Support for underrepresented groups (10.6.6)

Széchenyi István University has a Regulation on ensuring equal opportunities for students with disabilities. The university provides mentoring, counselling and support services to help students from underrepresented and disadvantaged groups participate fully in university life. The University operates a formal support framework for students with disabilities and special educational needs through the Special Needs Students Equal Opportunities Committee (EFB) and the University Equal Opportunities Coordinator. These structures provide individual guidance, consultation, assistance with academic and administrative matters, coordination with teaching staff, and personalised accommodations. The Coordinator also maintains records, provides regular support and monitors the effectiveness of equal-opportunity measures. Upon request, Széchenyi István University provide assistance (sign language interpreter) to deaf and hard-of-hearing students. In addition, ITS-100SET portable induction loop amplifiers are available, the devices may be borrowed on a long-term basis for the entire duration of studies. Within the University Library, two reading devices are available, located in the media box on the second floor.

The University further supports student wellbeing through its mental health and counselling services, which provide free psychological counselling, mental health consultations, crisis support, self-development opportunities and wellbeing programmes. These services help students overcome barriers that may affect their academic participation and success.

Széchenyi István University operates a peer mentoring system (Academic Mentoring Programme) to support students in their transition to university life. The programme provides guidance from more experienced students and facilitates academic and social integration, complementing the University’s broader inclusion and student-support framework.

Staff and faculty are also supported: employees have access to free one-to-one mental health and psychological counselling, and the Gender Equality Plan (2025–2027) provides support for employees returning from parental leave and for victims and witnesses of harassment.