Although a number of initiatives originated from ideas by students, such as the Confidential Contact Persons (CCP), this is the first time concrete plans from students are solicited this directly and come with a budget to implement them. A total of sixty thousand euros has been freed up. “Previous campaigns focused on associations, but now we would like to give the opportunity to all students and groups to come up with initiatives that are geared towards a diverse and large group of students. We attach great importance to their ideas, thoughts, and needs,” says Raiser, project advisor and organizer on behalf of Education and Student Affairs.

The money comes from the university’s wellbeing budget. Previous initiatives were funded by the National Education Programme, which was set up to tackle students’ academic, social and mental problems during COVID. Raiser: “That program was extended until the end of this year. To be able to continue with all of those initiatives, we’ve now freed up money structurally, including for this project. We intend to repeat this initiative every year, as long as ideas keep coming in.”

Raiser emphasizes student wellbeing is a broad concept for the university. According to the current definition in TU/e’s vision on student wellbeing, it doesn’t only touch upon mental wellbeing, but also upon things like whether students can make a contribution to the academic community and society at large. “Those aspects are important to include when we talk about student wellbeing and plans we hope to get in under the flag of this initiative.”

Sauna

Does that mean any plan goes? “Anyone can submit a plan, but we do look at feasibility, sustainability and the number of students that will actually benefit,” says Raiser. “The other day we heard about an idea to build a sauna at the university. I told the people concerned they’re welcome to submit the plan, but they shouldn’t get their hopes up.” In other words, the plans do need to meet a number of criteria, which can be found on the project website.

After the COVID lockdowns, several initiatives were launched to improve student wellbeing. Part of the funds were allocated to the student associations. “That worked out really well, but we did see a few occasions were the money was used for activities that would’ve also happened without the budget, like parties and a bowling outing. Which isn’t a bad thing in itself because people were in dire need of being reconnected, but those aren’t the kind of plans we’re looking for this time around. Although it did serve to inspire this project and to motivate the Executive Board to free up money for this on a yearly basis.”

In fact, a few thousand euros of the budget was already spent: a plan by the Federation of Study Associations Eindhoven (FSE) was implemented with priority. “On March 11, they’re hosting this big workshop on burnout prevention.” The event will be kicked off by Karin Bloemen, a famous Dutch comedian who struggled with a burnout herself. “She will be followed by a session on burnouts hosted by TINT, the organization that helps students answer life questions. All students will be welcome to join.”

Raiser does point out that even though people are most welcome to suggest these kinds of one-off initiatives, she’s also looking for structural plans. “We also want to facilitate students who dare to dream big. This budget is our way of telling them: we hear you, we are listening to your plans and we have the money to turn them into a reality.”

Student wellbeing

The latest national monitor on mental health by the Trimbos Institute shows that many students are suffering from psychological complaints. Half of the students who completed the questionnaire indicated they experience these complaints in their studies, personal lives, and other important areas. In conjunction with the costs of daily life, studying in particular turns out to be very stressful.

Recently, TU/e itself carried out a pilot study into student wellbeing. Despite the low number of respondents (429), it provides an insight into how part of the student population is feeling. For instance, 49 percent of students indicated they feel a connection to TU/e, they don’t experience loneliness and they are confident they can count on other people. Twenty percent did indicate they feel lonely from time to time.

Students have until April 1 to submit their plans using this link. Raiser: “We didn’t put a cap on the number of plans, but we do process them on a first-come-first-serve basis.” All plans submitted by April 1 will be assessed against a range of criteria. If there’s any money left in the till after April 1, a new round will be started.