A brand-new building has recently been added to Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat: the Student Centre. Students can go there for information, advice and guidance before, during and after their studies.
The first point of contact
Rob De Wilde is a Study Advice Officer and also takes on a front office role: "Since this academic year, you can find me in the brand new Student Centre on Sint-Pietersnieuwsstraat. Together with more than 70 colleagues, I will welcome you with open arms. From practical matters concerning enrolment and certificates to information about internationalisation, study advice, financial support or student jobs, we will work with you to find an answer.
Need someone to talk to? You are welcome here too. Perhaps you are not sure where to go with your question. No problem: just drop in and see us."
A listening ear
Hannah De Blaiser is a student psychologist: "When everything becomes too much, it's okay to seek help. You are not alone. Are you struggling with yourself? Are you experiencing (study) stress, worrying, fear of failure or procrastination? In an initial consultation, we will listen to your story and see what you need. Sometimes we will guide you further with your challenges or concerns, sometimes we will look for another form of help together – always with a warm referral.
We recognise how important a safe environment is. It is therefore very gratifying to see that students feel comfortable enough to share their experiences and emotions. That trust makes the job so much more rewarding.
Studying with a disability
Cindy De Graeve is the contact person for disabilities: "Do you need support during your studies because of a disability? Do you experience barriers because of a chronic illness, learning or developmental disorder, or a visual, auditory or motor impairment? If so, you can contact me or one of my colleagues to apply for special status. We will look at the procedures, your personal circumstances and which facilities are appropriate. Even after these steps, we will be happy to help you further during a workshop, meeting evening or individual conversation.
You don't have to struggle if something isn't working. We will listen to your story and think along with you about what is possible, so that you can tackle your studies with more confidence and the right support."
More than financial support
Annelies Cosyns, who works at the Social Services Department, says: ‘Many students think that you only go to Social Services when you have really big problems. But that's not true. You don't have to be in deep trouble to seek help. We are there to prevent things from getting that far.’
Originally, students mainly came to us with financial questions, but the role of the Social Services Department has become much broader. We notice that many students have to fend for themselves. Sometimes they encounter financial worries, sometimes administrative obstacles, and sometimes they just need someone to listen to them. We can do all of that. We help, support, refer and think along with you, always based on what you need."
In the new Student Centre, that threshold is even lower: it is a welcoming place where you can walk in without hesitation. You really don't have to do it alone.
"Wij willen écht tussen onze studenten staan"
Petra De Sutter: “Voor Herwig en mezelf is een universiteit meer dan een plek waar je studeert of onderzoek doet. Het is een gemeenschap, een thuis, waar iedereen zich gezien en gehoord moet voelen. Als rector en vicerector willen we er dan ook bewust voor kiezen om dicht bij onze studenten te staan. Daarom organiseren we vanaf dit academiejaar twee keer per jaar een Open Forum. Niet in een vergaderzaal of achter gesloten deuren, maar gewoon in een auditorium, tussen jullie in. We willen luisteren: wat leeft er bij jullie, welke zorgen hebben jullie, welke ideeën kunnen onze universiteit sterker maken?
Dat doen we omdat we geloven in een verbonden en zorgzame universiteit. Trots en verbondenheid ontstaan pas als we samen bouwen, en dat kan alleen als er ruimte is voor dialoog. We willen dat elke student weet dat zijn/haar/hun stem telt. We laten jullie vooraf de thema’s kiezen, en zorgen ervoor dat het gesprek zo laagdrempelig mogelijk wordt. Ook voor wie zich niet meteen durft uit te spreken. En natuurlijk zorgen we dat ook internationale studenten zich welkom voelen.
Luisteren is één ding, maar doen is minstens even belangrijk. We zullen na elk Open Forum helder communiceren wat er besproken werd en hoe we er mee aan de slag gaan.
We kijken ernaar uit om jullie te ontmoeten, om te horen wat jullie denken, voelen en verwachten. Want alleen samen kunnen we van de UGent een nog sterkere, warmere en trotsere universiteit maken.”
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