Study advisors are the first point of contact for students and play an increasingly important role in guidance and referral. De Roos, a former clinical developmental psychologist, has worked as a study advisor at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam for four years. He started during the pandemic, when the vulnerability of especially international students became painfully clear.
Student well-being: a new term, but not a new theme
According to De Roos, the vulnerability seen during the pandemic marked a real turning point. “Before that, you’d still hear people say: ‘The university is not a mental health clinic.’ But by now it’s clear that we play an important role, and the university has taken responsibility for supporting students who face mental health challenges. That has significantly impacted the role of study advisors.”
In practice, this means that study advisors now have a broader set of responsibilities. “We’re the first point of contact for students with questions about anything from stress and social issues to choosing a minor or studying abroad.” The emphasis is on accessibility. “We want students to know where to find us.”
Reaching out to long-term students
“We need to be more proactive,” De Roos stresses. “We don’t wait for students to come to us. We reach out to long-term students and ask what’s going on.” Early identification and close collaboration with education coordinators and examination boards allow study advisors to refer students more quickly and effectively.
The close connection with the faculty also makes a big difference. “We know the curriculum, the transitional arrangements, and have a clear overview of the support options available. That helps enormously.”
As a lecturer, you can’t pick up on everything
De Roos brings a valuable perspective from his teaching experience. “As a lecturer, I felt how hard it is to spot students who are struggling,” he recalls. “You only see them briefly in seminars.”
Coming in late, being unusually quiet, or missing deadlines might seem minor signals, but they can be warning signs. “And if you’re not a mentor, you might not pick up on them. As a study advisor, I now know that it’s often those details that make all the difference.” Because: “Good support at an early stage can prevent students from falling further behind and help them get back on track more quickly.”
