A North-West University (NWU) delegation is currently attending the seventh annual European Conference for Student Affairs and Services (ECSAS), taking place in Porto, Portugal, from 12 to 14 November 2025.
The NWU delegation from Student Life includes Dr Corrie Rheeder, Potchefstroom Campus chief director, Tshediso Tom, administrative assistant, Karen van den Berg, senior counselling psychologist, and Juan-Ri Schutte, senior industrial psychologist.
Ahead of the conference, on 11 November, representatives from the Student Life division at the NWU met with staff from Social Services of the University of Porto (SASUP) for a benchmarking and knowledge-exchange session.
The meeting provided a valuable platform for both institutions to share insights and best practices relating to student life, support structures and well-being. Key discussion points included student housing challenges, student leadership development and training, and holistic mental health and well-being strategies. The exchange underscored a shared commitment to creating supportive, inclusive environments that enable students to thrive academically and personally.
A central theme of the dialogue focused on mental-health frameworks, with both universities comparing their approaches, from early awareness and informal support mechanisms to structured clinical interventions offered through university healthcare systems. The University of Porto also showcased its innovative Bampup (boost–meet–bloom University of Porto) programme, a comprehensive well-being initiative that promotes mental-health awareness, resilience and peer support through proactive engagement and accessible student resources.
The visit concluded with a tour of integrated health and wellness facilities at SASUP, giving NWU delegates an opportunity to observe the coordinated approach of the University of Porto to student care in practice.
Both institutions expressed enthusiasm for continued collaboration and agreed to maintain contact for ongoing knowledge exchange and potential joint projects aimed at enhancing student well-being and development.
NWU showcases its commitment to holistic, inclusive student support
During the ECSAS conference, the NWU delegation delivered a compelling presentation titled “Cultural openness and psychological flexibility: expanding beyond the caveats of traditional Western mental health care services”.
The presentation highlighted how the values of care, inclusivity and respect for diversity at the NWU are embodied in its Student Life and psychological support services. Drawing on real experiences from campus life and student residences, the team illustrated the importance of culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approaches to mental health, as well as the collaborative role of staff and student
leaders in creating a campus culture in which every student feels seen, supported and safe.
Their message reflected the ongoing commitment of the NWU to being a transforming, student-centred university, where open dialogue and mutual understanding foster learning, healing and community strength.
As the NWU continues to build international partnerships and engage in global conversations about student development, the lessons shared and learned in Porto reaffirm the dedication of the university to nurturing the holistic well-being of its students, both at home and abroad.
From left are Karen van den Berg, senior counselling psychologist, Dr Corrie Rheeder, Potchefstroom Campus chief director, Juan-Ri Schutte, senior industrial psychologist, and Tshediso Tom, administrative assistant.
