Student Support Office - (GAE)

The Student Support Office (GAE) was established by the ISMT Executive Board in 2007, reflecting the institution’s concern for its students and constituting a concrete intervention measure in the field of education and student support services.

Since 1995, the Miguel Torga Higher Institute had a Psychosocial Support Office (GAP); however, given the growing multiplicity of vulnerabilities experienced by students, it was decided to expand the scope of intervention of this service. As a result of this expansion, its designation was also changed from GAP to GAE.

Mission

The mission of the GAE is to promote the psychosocial well-being of the ISMT student population by providing specialized support in all situations perceived by students as sources of vulnerability. It offers counseling at the following levels: academic, social, personal, and vocational.

Academic Support

  • Harmonizing study methods with the specific demands of Higher Education;

  • Coping with assessment and evaluation periods.

Social Support

  • Relationships with peers, teachers, or family members;

  • Dealing with the demands of the surrounding environment;

  • Managing free time and making use of rest opportunities;

  • Reducing relational and/or social isolation;

  • Overcoming geographical displacement;

  • Addressing difficulties in integration and interaction processes.

Personal Support

  • Coping with less positive life events, such as separation from family, relationship breakdowns, loss of a loved one, etc.;

  • Developing new feelings and experiences in a constructive manner;

  • Overcoming interpersonal relationship difficulties;

  • Resolving affective and relational issues;

  • Minimizing difficulties inherent to the young adult life stage.

Vocational Support

  • Identifying strengths and areas for personal and/or professional development;

  • Recognizing possible areas for a future professional career;

  • Guidance regarding labor market demands;

  • Overcoming states of demotivation.

Support is also provided in the following areas:

  • Social welfare services;

  • Career paths and professional trajectories;

  • Volunteering and training;

  • Information services and psychological counseling.

Staff Member

Bruno Manuel Dionísio Cordeiro
Social Worker – OAS 05565

Contact

Student Support Office (GAE)
Largo da Cruz de Celas, 1
3000-132 Coimbra
Phone: +351 239 488 046
Email: gae@ismt.pt