ľ�ϸ���Ӱ��

On 19 January 2026, Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� organises the third edition of the symposium for staff members on student well-being. With the theme “Sense of Belonging: together at home at university (?)”, we will discuss how to create an environment in which everyone feels welcome, appreciated and given the space to develop. How do we actually do that, what obstacles do we encounter and what does it take to achieve such a culture? And what can you do yourself as a teacher, student counselor, policymaker, or administrator?

This edition was created in collaboration with the . In recent years, this university-wide project has worked intensively to gain insight into how the feeling of connection and belonging is created, and where and why it is sometimes lacking. These results have been incorporated into a , broken down by faculty, program, and student groups. 

During various parts of the symposium, the colleagues involved will share their experiences, findings, and the interventions that were subsequently developed, such as workshops for lecturers, reflective testimonials from students, and an information sheet. The first edition of the Belonging@UU magazine, which contains a summary of all the project results, will also be available for the first time during the symposium. 

Through these and various other related topics, such as neurodiversity, loneliness, and performance pressure, we will work together to address the question of how we can translate these insights into our daily work. The symposium will therefore not only be a place for reflection and dialogue, but also an opportunity to take concrete steps towards a university where a sense of belonging is central.

Research shows that a strong sense of belonging not only increases academic success and reduces dropout rates, but is also essential for well-being and motivation. This applies not only to students, but also to staff. That is why the symposium will also focus on your sense of belonging.

More information and the full programme will follow in early November.

Mark the date in your agenda, you are cordially invited! 

Are you not a UU employee but would you still like to register? Please send an email to studentwellbeing@uu.nl.

Logo: the watchful eye

The logo for this symposium is inspired by the Eye of Horus from Egyptian mythology, which symbolises protection and health. By developing a “watchful eye” for the well-being of students and staff, the university promotes a caring and supportive environment. The eye has features of the Utrecht ľ�ϸ���Ӱ�� logo and is an all-seeing eye for the overall well-being at the university.