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Student Support Strategies in Times of Crisis

By: Ready Education on 06-Oct-2023 11:55:22

We recently released figures highlighting a number of alarming trends within the Higher Education sector, suggesting an emerging student crisis across Europe. We identified six main areas that particularly affect this year’s cohort. How can we develop the right student support strategies to help cope with these issues?

👉 More info and stats on these headlines here. 👈

Facing the student mental health crisis

In a recent webinar on “Student support and wellness strategies for a new term” (Times Higher Education), higher education experts have shared their institutions’ best practices to help students remain engaged and achieve their version of success in higher education.

Kevin Friese, assistant dean of students, health and wellness at the University of Alberta:

“We have a wellness support team that takes the time to connect the dots between all the factors impacting students. They identify the support that students need.”

“We have implemented a student experience action plan to hear about students’ experiences and gather the information the institution needs to formulate a strategy for student support over the next 3-5 years.”

“Once we have identified issues, we run co-creation workshops to come up with solutions with the students. We want them to have a take on the strategy.”

Helen Rowland, associate director of student support at the University of Southampton:

“We have created a student hub model. It’s a physical site on our campuses, designed to feel comfortable and accessible. It’s not a clinical place. Students can go there to get answers to all sorts of questions. We also have online support so that we’re available 24/7.”

Resources:
Download our guide on how to support student mental health and well-being in higher ed.
For more tips, read our articles:

Improving communication with students

Communications are generally poor in higher education institutions. Traditional channels like emails are not efficient anymore and universities have difficulties going digital. What can they do to increase communication with students?

Before anything else, you have to establish clear and consistent channels of communication, including social media, virtual office hours, student hubs, online platforms or apps to ensure students can easily reach out for support. One of the most important things to do if you want to improve your relationships with your students is to actively listen to their concerns and feedback. This will make them feel heard and valued. We also encourage providing regular updates on important information such as deadlines, changes in course format or campus policies to reduce uncertainty. And last but not least, offer flexible communication options, adapted to students’ preferences and needs for engagement.

Resources:

Ready to improve your communication strategy? Find some concrete and practical insights here:

Helping students overcome stress and pressure

Increasing numbers of students are reporting feeling stressed about their course or reporting difficulties in their education. But only 20% of students effectively seek professional help^1. How can you help them manage pressure?

Encourage open communication by creating a safe space for students to express their concerns and seek help.
Promote self-care practices like mindfulness, exercise and proper nutrition to enhance students’ well-being.
Offer services and resources to address emotional challenges (mental health, counselling, peer support groups).
Prioritise a healthy work-life balance to ensure students can cope effectively with the expectations.
Provide academic support: “We have personal academic tutors on campus. All the students have access to this service”, Helen Rowland.

Resources:

Here is an infographic to help your students face stress throughout their studies. And for more key tips to lower the pressure, read this article.

Fighting student loneliness

“I’ve just started uni and already I feel so alone. It’s freshers week and whilst I’ve only been here a couple of days I can’t help but feel like I’m missing out already when I see groups of friends walking past me.” - Anonymous - UK university student, September 2023

How can we avoid this kind of testimonials?

To encourage social interaction, provide support and guidance and foster a sense of community, you can: establish virtual and face-to-face student communities or clubs; offer regular check-ins with academic advisors or counsellors; organise online group study sessions or collaborative projects; encourage students to seek help when needed and host social events such as game nights, coffee hours, etc.

Resources:

Our recommendations to develop a sense of belonging among students and avoid social isolation:

Overcoming financial issues

On average, 25% of European students experience (very) serious financial difficulties². What can institutions do to help students who can’t afford accommodation or food?

Conduct continual surveys to get data on your prospective and current students and understand the root problems of these financial difficulties.
Host workshops to address questions like “what does a successful scholarship or bursary application need”, “which kinds of aid can go towards things beyond tuition?”
Rally people and provide much-needed information that inspires students to take full advantage of all their options.

Dealing with the student cost of living crisis

According to a survey that interviewed 3,000 students³ in the United Kingdom, 11% are facing homelessness. And with the rising cost of living, the issue is persisting. What can higher education institutions do?

Normalise discussing the heavily stigmatised issue of homelessness to make students feel more welcome and encourage them to ask for help.
Make resources accessible. Campus resources can sometimes be very hard to find. Resources for homeless students shouldn’t be a secret.
Work together with students to reduce the stigma. An institution can guide students to educate the campus on homelessness.

Resources:

How Institutions Can Better Support Students Experiencing Homelessness

Join the conversation

We’re offering a free webinar in partnership with UCISA and the University of Birmingham to explore what institutions can do to overcome the growing student crisis. It’s on Monday, November 20th at 11am GMT. Click here to register!

1 European University Association, July 2022
2 Higher Education Students’ Financial Difficulties, June 2021
3 Housing Insevurity Report, November 2022