Training on student well-being 

It is important that staff who support students are alert to warning signs in students and know how to start a conversation and refer them to other services if necessary. Student and Educational Affairs (SEA) and Student Support Services offer training in ‘conversation techniques’ and ‘studying with a disability’, for instance. The range of training in conversation skills and coaching will increase shortly. If you are interested, please contact Sonja Wagenaar.

New Heroes Academy 

Leiden University staff can participate in New Heroes Academy. This offers both online and blended (a combination of online and classroom learning) skills training, as well as coaching. An overview of the full range of training can be downloaded here. Do the personal development scan to get a selection of training courses that match your needs and learning requirements. You do not need a budget or permission from your manager to follow these courses and coaching.  

Staff symposium

An annual staff symposium is organised, focusing on student welfare. The symposium aims to inspire employees and to exchange ideas/experiences. For example, how can you as an employee contribute to student welfare? Where can you refer to? And what can you do yourself and how do you enter the conversation?

Previous editions:

• 2022: From abstract term to concrete tools
• 2023: Translating student well-being from vision into practice

Watch the livestream of the 2023 keynote speeches here.

Save-the-date

The second edition of the symposium is scheduled for Tuesday 2 april 2024.

Diversity and inclusion

Diversity and inclusion is one of the University’s core values. For more information and training on how to promote an inclusive work and study environment, see the Diversity and Inclusion Expertise Office.

Online suicide prevention training

The 113 organisation offers free online training (in Dutch) on how to approach conversations in which students say they are thinking of suicide. The training consists of three lessons: identify the signs, talk about it and seek help together. Alongside the online training, 113 has a free, anonymous app that you can download from the App Store and Google Play Store. The app provides information and more interaction than the online training programme.