Studielink question
During the application procedure in Studielink, you will be asked the following question (among others):
“The University of Groningen wants to make sure that students who need study support are kept well informed. This may include providing information for students with a functional impairment (dyslexia, AD(H)D, ASD) or a chronic illness, etc. Or for students who are interested in receiving support for no particular reason.
Would you like to receive information on this subject?”
We would like to explain why we ask you this question and how answering this question with 'yes' can help you during your (preparations for) life as a student.
Why do we ask this question?
We ask this for two reasons:
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Inclusivity: The University of Groningen wants all students, including those with disabilities or health problems, to be able to participate fully in student life. This includes certain facilities such as extra time for exams.
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Study support for everyone: Students without disabilities or health problems can also benefit from extra support, such as a workshop on effective study methods or a course on presentation skills.
Studielink is a suitable medium for identifying the target group, so that we can provide initial information before or during the summer vacation. This gives you the time and peace of mind to process the information, take timely action if necessary, and start your studies well prepared. Examples include requesting the desired exam facilities, finding a study buddy, or enrolling in a course to improve your study skills.
If I answer “Yes”, does that indicate that I have a functional impairment or health problem?
No: if you answer "Yes", you only indicate that you would like to receive information about study support facilities. Students without disabilities or health problems are often interested in this information too, and therefore regularly select the answer "Yes".
We deliberately do not distinguish between these groups, because some students find it difficult to indicate that they have a disability or health problems. Your answer therefore does not reveal this information.
Does my answer affect my chances of admission and/or selection for a degree programme?
No. Your answer will only be used to send you relevant information, if you answer “Yes”. Your answer will not be used...
- ...to assess your application
- ...to decide whether or not to admit you to a degree programme
- ...in the selection process of a selective degree programme
- ...etc.
Am I obliged to answer this question?
You use Studielink to apply for a programme. Answering this question is not mandatory, and your admission does not depend on it. If you choose to “Skip this question,” the application process will continue as normal.
What is the difference between the options “No” and “Skip this question”?
If you are not interested in this information, it does not matter whether you choose “No” or “Skip this question.” The University of Groningen offers both options due to privacy regulations. In either case, you will not receive the information and nothing further will happen with your answer.
Who will be able to see my answer?
If you answer the question with “No” or “Skip this question”, your answer will not be seen or used by anybody. If you answer “Yes”, your answer will be seen and processed by:
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One of the seven student counsellors at the University of Groningen. They will use your answer to send you relevant information by email.
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One or more study advisors at the faculty responsible for your degree programme. The study advisors may send you additional relevant information, depending on the degree programme and the faculty in which you are studying.
Will my answer be treated confidentially?
Yes: the student counsellors and study advisors at the University of Groningen work according to a professional code of confidentiality. This means that they will never share your information with others without your permission. Your answer to this question will therefore remain private.
What kind of information can I expect to receive?
Around or during the summer vacation (well before the new academic year), you will receive information about this subject by email. Around the start of the academic year, you will also receive an email with a link to specific informational videos. These emails will be sent by the student counsellors at the University of Groningen. In some programmes (not all), the study advisor will also send an additional email around or after the start of the academic year.
During your studies, you can expect to receive a newsletter from the Student Service Centre a few times a year with up-to-date information on this subject. You can unsubscribe from this newsletter at any time if you wish.