HSE University Situation Centre Assists Over a Thousand Students
HSE Rector Nikita Anisimov met representatives of the HSE Situation Centre to discuss the results of its volunteers’ efforts. The meeting focused on new forms of support and the problems faced by students.
At present, nine coordinators and 72 volunteers are involved in Situation Centre’s activities. Over 600 applications have been processed over the last three weeks, and the Centre has contacted over 500 students to find out whether they are experiencing any difficulties or need any help. More than a thousand students have received help from the Centre’s coordinators and volunteers.
Many of the applications (41%) are requests to switch from on-site to online learning. Some students are abroad and cannot return to Russia due to flight bans, while others plan to leave due to various circumstances. Another reason given for switching to online learning or taking a leave of absence was a difficult emotional state. The second most-common reason for applications was the need for financial (19%) or psychological (10%) aid.
The HSE Situation Centre has become a role model for ten partner universities, including FEFU, Tomsk State University, and others.
Other topics discussed at the meeting with the Rector included the expansion of the Centre’s activities and the implementation of new forms of assistance. Student representatives said that HSE University had managed to improve and expand the scope of psychological help available, but there is room for further development. Last week, the university finished collecting applications from HSE psychology students for the first wave of a course to train volunteers in peer-to-peer counselling. Over 50 applications were processed. Successful applicants will go on to take a course at the HSE Centre for Psychological Counselling, after which they will be able to offer pre-counselling. Students will be able to spot volunteers on campus by their corresponding badges or find them via a dedicated Telegram bot. This will ensure that students get the necessary support, and that those who need specialist help will be referred to the Centre for Psychological Counselling. Plans are underway to expand the team of volunteer psychologists and create support groups administered by students.
Another innovation is prepaid lunches, which appeared in university cafeterias last week. Any staff member or student can buy a coupon for a set meal and hang it in a dedicated place so that students who are having financial difficulties can take the coupon and get a free lunch. There is no limit on the number of coupons that can be purchased. Set meals at HSE cafeterias currently cost 180 roubles, and the new initiative allows students in financial difficulty to save money.
The Rector praised the Situation Centre’s activities and urged them to keep up their team spirit.
To apply for a consultation, please contact the Centre via email at help@hse.ru or call +7(495) 628-53-20.
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