The VUB strives to encourage students with lower academic results to get academic guidance as early as possible in the pace. First-year students in an (abbreviated) Bachelor, transitional or preparatory program who obtained less than 60% of their credits in the first semester, are invited to and, subsequently, expected to attend these talks. This is not only done on part of the study guidance team but also by the deans of the various faculties who strongly encourage their students to participate.
 
What happens during a study progress talk is that a student sits together with a study guidance counsellor and discusses ways to improve their study skills and subsequently achieve better results. This can be achieved either via personalised one-on-one coaching, making some changes in their study programme, participation in SGC workshops or by making some general life changes which could include opting out of studying temporarily.
 
“First and foremost, we are here to help the students. During a study progress talk we can identify what went wrong and figure out the right solution together.” – Rebecca (Student psychologist)
 
Students can take advantage of these study progress talks between 16 February and 3 March 2017. They can go directly to their own study guidance counsellor or make an appointment via the link given in the email they receive. Those who want to still have a study progress talk after 3 March will not be left in the cold – the Study Guidance team is available all year round. Students can go directly to the contact desk.
 
"Of course all students who are having doubts about their chosen study trajectory are welcome to come over and make an appointment with us – our workshops are open to all the students!" – Romy (Learning Path Counsellor)
 
Students who for a second time fail to gain a satisfactory result – i.e. receive less than 60% of their minimum credits for which they are enrolled – will be subjected to binding conditions in order to continue further. Students who receive no credit during the academic year will be refused to continue their education at the university. By taking immediate action, informing students of all the options available and working together towards finding a common remedy, the study guidance team seeks to avoid students receiving these ‘binding conditions’ or being excluded from further study.
 
More information can be found via MY.VUB