Both managers believe the sports center and ESA are a good match, especially due to their joint efforts in supporting student wellbeing.

Van Veen explains why he sought a different administrative layer than General Affairs: “Since it became clear that General Affairs is focusing more on strategy, I looked for a place where SSC fits best. We already have close contacts with ESA because we share the majority of our target group—students.”

Squad

During the Support Quality Drive, better known as Squad—the five-year initiative aimed at improving the quality of TU/e’s support services—these services were evaluated. “ESA works with multiple chains, such as Admissions, Student Guidance, and Wellbeing,” says Daisy van der Schaft. “In Wellbeing, we noticed that the service doesn’t function well as a chain; the steps don’t follow a fixed order. Support in wellbeing works better through a network, where you can refer and act more flexibly.”

That is why, starting this summer, a Student Wellbeing Network is being established, with Max van Veen as the network manager. “I’ll make sure it’s fully operational by February 2026. We’ll start with around twenty members, whose diverse backgrounds will cover all pillars of wellbeing: academic, financial, emotional and mental, social, and physical wellbeing.”

Long term

Students likely won’t notice immediately that SSC will be under ESA. But in the long term, they probably will, Van Veen suggests. “I want every student and staff member to feel at home at the SSC, including those from Fontys. Our motto is ‘Home away from home.’ Strengthening the ties with ESA will ultimately benefit students.” Van der Schaft also sees only advantages in the new organizational structure. “We’re glad we can reach each other across the Dommel.”

This article was translated using AI-assisted tools and reviewed by an editor.