Ekaterina Glas | Faces of FEB

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The Faculty of Economics and Business is a faculty with a great diversity of people who all have an impact, big or small, on science and society. But who are these people? Within ‘Faces of FEB’ we connect with different students, staff members and researchers of the faculty and give a little peek into their world. This week: Ekaterina Glas, the student well-being officer of FEB.

1. Could you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi! I’m Ekaterina. I’m a student well-being officer at FEB. My mission is to support the students to manage stress in a healthy way during the university years and to take these skills when starting a career and adult life. From my personal experience I know the importance of well-being when you are a student.

2. You are the student well-being officer of FEB, what do you do exactly?

As a student well-being officer I am looking at what is currently available in relation to the student well-being in our faculty, programs, student associations, student advice, FEB career services and external parties. Also, making sure that the students know how to find them and who to contact. In addition, I am looking into new services, facilities and events, which we can offer to our students to help them improve their well-being. The vision of the University of Groningen is investing in the student potential and focusing on creating the environment for the students where they feel as a part of the community, where they feel good, can study better and become more confident to integrate into the labor market. The main focus pillars are: creating awareness, prevention, detecting first signs (where my role comes in), and intervention (support services). Personal development, building sustainable relationships with others, connecting and fighting loneliness are the main themes around student well-being.

3. Why is the job of a well-being officer so important?

There is a demand for advocating for students' needs. The offer of student support for mental health and well-being needs to increase because it contributes to a safe student climate. It also helps the students to become more resilient and deal with challenges. A student who feels safe and happy will be able to study better and achieve greater results not just academically, but as a person and professionally.

Time at the university is for development and growth, however, it can also be challenging. You are learning to live independently, need to adjust to a new environment, and you might have a side job. You have academic commitments, want to engage in social activities, and dedicate time to family and friends. You also want to pursue your hobbies and relax. Balancing everything can be a tall order for a student. Building new relationships, discovering who you are, and interacting with others can also add stress to your daily life.

Stress to some extent is a normal part of being a student. However, when too much stress starts affecting your emotional and physical state and creating problems in your life, it may hinder your success. Therefore, to be able to unleash your true potential, you need to have the skills to manage stress in a healthy way.

4. What is your goal?

The main reason for me to become a student well-being officer is my own experience when I was a student. I wish I had more opportunities to develop life skills and learn to manage stress during my University years. This is why I am on a mission to bring more focus on personal development and mental health in higher education. My goal is to help the students gain the skills, which will help them to be successful and thrive academically and in their personal and professional life. Of course, I will not be doing it alone. I initiated a set up of a student well-being task force, which is a diverse group of experts (teachers, student advice, PhD candidate and students) who will be working with me on developing a student well-being strategic roadmap and implementing the student well-being vision for FEB.

5. Is there anything you would like to say to the students?

Do not hesitate to reach out for help when you need it, we are there for you. I get it, it might be tough to admit to yourself that you need help, but you do not need to deal with challenges on your own, especially if you feel like you are not equipped for that.

Also, if you want to be a part of the well-being task force or want to share your ideas about improving student well-being, sharing best practices, please email me at: e.a.glas rug.nl.