The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has been working for several years to become a ‘Compassionate University’: a place where students and staff feel supported when faced with challenges such as serious illness, grief, loss, and caregiving. This initiative is central to the doctoral research of Hanne Bakelants (End of Life Care Research Group & Society and Ageing Research Lab), who has spent the past few years investigating the process of creating a more compassionate university community.
What is a ‘Compassionate University’?
The concept of a Compassionate University is inspired by the idea of 'compassionate communities', proposed by sociologist and professor Allan Kellehear. This approach argues that end-of-life care is not solely the responsibility of professionals, but that communities—such as neighbourhoods, schools, and businesses—also play a crucial role in providing support during these challenging life stages. “A university is also a community,” says Bakelants. “That’s why we want to create space where people are supported not just intellectually, but also emotionally.”
On 19 November 2019, under the leadership of then Honorary Rector Caroline Pauwels, the VUB signed a declaration of intent to strive towards becoming a more ‘Compassionate University’. With this declaration, the VUB aims to make serious illness, grief, loss, and (family) caregiving visible and open for discussion within its community.
Listening to students and staff
Hanne Bakelants began her doctoral research in 2020, which aligns closely with the VUB’s goal of becoming a ‘Compassionate University’. Through interviews and focus groups, Bakelants mapped the experiences and needs of students and staff. Her findings highlight a strong willingness to discuss topics such as grief and caregiving, but also the need to address structural barriers. For example, there is often a lack of clear and inclusive policies.
“For instance, if there is no bereavement leave when your best friend dies, and you have to show up at work as if nothing has happened, it feels as though there is no space for grief,” explains Bakelants. “The absence of leave suggests you should just get over it quickly. This reflects a broader societal trend: we have to keep going, and it shouldn’t be too disruptive. With the ‘Compassionate University’, we want to break this pattern by making space for grief.”
Comforting actions at VUB
Through various initiatives, the VUB is evolving into an institution where understanding and support for students and staff have a place. On the Etterbeek campus, there is the Monument of Comfort, a quiet space where the annual Moment of Comfort takes place. During this event, all members of the VUB community and their loved ones are invited to reflect on loss and share memories. Other initiatives include the symbolic ‘empty’ chair during the academic opening, in memory of those who could not be present, and a grief guide created to provide support for students and staff.
“We have developed ‘tips and tricks’ to help people start conversations and offer support, such as: how to approach someone returning after a loss,” says Bakelants.
In November 2023, the first-ever ‘Compassionate Week’ was organised, now an annual event firmly placed on the university calendar. The second edition took place in November 2024. The week featured a variety of activities: from seminars and a comfort walk to a compassionate café. A highlight was the literature evening, where students took the stage with their own writings on death, grief, and loss. These initiatives demonstrate that grief, death, dying, and loss affect us all, and that we can bear this together within the university community.
Comforting actions at VUB
Through various initiatives, the VUB is evolving into an institution where understanding and support for students and staff have a place. On the Etterbeek campus, there is the Monument of Comfort, a quiet space where the annual Moment of Comfort takes place. During this event, all members of the VUB community and their loved ones are invited to reflect on loss and share memories. Other initiatives include the symbolic ‘empty’ chair during the academic opening, in memory of those who could not be present, and a grief guide created to provide support for students and staff.
“We have developed ‘tips and tricks’ to help people start conversations and offer support, such as: how to approach someone returning after a loss,” says Bakelants.
In November 2023, the first-ever ‘Compassionate Week’ was organised, now an annual event firmly placed on the university calendar. The second edition took place in November 2024. The week featured a variety of activities: from seminars and a comfort walk to a compassionate café. A highlight was the literature evening, where students took the stage with their own writings on death, grief, and loss. These initiatives demonstrate that grief, death, dying, and loss affect us all, and that we can bear this together within the university community.
Research(er) in the spotlight
This article is part of the 'Researchers in the Spotlight' campaign. This campaign highlights passionate VUB scientists and their inspiring research. Discover the faces behind innovative research at the VUB through the wetenschapbrussel channels and be amazed by their insights and discoveries!
*This is a machine translation. We apologise for any inaccuracies.
Bio Hanne Bakelants
Hanne Bakelants completed a Master's in Education (2019, KU Leuven) and a Master's in Globalisation and Development Studies (2020, Maastricht University). In October 2020, she joined the End-of-Life Care research group as a PhD researcher, focusing on the development, implementation, and evaluation of Compassionate Communities. Through action research, she aims to delve into the processes and mechanisms that lead to the successful development of Compassionate Communities by identifying implementation opportunities, barriers, and the potential for scaling up and dissemination.