Student Counsellors
Student Counsellors
Life happens. You don’t have to handle it alone. If something is affecting your studies like:
- Neurodivergence
- Chronic illness
- Disability
- Illness/Temporary Absence
- Mental Health & Well-being
- Personal situations
- Practical matters regarding finance, legal, re-enrolment and housing
You can reach out to Olga or Fay (student counsellors) at studentwellbeing@designacademy.nl. At DAE we want you to succeed.
Study support
If something is affecting your studies and you are struggling to keep up, please come and see us. We can help you apply for:
- Flexible, personalised study plans
- Extra assessment chances
- An exception to the 80% attendance requirement
We’ll guide you through the process of applying via the Examination Board. Your situation stays 100% confidential.
Personal support
You don’t need a “serious” problem. You can also talk to us about your wellbeing. Come and see us if you are feeling:
- overwhelmed
- stuck
- stressed
We’ll:
- Listen
- Think along with you
- Help you figure out next steps
- Connect you to external help if needed
Practical adjustments
Small changes can make a big difference. Depending on your situation or medical diagnosis we may be able to arrange:
- Adjusted exam or study conditions
- Customised furniture
- Other tailored support
There is also a Quiet room available for all students to take a pause, reflect or pray.
Don’t wait, Earlier = easier If you might need support: Reach out as soon as possible This helps avoid stress or delays later. studentwellbeing@designacademy.nl
New students
Starting at DAE with a disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence or other special circumstances? Plan a meeting with one of us before the end of October. We can:
- Discuss your needs
- Set things up early
- Avoid last-minute stress
- Be prepared for your first evaluations
Even if things are currently under control, this meeting helps us understand your needs in case your situation changes.
Already have therapy/support? Keep it if you can as setting this up in The Netherlands can take time.
Thinking about applying?
You can email a counsellor before you apply to ask questions or talk things through. studentwellbeing@designacademy.nl
“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.
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.
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.
Study delays can result in a need to adjust financial planning. Options for this can be limited, especially for international students
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.
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.