Creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone

Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences has taken a significant step forward in supporting the well-being of its students by implementing comprehensive support systems to address both personal and confidential issues. This step underlines the institution's commitment to ensuring the mental health and holistic development of its students. Wittenborg especially values the safety and well-being of its students as it emphasises the three pillars of the school: internationalisation, diversity and ethics. 

WUAS understands that the journey through higher education can present numerous challenges and difficulties beyond academic study. To address these issues, the school has introduced two crucial support staff: the Student Counsellor and the Student Confidential Advisor.

Student Counsellor: A beacon of support

The Student Counsellor, Rens Platteel -de Clercq, provides a safe and confidential space for heart-to-heart conversations, offering guidance and information on a wide range of non-educational challenges and personal issues. These include, but are not limited to integration within the community, motivation, feelings of loneliness and homesickness, relationships and family circumstances, health and illness and care.

It is important to note that the Student Counsellor is not a medical professional and does not provide medical treatment. In case of suspected disorders or mental health problems that require specialised or long-term treatment, students are referred to the appropriate medical professionals.

The student counsellor works on a flexible schedule, with three hours a week of walk-in consultations. In the even weeks, there are morning sessions from 9:00 to 12:00, while in the odd weeks, there are afternoon sessions from 13:00 to 16:00. Students can easily book a walk-in appointment, which usually takes 15-20 minutes, by registering directly with Rens Platteel -de Clercq. Furthermore, students can schedule follow-up sessions within the same month, with a total duration of about 1.5 hours per person, divided into one or more sessions based on their needs. Registration is possible by sending an email to rens@platteel.nl or calling 06-45268720.

Student confidential advisor: A protector of safety

Ensuring a safe learning environment is of paramount importance to WUAS. That is why the institution has enlisted the expertise of an external student confidential advisor, Jacqueline Horstman. She acts as an independent and confidential point of contact for students who have experienced unacceptable or undesirable behaviour within Wittenborg, either as a victim or as a witness. Topics covered include bullying, sexual harassment, sexual intimidation, violence and aggression, threats and discrimination.

Jacqueline offers moral and emotional support while informing the complainant about possible solutions. She explores with students the different steps they can take and weighs the pros and cons of each option. Importantly, all actions are taken with the student's explicit consent. Jacqueline can also help with reporting the problem and filing a complaint, offering guidance throughout the process.

The trustee system is designed with the idea that making a complaint is more accessible and easier. Students can contact Jacqueline directly by phone or e-mail without involving WUAS. After receiving the student's request, Jacqueline will immediately make an appointment, which can be made online or at her office in Zutphen. She can be contacted by sending an email to jacqueline@mekander.nl or calling 0575-547455. In case Jacqueline is not available, a substitute contact person is present to ensure continuous support.

By introducing a Student Counsellor and Student Confidential Advisor, WUAS wants to ensure student safety at the school. In this way, the school aims to create a pleasant and inclusive environment where everyone can flourish and be themselves.

WUP 8/10/2023
by Niels Otterman
©WUAS Press