The Erasmus University College Brussels helps students at all times. The university college has made it a priority for the student to feel well at the institution and for the degree programme to be completed successfully. The university college has moreover a number of educational projects to offer young people as many opportunities as possible.
Each student starts with an admission interview, during which personal advice is provided and, where necessary, the right support from the outset. Depending on the demand, staff are available at the Erasmus University College Brussels to whom students can turn to discuss their problems with full discretion.
Counsellors answer questions about programmes of study: questions about the contents of a discipline, doubts as to whether you have made the right choice, a personalised programme of studies, dealing with a disability, etc. The counsellors provide personal advice and administrative counselling on programmes of study.
The Erasmus University College Brussels also has student counsellors who provide advice on study skills or personal problems. Thanks to the Tutoring project, second-, third- and fourth-year students help freshmen with their studies. When the step to the student counsellor is too big, tutors provide an initial solution. In so doing, we keep the threshold low, e.g. by having experienced fellow students give tips on study skills and methods.
Disputes about the legal position of the student, the study contract or the education and examination regulations can be referred to the Ombudsman/woman.
The Erasmus University College Brussels has also introduced curricular adjustments to prevent students from dropping out. We provide talent training to give students more time to acquire good studying techniques, for instance, and then to reconsider their education programme and career plans. We do this by spreading the first 60 ECTS over two years. The talent training project was introduced at the Dansaert Campus for social work, communication management, office management, and tourism and leisuremanagement. The Jette Campus organises a similar programme for education.
Special statuses for students
Different statuses have been created for students with needs. A number of practical measures may constitute a part of such a status: appropriate forms of examination, certain absences, specific instruction premises, assistance from fellow students.
Disability and education – studying with a disability: Students with a hearing, motor or vision impairment, a learning disability or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a chronic or medical condition or a mental health problem are eligible for this special status. Top-class sport and studies is a specific programme that counsels talented students on sport, studies and infrastructure. The Erasmus University College Brussels works in close cooperation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel on this programme.
The student representative status has been created for students who assume an administrative function (e.g. on the board of trustees, the student council, the department council, etc.). On the basis of their commitment, they are accorded the special status of student representative, which may entitle them to certain exemptions from the general education and examination regulation. Furthermore, they get extra credits. The university college thus wishes to reward participation and commitment from students and moreover to offer maximum support to student representatives.
Student services and activities
The Social Services Office of the Erasmus University College Brussels (known by the Dutch acronym “SOVEhB”) is responsible for student services and activities in the wide sense of those terms: study grants, student housing, student restaurants, social and legal advice, psychological support, athletic and cultural activities, student organisations and projects, student-employment service, health, etc.
The SOVEhB ensures also that visiting students at the Erasmus University College Brussels can study under optimal conditions. Check the website www.sovehb.be
