What does a student counsellor do? Rianne explains
Because it is sometimes difficult to find your way within the university, the student navigator 'Find your way' has been created: a handy road map showing you where to go with questions. The student counsellors can also be found on this roadmap. Rianne Vink, one of the student counsellors, explains what a student counsellor does.
What does the work of a student counsellor entail?
Rianne: ‘The work of a student counsellor is generally practical. When issues such as a disability, mental illness, care responsibilities or top sports have a negative impact on your studies, you can go to the student counsellor. We will then have a conversation with you and give advice based on that conversation. This advice is shared, after consultation with the student, with the Board of Examiners of the faculty, because they are responsible for implementing the advice.’
What is the difference between a student counsellor and study advisors?
‘One difference is that a student counsellor is not tied to a faculty. The student counsellor is university-wide, so the same adjustments are offered at all faculties. The student counsellor has an advisory role, and you normally only have one conversation with them. A study advisor is more involved with the programme and can give you good advice on your study planning if you experience a delay in your studies.’
What do you like most about your job?
‘The thing I like most is being able to help students. It's nice when someone walks out the door more cheerful than they arrived. Besides that, there are always cases that stay with you. Some students can't finish their studies because of personal circumstances. That's tough to hear. But as student counsellor I can sometimes bring a little relief, for example by informing students how they can convert their student debt into a gift.
We also arrange a buddy for students with autism, a senior student from the same programme who meets with them once a week. The students can ask their buddy all the questions they might have. When you see a student for the first time, you notice that he or she might be very nervous. It is great to see that these conversations are successful just a few weeks later. The nerves are gone and the conversations with the buddy have been helpful. Also, the buddy often enjoys it very much. It is always nice to see how it gives some form of satisfaction on both sides.'
What advice would you like to give students?
‘When in doubt, send an e-mail. Even if you are not sure whether you are at the right address with the student counsellors. If we can't help you, we can at least point you in the right direction. And always sound the alarm on time, no matter what.’
Text: Annemieke van Es