Soon: VU Wellbeing Week 10-14 November

The VU Wellbeing Week, from 10 to 14 November 2025, is all about that: a week full of workshops and events where students can work on personal development, meet new people and find a better study-life balance. Inform your students of the programme via Canvas or during your class.

Want to integrate wellbeing into your teaching practice?

Explore the VU CTL didactic tips: short articles with practical advice on how to truly connect with your students, create a safe and inclusive learning environment, and support students with specific learning or support needs. 

• A flying start: optimal bonding among students
  Strong connection with one’s studies and fellow students enhances student wellbeing. Discover four practical tips, based on experiences from VU students, to strengthen this sense of belonging and create an optimal learning environment.
• How do you improve student wellbeing?
  You interact with students not only in lectures or seminars, but also individually. How do you build meaningful connections in both settings? Learn how to do this and when and to whom you can refer students.
• Active learning begins with a safe learning climate
  A safe learning environment encourages students to participate actively and express themselves. When respectful interaction is clearly defined, there is room for honest discussion and collaboration.
• How to handle ‘hot moments’ in class
  ‘Hot moments’ arise when emotions of students with different perspectives escalate to the point of disrupting a lecture or learning process. By addressing these moments consciously, you create space for growth and mutual understanding.
• VU Pride tips & tricks for an inclusive learning environment
  How do you take gender and sexual diversity into consideration in your teaching? VU Pride, the network for and by LGBTQIA+ students and staff, shares six simple adjustments to instantly make your teaching more inclusive.
• Making Canvas accessible in 4 steps
  Want everyone to be able to use your Canvas course effectively, including students with dyslexia, visual or auditory impairments, or colour blindness? Use the accessibility checker and the step-by-step guide to make your pages universally accessible.
• Support for students with chronic illness
  Students with chronic conditions like arthritis or asthma may experience fluctuating energy and focus. Flexible deadlines and an open mindset can truly support them and give them space to fully develop their talents.
• How to support neurodivergent students in general
  Dyslexia, ADHD, or autism: neurodivergent students may face challenges in their studies. Inclusive education requires recognizing their support needs. Learn how to provide them with better support so they can successfully participate in and enjoy your classes.
• Supporting students with dyslexia
  Students with dyslexia may struggle with reading, spelling, concentration, multitasking, and planning. Small adjustments in your teaching, such as flexible assessment formats and diverse learning strategies, can greatly improve their academic experience.
• Supporting students with ADHD
  Students with ADHD often struggle with focus, planning, and sensory input. A predictable educational structure and clear instructions can be incredibly helpful to them.
• Supporting students with autism
  Autism means that someone processes information and stimuli differently than the average person, which can have both advantages and limiting consequences, especially in a learning environment not designed for it. Learn how to adapt your teaching to better support these students.

For an overview of all VU CTL didactic tips, please go to Tips for Active Blended Learning.