As an advisor within Aalto's guidance network

Teacher’s Handbook

As an advisor within Aalto's guidance network

As an advisor, it's important for you to have an understanding of Aalto's guidance services. There are various advisors and services available to support students in their learning, studies, and professional development. This page outlines the roles and responsibilities of the different members of the guidance network. Remember, guidance is a collaborative effort – don't hesitate to rely on the expertise of your fellow advisors when needed.

At Aalto University, students' learning, studies, and professional growth are supported by various entities. Academic staff (such as academic advisors, thesis supervisors, and course teachers), service personnel (such as coordinators, study psychologists, and career counsellors), peers (such as student tutors), and external advisors (such as thesis advisors and mentors) all play roles in this support network.

What guidance services are available for students?

There are many individuals and services supporting student guidance, as well as various support materials available. As an advisor, part of your expertise involves being aware of other services or at least knowing where to find information about them, so you are able to refer students to the appropriate resources regarding issues outside your own expertise. Student guidance is a collaborative effort across the entire community, meaning you do not have to navigate guidance work alone; you can easily consult with other advisors whenever needed.

Aalto guidance services which are described in the tables below.

In the accordion menu below, we have listed all the services and service providers shown in the picture and included a short description of each. We have included, when possible, a link for each service through which you can receive more information. Please note that this page is intended for advisors. The page for students can be found in the Student Guide (where you will find links to the services intended for them).

MyStudies Success Team	MyStudies serves as a digital student portal with links to key student services and websites. Through the MyStudies Success Team, students can see their programme's study support personnel, and book appointments with them. As an advisor, you can also see in the Student Success Hub (the advisor's version of MyStudies) who is part of your student's Success Team.
Study advisor	Study advisors are students who are more advanced in their studies and to whom students can be directed with any questions related to studies and academic practices. Students can book an appointment with a study advisor through the MyStudies Success Team.
Coordinator/planning officer of the programme	Programme coordinators and planning officers are the best informed about the contents and requirements, timetabling of the degree programme, as well as rules and application processes related to studies (e.g., credit transfers, graduation). Planning officers and coordinators are typically the primary advisors regarding student's Personal Study Plan (HOPS). They work closely with academic advisors to support student guidance. Students can book an appointment with their programme's planning officer or coordinator through the MyStudies Success Team.
Academic advisor	Academic advisors are persons representing the study programme with whom a student can discuss their goals and wishes related to studies as well as other topics related to the academic field and its research. Students can see the name of their academic advisor in the MyStudies Success Team. If the academic advisor uses the appointment booking function, students can also schedule an appointment there. Otherwise, students can contact their academic advisor via email.
Thesis supervisor and advisor	The thesis supervisor is usually a professor from the student's degree programme. They are an academic expert helping the student in finding the suitable theoretical sources for the topic and supporting the student in writing the thesis. Additionally, the thesis supervisor is responsible for ensuring that the thesis meets the goals and requirements set by the school for the thesis. The thesis advisor supports usually in the execution of the practical or empirical part of the thesis. They can be an expert outside Aalto University e.g. in the organisation collaborating in the thesis project or in the field of art. Students can see the name of their thesis supervisor (and advisor, if they are Aalto's staff) in the MyStudies Success Team. If the supervisor (and advisor) uses the appointment booking function, students can also schedule an appointment there. Otherwise, students can contact their supervisor (and advisor) via email.
Course teachers	In matters related to courses, students should turn to the course instructors (and assistants).
Manager of academic affairs	If a student reports harassment or mistreatment during the time of their education or in a study-related situation, they can contact the manager of academic affairs oftheir school. You can also consult the academic affairs manager if you are concerned about a student's situation and are unsure about what steps to take.
Guidance counsellor	With a guidance counsellor, students can discuss various questions related to their studies and future plans, receive support in understanding their study or life situation, and get help with planning their studies and setting goals. Student can meet guidance counsellor at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment in MyStudies under Services -> Guidance Counsellors. As an advisor, you can also contact a guidance counsellor if you feel you need to discuss a student's overall situation and how to proceed together to improve the situation.
Starting Point and International Student Peer Advice	Starting Point helps students in issues common to all Aalto students, such as enrolment and student status certificates. Additionally, at Starting Point, international students are served by International Student Peer Advice, which assists with various issues related to arriving in Finland, living in Finland, and studying here.
Exchange coordinator	The exchange coordinator is a specialist in issues concerning exchange studies. Students can book an appointment with them through MyStudies under Services -> Exchange Studies.
Support for internship in Finland and abroad	Aalto University supports students gaining work experience. Internship (work placement) grants are available for students who meet the criteria. They can apply for a grant for an internship abroad or in Finland.
Individual study arrangements	All Aalto students with health conditions or impairments affecting their ability to study have the right to receive reasonable, individual study arrangements. A health reason might be, for example, dyslexia, a sensory disability, a mental health disorder, or a learning difficulty. If a student is pondering onthese matters, they can contact the individual study arrangements contact person of their school or book an appointment with them through MyStudies under Services -> Individual Study Arrangements. Staff members can also consult their school's contact person, for instance, if they need information on the application of these arrangements in their school.
Student tutors	Tutors are senior students who help new students during orientation week and at the beginning of studies. Each new student is assigned a student tutor who has completed tutor training.

Starting Point of Wellbeing	The Starting Point of Wellbeing provides students with easily accessible counselling and service guidance for issues and challenges related to well-being and their study ability. If you're unsure who could assist a student with their concerns or situation, refer them to the Starting Point of Wellbeing. The guidance specialists are well-versed in both Aalto University's services and external resources that might be helpful for the student's needs.
Study psychologist	Students can contact a study psychologist if they are struggling with their studies: for instance, if they have difficulties with time management, procrastination, motivation, or when looking for a suitable study method or experiencing study-related stress, anxiety or burnout. Student can meet study psychologist at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment via email. Staff members can consult with a study psychologist regarding student well-being and study ability, particularly in challenging guidance situations or when considering how to address mental health challenges or other issues impacting study capacity in teaching. Study psychologists can also be requested to hold workshops or lectures for students as part of credited courses. Additionally, Aalto's student services psychology team supports students during community crises affecting the student community.
Career counselling psychologist	Students can contact a career counselling psychologist when they are contemplating their life direction and career options. The career counseling psychologist assists in creating concrete action plans and employment strategies and provides support during stressful and anxiety-inducing job search processes. Student can meet career counselling psychologist at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment via email. Staff members can consult with a career counseling psychologist on how students can manage uncertainty in their decision-making, identify opportunities, make informed choices, and develop practices that enhance their employability.
Guidance counsellor	With a guidance counsellor, students can discuss various questions related to their studies and future plans, receive support in understanding their study or life situation, and get help with planning their studies and setting goals. Student can meet guidance counsellor at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment in MyStudies under Services -> Guidance Counsellors. As an advisor, you can also contact a guidance counsellor if you feel you need to discuss a student's overall situation and determine and how to proceed together to improve the situation.
Special education teacher	Special education teacher can support a student when learning is particularly difficult. If a student has been diagnosed with a learning difficulty, illness or handicap, or they might be wondering whether an unidentified learning difficulty, such as dyslexia or attention-related issues, could be challenging their learning, student and special education teacher can together find ways to study at the university despite the challenges and determine suitable next steps. Student can meet special education teacher at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment in MyStudies under Services -> Guidance Counsellors (guidance counsellor Janne Mertala also works as a special education teacher). Staff members can consult a special education teacher if a learning difficulty has caused a deadlock in teaching or guidance. Brainstorming together can lead to new solutions, especially when multiple learning difficulties overlap. If a student has already been granted individual study arrangements, the coordinator/planning officer who issued the recommendation can also consult and support the teacher in practical arrangements.
Career coach	With career coach, student can discuss their career aspirations and job search. They can ask questions about their CV, job application or how to prepare for a job interview. Career coaching might also help if a student has worries about life after studies. Student can meet career coach at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment in .
Aalto chaplains	Aalto chaplains work with both students and staff, and they are available to all members of the Aalto community, regardless of their religion or worldview. You can turn to the Aalto chaplains when you want to discuss confidentially any matter related to life, work or relationships. You can also seek advice on financial matters, including diaconal assistance, debt counseling, and financial aid. Aalto chaplains also provide support during crises that impact the community. Moreover, staff can consult with Aalto chaplains on how to acknowledge and understand the diverse beliefs of students. You can meet Aalto chaplain at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or contact them directly.
	AYY has two harassment contact persons who support students in resolving harassment incidents that may have occurred at student events, for example. Students cancontact these contact persons if they have experienced or witnessed harassment, need help with the follow-up of resolving harassment situations or just want to talk about inappropriate behavior they have witnessed.
Manager of academic affairs	If a student reports harassment or mistreatment during the time of their education or in a study-related situation, they can contact the manager of academic affairs of their school. You can also consult the academic affairs manager if you are concerned about a student's situation and are unsure about what steps to take.
Student tutors	Tutors are senior students who help new students during orientation week and at the beginning of studies. Each new student is assigned a student tutor who has completed tutor training.
Individual study arrangements	All Aalto students with health conditions or impairments affecting their ability to study have the right to receive reasonable, individual study arrangements. A health reason might be, for example, dyslexia, a sensory disability, a mental health disorder, or a learning difficulty. If a student is pondering onthese matters, they can contact the individual study arrangements contact person of their school or book an appointment with them through MyStudies under Services -> Individual Study Arrangements. Staff members can also consult their school's contact person, for instance, if they need information on the application of these arrangements in their school.
Courses, workshops and self-study materials	Aalto University offers a range of groups and workshops to support students' well-being, study ability, and resilience, with offerings that change each semester. You can also refer students to online resources, such as MyCourses self-study materials, to help with time management and productivity.
The Best Thing Today podcast	‘The Best Thing Today’ is a podcast series hosted by the psychologists of Aalto University Learning Services. In the podcast, the psychologists talk about well-being topics in a relaxed way – ranging from student well-being to the well-being of employees.
Personal Impact courses	Personal Impact brings together credited courses taught at Aalto on self-management, values, meaningfulness and well-being. The courses provide an opportunity to reflect on one’s own values, beliefs, and goals, either in internal dialogues or in conversations with others.
	UniSport is a joint venture between Aalto University, the University of Helsinki, Hanken, and University of the Arts offering sports and exercise services. The goal is to promote well-being in the academic community and in society by increasing awareness of personal well-being, providing sports and exercise opportunities as well as fostering an environment conducive to exercise.
	Finnish Student Health Service offers healthcare services to students.
	Nyyti ry promotes the mental health and study ability of students.
	MIELI Mental Health Finland offers help and mental health support to people in difficult life situations and crises.
and	HelsinkiMissio offers support for loneliness. Crisis Services for Youth provides free and short-term counselling in English for young people.
Vamos & (in Swedish)	Vamos and Sveps support young people when their studies are at risk of dropping out or have already been dropped out of university. They provide help with common issues such as managing daily life, being stuck at home, and difficulties in social situations.
Municipal public health care: , ,	The healthcare in your own municipality is responsible for emergency care.

Career Design Lab	The Career Design Lab is a learning and collaboration space dedicated to building sustainable careers. It supports Aalto students, alumni, and anyone interested in lifelong learning in designing meaningful career paths. The Career Design Lab offers advisors and teachers information, tools, and training modules that can be incorporated into guidance sessions, courses, or degree programmes. Career specialists are available to help choose the most suitable methods.
	JobTeaser is Aalto University’s job portal where you can make an appointment for career coaching, or find career-related events, job search advice, employer profiles and job posts.
Online career design tools	Online career design tools compiled by the Career Design Lab help students independently reflect on their values, strengths, and future vision.
Job search tools	Students can find tools and tips for searching for a job in JobTeaser.
Career design workshops & classes	In Career Design Lab workshops and classes students will learn more about career design thinking, identify their values and strengths, create their career narrative and ideate practical career approaches with peers.
	Career events include Summer Job Day and Aalto Talent Expo. Events can be seen in JobTeaser.
	With career coach, student can discuss their career aspirations and job search. They can ask questions about their CV, job application or how to prepare for a job interview. Career coaching might also help if a student has worries about life after studies. Student can meet career coach at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment in JobTeaser.
Mentoring Programme	The Aalto University Mentoring Programme connects students and working-life experts to facilitate career design and professional self-development. It is about mutual benefit and learning.
Aalto International Talent Programme	The programme is aimed at international master's and doctoral students who want to build a career in Finland.
	The authors of this blog are experts in career-design thinking. They provide insights on how the world of work is changing now and in the future, and how to best prepare oneself for these changes.
	The learning platform Alex offers courses for university credit. Learn about the future of work, and get ready to design and kick-start a meaningful career. All courses are self-paced. Courses on the Future of Work: , and
Support for internship in Finland and abroad	Aalto University supports students gaining work experience. Internship (work placement) grants are available for students who meet the criteria. They can apply for a grant for an internship abroad or in Finland.
Academic advisor	Academic advisors are persons representing the study programme with whom a student can discuss their goals and wishes related to studies as well as other topics related to the academic field and its research. Students can see the name of their academic advisor in the MyStudies Success Team. If the academic advisor uses the appointment booking function, students can also schedule an appointment there. Otherwise, students can contact their academic advisor via email.
Career counselling psychologist	Students can contact a career counselling psychologist when they are contemplating their life direction and career options. The career counseling psychologist assists in creating concrete action plans and employment strategies and provides support during stressful and anxiety-inducing job search processes. Student can meet career counselling psychologist at Starting Point of Wellbeing drop-in counselling or book an appointment via email. Staff members can consult with a career counseling psychologist on how students can manage uncertainty in their decision-making, identify opportunities, make informed choices, and develop practices that enhance their employability.