the team of study advisors has been expanded with a Dedicated Well-being Officer (DWO). With a background in psychology, they focus mainly on the well-being and mental health of our students. They do so by talking with them, offering guidance, and organizing workshops.

During the first part of this academic year, we have been able to see and speak to students again. A new lockdown followed, which means we still worked mostly online. So our concern for the well-being of students remains. Luckily we find that our methods and services are appreciated. Students are pleased with the options to have online conversations, as it takes away a barrier to ask for help. It also means students don’t have to relocate for the appointments. The online conversations, office hours, and Q&As, as well as walking appointments, will remain part of our services. The team of study advisors is positive: we are still flexible, visible, and ready to help any student that needs us.