Student guidance

Your study aDVISER IS YOUR first POINT OF CONTACt iN the educational programme.

Every programme has its own study adviser, who knows everything about the educational programme.

Study adviser BA

Your first contact in the educational programme is with your study adviser. Every programme has its own study adviser, who knows everything about the educational programme. The study adviser will monitor study progress, and will advise and assist students with study-related issues such as study choices, progress, process, and planning and carrying out assignments. The study adviser will also help and advise students about their academic skills, studying under specific personal circumstances, and about rules and regulations.

WHEN TO CONTACT THE STUDY ADVISER?

At the University, you are expected to be self-reliant and to organize many things yourself. Especially when you are just starting your studies, you may have a difficult time finding your way around. Sometimes getting help can be useful or even necessary. During your studies or while preparing for your future career, you may encounter issues you can discuss with your study adviser.

How to get in touch?

You can make an appointment by using the planner: https://bms.planner.utwente.nl/. You can reach us by email at: studyadvisers-iba-ba-bms@utwente.nl. 

REASONS TO VISIT THE STUDY ADVISER

A conversation with your study adviser is usually a good first step. You can go to the study adviser if you have any questions about your studies, studying, or about private matters that affect your studies, for example:

  • About your privacy

    The study adviser will make notes during the meeting with you and enter these in Osiris. You are able to see these notes yourself. Notes are only shared with other study advisers of the programme, unless you ask to label notes as strictly confidential. Notes are never shared with someone outside the programme, unless you have given permission to do so. 

    If you make a formal request with the Examination Board, the study adviser will be asked for their advice. They will only share information that you have agreed to share. The study adviser may be asked for advice if you have made a request with the Committee for Personal Circumstances. They will only share information that you have agreed to share. As a member of the National Association of Study Advisers (LVSA), all study advisers will adhere to the LVSA code of conduct. 

Additional support

If you encounter any problems during your studies, need extra help in addition to the guidance provided by your study adviser, or if you just want help to develop yourself, the links below may offer extra support and help. Student Affairs Coaching & Counselling (SACC) is offering a range of professionals and services (such as student psychologistscareer counsellingconfidential advisors, and contact persons) who are independent and not linked to your programme. Be aware that by clicking these links, you will leave the programme’s website: you will be redirected to the page of SACC, UT Language Centre, or the Student Union. 

Student well-being

The university offers special web pages on the topic of well-being. If you encounter mental health problems or do you know someone who does? Check the student well-being pages or contact your study adviser for advise.

Confidential advise - unacceptable behaviour 

If you have dealt with unacceptable behaviour, the confidential advisor for students is the person to contact.

The University of Twente wants to offer students and staff a socially safe environment. In such an environment, respect, integrity, honesty, and paying attention to other people should be the standard way of interacting with one another. Nevertheless, it may occur that students are approached by a fellow student or an employee of UT in a way that is unacceptable to them, or that they have witnessed such a situation. Examples of unacceptable behaviour are intimidation or sexual harassment, discrimination, aggression, violence, and bullying. Such unacceptable behaviour can reduce your sense of security and pleasure in your studies. It can lead to stress and mental or physical complaints. Therefore, do not ignore such behaviour and please talk to someone about it. 

Do you prefer to talk to a student?

If so, a Confidential Contact Person (CCP) is the person to contact. They are trained to be peer listeners and will keep everything you share with them completely confidential. They support you if you are struggling with something, no matter how big or small of an issue it is. Let’s talk about it! 

WHAT IS UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR? 

Unacceptable behaviour may take on many forms. You must decide for yourself what kind of behaviour is unacceptable to you.  This may be direct or indirect behaviour that affects your personal integrity in any sense: verbally, non-verbally or otherwise physically; online, by telephone or in writing, or in online text, voice, image or video messages. Unacceptable behaviour includes (sexual) intimidation, aggression, violence, bullying and discrimination.   

Some forms of unacceptable behaviour are obvious to everyone. Other forms can be more subtle, like intrusive messages, more than average interest from a teacher, or repeatedly being addressed on your appearance or nationality. It could also happen that you witness unacceptable behaviour. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF? 

In case of unacceptable behaviour, it is important to act. Ignoring it for too long can possibly lead to stress and mental or physical complaints. 

To stop unwanted behaviour, it is important that you address it. It may be that the causer is not aware of the fact that they are a burden to you. You can contact the person who is exhibiting the unwanted behaviour and point out that you are bothered by this. Tell them that you experience their actions as unwanted, offensive. or even threatening. You can also ask someone whom you trust to talk to that person, such as a teacher, your student adviser, or a fellow student. You can also contact the confidential advisor

ROLE OF A CONFIDENTIAL ADVISOR 

The confidential advisor for students is there to lend an ear in situations of unacceptable behaviour or unequal treatment. They are independent and have a duty of confidentiality towards others, such as lecturers and offices within the University. 

The confidential advisor will always be on your side and will offer moral and emotional support. They will help you investigate which steps you can take and identify the (dis)advantages of each step. For example, the confidential advisor can guide you in talking to the person causing the problem or in taking possible next steps. One possibility is to file a formal complaint or report an incident if all your attempts to change the situation have failed to help. But it is also possible that just talking to a confidential advisor is sufficient for you. 

The confidential advisor guides you through the entire process and the possible steps that you might want to take. In this process, you are always the person who decides on what to do. Nothing will happen without your explicit consent. You will always be in control and decide whether or not to take a certain step or action. 

In all situations, your anonymity will be guaranteed.

WHAT A CONFIDENTIAL ADVISoR DOES NOT DO?  

The confidential advisor for students will not act as a mediator, will never intervene in legal processes, or will not have to ascertain the truth as their purpose. 

File a complaint

If, after one or more conversations with a confidential advisor, you have decided to submit a formal complaint, you can do so by sending your complaint in writing to the complaints desk. A confidential advisor can help you formulate and submit the complaint.

CONTACT 

If you like to make an appointment? Contact SACC secretariat (+31 53 489 2035) or write an e-mail to: confidential-advisor-students@utwente.nl