Karelia Univer­sity of Applied Sciences devel­ops student well-being

As a result of the Korona pandemic, previ­ously active student commu­ni­ties have changed dramat­i­cally due to the increase in distance educa­tion and restric­tions on meeting. The number of credits and degrees in degree educa­tion has increased and the number of persons having completed less than 20 credits per year has decreased. Based on the key figures, things are in good shape, but as the corona pandemic prolongs, it is partic­u­larly impor­tant to pay atten­tion to the well-being of students and to support it.

Since 2013, Karelia Univer­sity of Applied Sciences has been using an early support model, the aim of which has been to reduce drop-outs and to actively support the smooth progress of studies. The three main elements of the oper­at­ing model are infor­ma­tion systems that support the moni­tor­ing of the progress of studies, the strength­en­ing of a commu­nity culture and an atmos­phere of medi­a­tion together with the student union POKA, and well-func­tion­ing and clearly defined study coun­selling practices.

– During the corona crisis, the impor­tance of personal contacts in terms of the progress of studies and well-being in study­ing has become more impor­tant. In March 2021, Karelia contacted all degree students in person. The aim of the contact is to support the progress of studies, prevent social exclu­sion and offer and seek support for the chal­lenges of study and life, says Vice Prin­ci­pal Pekka Auvinen.

The support services at Karelia UAS, such as the services of Student Well­fare Officer, have been trans­ferred online. Accord­ing to Auvinen, Karelia is currently engaged in the recruit­ment process of another student welfare officer. A person who is also qual­i­fied as a special educa­tion teacher is sought for the job. The need for special educa­tion teacher compe­tence has grown clearly in recent years. In addi­tion, Karelia enhances commu­ni­ca­tion on online teach­ing rules, methods and tools that support inter­ac­tion. Karelia and the student union POKA have together built new ways of estab­lish­ing low-thresh­old contacts and strength­en­ing commu­nal­ity. The devel­op­ment work takes into account the needs of inter­na­tional degree students and differ­ent cultural backgrounds