Student Counsellors
DAE offers a range of support systems for different circumstances. These include:
→ Study facilities or support
Students are always welcome to talk with a student counsellor and discuss personal situations that may affect their studies.
Special circumstances can cause study delays. To prevent such delays, a student counsellor can offer advice and assist in accessing additional study facilities through requests to the Examination Board. For instance, the care team can assist in preparing a request for an individual study scenario, an extra assessment, or an exemption from the required 80% attendance in class. The Examination Board may ask the student counsellor whether there are special circumstances. Student counsellors will never disclose private information regarding special circumstances to the Examination Board.
→ Personal support
Students are welcome to talk to a student counsellor about their well-being. Olga and Mona are happy to listen and provide support in finding solutions. All conversations are always confidential (see statement on privacy on the right). A student counsellor can advise on how to set up external professional guidance.
→ Additional facilities
Students may require additional facilities to complete their studies as smoothly as possible. A medical diagnosis is needed to access some of these facilities. Neurodivergent students with a diagnosis may request, for instance, an adjusted setting and/or the use of a laptop. Facilities like customised furniture can be organised. A quiet room to rest or pray is available to all students.
REPORTING PROMPTLY
Students must inform a student counsellor as soon as possible if they have specific needs or so that facilities can be organised on time, avoiding unnecessary study delays.
INCOMING STUDENTS
Incoming disabled students, neurodivergent students, and students with other special circumstances should set up a meeting with a student counsellor as soon as possible, but by the end of October at the latest. This ensures that there is time to offer advice or organise facilities requiring documentation before the first evaluations. Even if all is currently under control with a prior disability, neurodivergence or other special circumstance, this meeting is important as it helps to be prepared if circumstances change. Incoming students with ongoing professional guidance for disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence or mental health are strongly advised to retain access to their professional support system. Switching to professional support in the Netherlands, close to DAE, may take some time to arrange.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS
Prospective students can consult a student counsellor before applying to study at DAE via email (addresses provided on the right).
“The term “neurodivergent” is used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning is considered to be different from the dominant societal norm. This includes individuals with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other conditions that affect the way a person thinks, learns, and communicates. Neurodivergence can be something you are born with, but it can also be acquired during your lifetime.”(1)
Disabled people include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments. DAE follows the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, article 26 which recognises and respects the right of persons with disabilities to benefit from measures designed to ensure their independence, social and occupational integration and participation in the life of the community
Everyone can get ill or have things happen in their lives leading to temporary absences, such as the death of a family member or an accident. For absence lasting one week or less during term inform your tutors. For absence close to exams or lasting longer than one week, contact a student counsellor (via email or in person) as soon as possible to discuss possibilities.
We know and understand it can be difficult to talk about personal well-being and mental and emotional issues. From experience we know talking about it can provide relief and we can make it easier to find support. Therefore, we kindly request you get in touch with a student counsellor.
Eindhoven is a relatively safe city, but students can still experience issues such as theft, harassment, discrimination or violence. Naturally, this can have a great impact. The student counsellors are always happy to listen and provide guidance.
Many DAE students are part of the lesbian, gay, bi+, trans, intersex, queer and asexual community. Sometimes you need some more support when you are discovering yourself. The student counsellors are always willing to lend an ear and provide guidance.
The Space of Stillness is available for prayer, meditation or contemplation (key at reception). If you require a break for prayer the student counsellors are happy to support informing tutors of your needs.
The student counsellors can support in locating and accessing practical matters. Below is an overview of various topics. All are welcome to talk to a student counsellor when more assistance is required, for instance if you get a legal looking letter in Dutch and need help understanding what it says.
Documentation: Submission of an official diagnosis or documentation can be required for requests to the Examination Board such as an alternative a study programme and for other potential adjustments. The student counsellors will discuss requirements during a conversation about potential options for support. This may be a statement from an external authorised professional. Naturally, this does not apply for mobility, visual and auditory impairments. This information is treated confidentially; details are not shared with the Examination Board.
Study delays can result in a need to adjust financial planning. Options for this can be limited, especially for international students
WHAT ARE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
Special circumstances are situations that temporarily or permanently impact your ability to study and can cause study delays. This term includes disabilities, illness, accidents temporarily impairing mobility, neurodivergence, pregnancy and delivery, or family issues such as a serious illness or loss of a loved one.
PRIVACY POLICY
All student information is protected by the European Parliament General Data Protection Regulation (2016/679), ratified in 2018 by the Dutch Uitvoeringswet Algemene verordening gegevensbescherming.
Student counsellors store sensitive information internally in a strictly confidential file. Only when necessary, and with consent from the student, will sensitive personal information be communicated to other people in the school. Private information regarding a special circumstance is never shared in the case of requests to the Examination Board or Executive Board: the student counsellor oversees the supply of the required documentation and advises the boards without specific reference to this information.