The meaning of encounters
As a teacher, researcher and developer of leadership, I have had hundreds of opportunities over the years to support managers, supervisors, experts and students in their cooperation and development of interaction skills.
Oasis of Radical Wellbeing
Social sustainability in practice
This collection of resources explores social sustainability with a focus on community engagement, resilience, embodiment, and especially community building as sources of personal and systemic wellbeing. The collection includes articles, links, videos, podcasts, and research-based insights. The resources draw on diverse research and practices to support sustainable communities.
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) themes are increasingly in focus in higher education organizations, and human wellbeing is a sustainability issue. ​The OASIS approach aims to align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among relevant SDGs to this collection are SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 5 Gender Equality, SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities, and SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities.
According to research students' high quality learning can be enhanced through interactive and student-centred teaching, which again is related to the teachers’ own wellbeing. Hence, through appropriate measures, a positive spiral of wellbeing involving students, teachers and supporting staff in a higher education community can be created. These measures include social sustainability and wellbeing strategies and leadership, close communication between university and student organizations and individuals, as well as resourcing and organizing wellbeing as a mindset and a structure.
This material was created and consolidated during 2021-2024 by the OASIS of Radical Wellbeing project. The project's work has been repurposed and expanded here to support social sustainability as a part of Aalto University wellbeing efforts, including Aaltogether, Wellbeing Desk, Flourishing Programmes and a collection of EDI efforts.
Oasis of radical wellbeing results page
Building socially sustainable academic communities
Social sustainability in academic communities requires leading from the future. Its foundation is a vision that encompasses inclusivity, diversity, wellbeing and the power of social interactions.
Sustainable wellbeing in teaching
Pedagogical wellbeing entails both teacher and student perspectives. These pages serve as a teachers' reference and study package for improving wellbeing in teaching and studies at Aalto.
Basic insight
Mental distress is not your fault
“When the source of mental distress is structural, there is nothing even an army of occupational counsellors, physicians, therapists or nurses can do to fix itâ€, says Risto Sarvas.
Radical wellbeing strengthens the community
Merita Petäjä: "Belonging to a community promotes the satisfaction, commitment, performance, and overall wellbeing of both students and staff."
Aaltogether
Information, training and services to help us in building a community where everyone belongs.
Calming practices for you
Benefits of Calmness: mindfulness and other calming practices for you
Mindfulness and other soothing practices can be useful tools!
Podcasts
Future-led Learning podcast
The Future-led Learning podcast offers a platform for university educators to reflect their ideas about teaching and learning.
The Best Thing Today podcast series
The Best Thing Today is a podcast series by Aalto study, career and advanced study psychologists.
Short films and videos for you to watch and discuss about
What does the story teach you? Reflect and discuss.
Learning material
Aalto University launches new MOOC "Art of Living" by Frank Martela
This new massive open online course on how to live a good life is lectured by Ph.D., assistant professor Frank Martela. The course is produced by the Oasis of Radical Wellbeing project and it is part of Aalto’s lifewide learning portfolio. The course was launched on May 30th, 2023
Self-compassion is one of the most beneficial skills you can learn in life. This course consists of mindfulness exercises that help us to nurture an accepting and sympathetic relationship with ourselves.
Sustainable wellbeing in teaching
Pedagogical wellbeing entails both teacher and student perspectives. These pages serve as a teachers' reference and study package for improving wellbeing in teaching and studies at Aalto.
Dr. Kamilah MajiedWellbeing needs to be part of the pedagogy of the institution... integrated into the overall functioning of the university.
Talk about wellbeing on Aalto Social
Come and chat on internal social media
Aaltogether: Keys To Your Wellbeing
The Keys to Your Wellbeing series is designed to broaden your view of wellbeing issues. It is now part of Aaltogether.
Dealing with feelings
The opportunity to be authentic plays a crucial role in how satisfied a person is with their life.
Self-compassion with a fierce twist
Self-compassion is a beneficial skill that you can practice and learn.
Group flow - what!?
Flow can also be achieved jointly with others!
In it together
High-quality connections can help us develop and grow as humans and connect to the communities and organisations around us.
Movement and embodiment for a better brain
Even a small amount of movement can refresh the brain and enrich thinking.
The surprising impact of psychological safety
Psychological safety refers to feelings of trust and belonging, as well as the desire to learn and contribute to the community.
Wellbeing news
Mind & Study - toolbox for being well in studies (3cr) coming up
Popular course "Mind & Study - toolbox for being well in studies" will be organized in Finnish, English and Swedish in the 3rd and 4th period!
Still time to register for Aalto walk & run event 20.9.2025
Join the whole Aalto community's free of charge outdoor sports event - sign up now!
Money for student wellbeing: how would you spend 14 000 euros?
Submit your proposal for a participatory budgeting project to improve student wellbeing on campus by 21st September 2025. The winner of the feasible ideas will be voted on during 2025.
Back on track –workshop series 6.10. & 3.11.2025
Aalto's study psychologists and a guidance counsellor are organizing a two-time peer support workshop series for students who are returning to their studies after a longer break or who have studied very little during the past year.Find out more about wellbeing in Aalto University:
The Starting Point of Wellbeing offers students easy access to counselling and advice on matters of well-being and study ability. The services available to you include drop-in (no reservation) advising/counselling sessions, peer support groups, and online materials. You can also make an appointment to receive individual counselling.
Personal Impact brings to light already existing courses in Aalto University on values and meaningfulness, self-leadership, societal impact, human potential and well-being.
Teamwork First-Aid Kit gathers tools that have proved to be useful in supporting diverse teams tackling ill-defined problems and building the foundations for successful teamwork. It is a small step toward educating game-changers who can make a team more than a sum of its parts. Undeniably, teamwork skills are among the most pivotal work-life skills that younger generation entering the workforce are expected to master.
The Wellbeing Desk and the Wellbeing Chat service-pilot has ended. There is many other wellbeing services offered at Aalto, for example Mielen Chat and Mielen Sparri (Mental Chat and Sparring) are easily accessible digital mental wellbeing support services provided by Terveystalo (occupational health care). You find more info at Aalto's Wellbeing index.
Well-being Guides: A Tool to Improve Mental and Physical Health at Work and in Studies from Unite! European University Alliance
