“By 2021 we want to make the Vrije Universiteit Brussel a place where the entire university community supports and promotes the principle of a compassionate university. Based on the basic values and philosophy of our university, we want to make the Vrije Universiteit Brussel a place where every member of the university community will, at all times, be given the possibility to deal with care and loss in his or her own way. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel aims to take up a pioneering role with regards to the principles of a compassionate university.”
In November 2019, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) declared itself the first European Compassionate University, after signing a declaration of intent. The VUB thereby acknowledges circumstances of serious illness, death, dying, loss and longterm (informal) care as natural components of life and as part of daily life of the university community. In response to the challenges that such circumstances pose its community, the VUB launched the Compassionate University project and commits to (a) formulate a structured, top-down (i.e., policy-oriënted) response, and to (b) involve its own community members in the development of grassroots, bottom-up responses.
We are currently finalising the inspiration guide for higher education, which will soon be published!
Core team
| Hanne Bakelants | Coordinator |
| Jeroen De Samblancx | Rectorate |
| Joachim Cohen | End of Life Care research group |
| Naomi Beke | Student counseling |
| Jan Den Haese | Personnel department (M&O) |
| Luc Deliens | Emeritus |
| Sarah Dury | Society and Ageing Research Lab |
| Laura Frans | Student Representative |
| Filip van Droogenbroeck | Brussels Institute for Social and Population studies |
The core team meets every first tuesday of the month to discuss ongoing and new actions.
Actions
- Each year, in collaboration with the VUB Marketing and Communicatrions service (Marcom), the compassionate university organises a Compassionate Week during which events are organised that bridge culture, research, and practice.
- During each edition of the Compassionate Week, a memorial moment is organised around the monument of comfort to commemorate those who have died in the past year. The most recent memorial took place on 19 November 2025.
- Each year, interested VUB community members are invited to a brainstorm discussion to discuss their needs and wishes and to inspire the development of new actions within the Compassionate University.
- Student counseling, an action with and for students. The student counseling action plan aims to increase student wellbeing and student life during COVID-19. They intend to develop prevention actions. The student representative and student council are invited to collaborate in this initiative.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the personnel department (M&O) has made efforts to e-mail and call staff members to gauge how they are holding up during these trying times. Compassionate University emphases the importance of reaching out to people pro-actively.
Developed tools and additional information
The Compassionate VUB has its own website, more information on this project can be found here.
