FOSTERING HEALTH AND WELLBEING: KARELIA UNIVERSITY JOINS UCO FOR A STAFF WEEK

On the second week of October, the University of Cordoba had the pleasure of welcoming Leena Hiltunen and Päivi Laakkonen, from the Student Welfare Office at Karelia University of Applied Sciences for a staff week focused on sharing practices and promoting student wellbeing. During their visit, our guests met with UCO's different units working on health and wellbeing, engaging in meaningful conversations about student support and inclusion.

During this staff week, they had the opportunity to explore UCO’s commitment to student support, inclusion, equality, and wellbeing. Guided by Prof. Silvia Abad Merino, the group met with the university’s Psychological Unit, which plays a key role in supporting students as well as academic and administrative staff. They were also introduced to the Tutorial Action Plan, a programme that helps students grow both academically and personally through mentoring and individual guidance. One of the highlights of the week was a visit to a local school, where participants observed teaching practices and community engagement in action. A meeting with the Inclusion Area offered insight into inspiring initiatives such as UCOincluye, a university-level course combining classroom learning and company internships to build personal and employability skills for young people with intellectual or developmental disabilities and thus, foster inclusion and equal opportunities. The group also learned about the III Equality Plan between Women and Men, from the Equality Unit and the Equity Network, which reflects the university’s continued commitment to gender equality. Further discussions took place with the International Relations Office and the INVEST Office, focusing on international cooperation and mobility opportunities. The week concluded with a thoughtful session with representatives from the Vice-Rectorate for Health and Wellbeing of the University Community, with contributions from Rafael Solana Lara (Vice Rector for Health and Wellbeing), Manuel Rich Ruiz (Director General of Health), and María Dolores Redel Macías (Director of Prevention).

It was a real pleasure to welcome our colleagues from Karelia and to share this week of learning and connection. We look forward to keeping in touch and seeing new collaborations grow from this inspiring first exchange.