The period of studying, which is associated with personal development and acquiring new competences, is also linked to considerable stress, performance pressure and the need to find one’s place in a new social environment
– says Bartosz Stępień, Head of the Support and Accessibility Centre.
In such a situation, universities cannot limit themselves solely to the teaching process. Systems of psychological and educational support are becoming increasingly important, helping students cope with difficulties and continue their studies despite health problems.
Mental Health Disorders and Student Functioning
The most common mental health problems among students include anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. There is also a growing number of students diagnosed with neurodiversity, such as ADHD, autism spectrum conditions or dyslexia.
The consequences of disorders and/or neurodiversity extend far beyond the sphere of health. They may affect concentration, memory, organisation of work, the ability to participate in classes or to build social relationships. Students often struggle with reduced motivation, fear of public speaking, difficulties in fulfilling academic obligations and a sense of exclusion.
Stigma remains an additional challenge. Fear of being judged by others means that many students decide not to disclose their difficulties or seek professional help. Therefore, institutional support should include not only psychological assistance but also educational activities aimed at reducing stereotypes related to mental health.
Support and Accessibility Centre – A Response to Students’ Needs
At the University of Lodz, the unit responsible for supporting students, doctoral students and candidates for studies is the Support and Accessibility Centre. Its activities focus on equalising educational opportunities and ensuring accessibility of the educational process for people with disabilities, chronic health conditions and various difficulties affecting their studies.
The mission of the Centre is to create a friendly, accessible and inclusive academic environment. Its activities include both psychological support and assistance in adapting the teaching process to the individual needs of students.
A Wide Range of Available Support
The Support and Accessibility Centre offers many forms of assistance, which can be divided into several main areas.
The first is psychological support. Members of the academic community can benefit from individual psychological consultations, first emotional aid and assistance in crisis situations. Psychoeducation, which helps develop competences related to coping with stress, time management and building psychological resilience, i salso an important element of the Centre’s activities.
Stress is a natural part of studying and facing new challenges. The point is not to eliminate it from our lives, because stress informs us about something. What is important, however, is to learn to understand it, recognise our reactions and use tools that help us regain balance and act despite tension
– says Beata Majcher-Materka, a psychologist at the Support and Accessibility Centre.
The second area is educational support. It includes consultations concerning learning difficulties and the preparation of recommendations enabling the adaptation of the teaching process to students’ individual needs. Such adjustments may include, among other things, changes in forms of course completion, extended examination time or the possibility of using alternative methods of participation in classes.
Studying is a time of development, new experiences and challenges. For people with disabilities, some situations may require additional solutions or adaptations, but this is precisely why the Support and Accessibility Centre operates – to jointly seek the best ways of overcoming difficulties. It is not about coping with everything on one’s own, but about knowing where to find appropriate support and being able to fully benefit from the opportunities that studies offer
– says Dagmara Michałowska-Gudała, education consultant at the Support and Accessibility Centre.
An important component of the Centre’s work also includes development workshops, relaxation training, support groups and classes related to mental health.
Accessibility as the Foundation of Support
Modern student support is not limited only to the assistance of specialists. Architectural, digital and communication accessibility are equally important
– states Bartosz Stępień, Head of the Centre.
The Support and Accessibility Centre ensures the possibility of in-person, telephone and online contact. Students can use electronic forms, remote consultations and support from Polish Sign Language interpreters. These activities significantly increase the accessibility of services for people with diverse needs and limitations.
Raising awareness across the entire academic community i salso an imprtant aspect. Training sessions for teaching and administrative staff help them better understand the needs of students with mental health disorders and counteract stigma.
We place emphasis on full accessibility of the educational process, inclusion and equality of all members of the academic community
– concludes Bartosz Stępień.
Text: Support and Accessibility Centre Team, University of Lodz
