From February 23 to 28, 2025, the University of Milano-Bicocca participated in the International Staff Week on Sustainable Well-being for Students and Staff, organized by Karelia University of Applied Sciences (UAS) in Joensuu, Finland. This event, hosted by an INVEST Alliance partner, brought together academic and administrative professionals to explore strategies for enhancing well-being in higher education.
Representing Milano-Bicocca were Matteo Manfredi (Head of B.Inclusion) and Alena Poilova (International Relations Office, INVEST project team member), who contributed to discussions and collaborations focused on staff and student well-being, promoted Bicocca’s courses at Karelia UAS International Fair, and participated in the INVEST Alliance meetings.
Throughout the week, various sessions delved into the importance of well-being in higher education, highlighting methods to support both students and staff. Karelia UAS staff shared case examples and introduced their Gender, Equality, and Equity Plan for 2025-2027. INVEST partners contributed valuable insights, including a session on the role of URCA mental trainers in promoting staff well-being. Professor Andrea Mangiatordi (Rector's Delegate for Disability and Specific Learning Disorders at Bicocca) led an interactive online session on Universal Design for Learning, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in education. Additionally, Karelia’s student union, POKA, presented their best practices for peer support among international students, showcasing their expertise in internationalization, diversity, and cultural awareness.
Another focus of the event was the intersection of climate change and health, exploring the effects of climate change on well-being and adaptation strategies. Karelia UAS also shared their approach to supporting international students and staff as they adjust to life in Finland. Discussions on inclusion and diversity highlighted the significance of internationalization at home, while university community initiatives, such as a staff book club, a staff music project, underscored the importance of fostering engagement and a sense of belonging.
Beyond thematic discussions, the week provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen collaboration within the INVEST Alliance. Meetings dedicated to Work Package 3 (WP3) focused on staff well-being, involvement, and mobility through Blended Intensive Programs (BIP). Bilateral meetings with partners facilitated the development of new joint initiatives, which will be announced soon.
Karelia Staff Week 2025 proved to be an enriching experience, fostering knowledge exchange and reinforcing a shared commitment to sustainable well-being in higher education. Milano-Bicocca looks forward to continued collaboration within the INVEST Alliance, contributing to innovative solutions for staff and student support
