UTCB International Staff Training Week – 3rd Edition

Staff Wellbeing in Student-Focused Roles

Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB) is pleased to launch the 3rd edition of the International Staff Training Week, organised as a Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) on the theme “Staff Wellbeing in Student-Focused Roles.”

This programme is dedicated to academic and administrative staff working closely with students—colleagues from International Relations Offices, Student Services, Counselling Centres, Mobility Units, and teaching roles—who often operate in fast-paced and emotionally demanding environments. The BIP offers a unique opportunity to explore strategies and institutional practices that improve wellbeing, resilience, and balance within higher education.

The physical component of the training will take place in the beautiful mountain town of Sinaia, chosen specifically for its restorative natural landscapes. Far from daily routines, participants will be invited to slow down, reconnect with nature, and reflect on how well-being practices can be integrated into student-focused roles. The programme combines interactive workshops, peer learning, mindfulness activities, and cultural exploration, creating a space for authentic exchange and renewal.

Objectives:

• Foster wellbeing and emotional resilience among higher-education staff
• Share good practices for supporting the mental health of both students and staff
• Strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding across European partner institutions
• Develop staff skills in communication, empathy, and inclusive practices
• Promote sustainable and mindful approaches to daily professional work

Programme Structure:

Virtual Component – 2 June 2026

A 2-hour introductory online session designed to prepare participants for the week in Sinaia:
• Institutional presentations and expectations
• Ice-breaking and wellbeing-mapping activity
• Pre-survey on existing wellbeing practices

Physical Component – Sinaia, 8–12 June 2026

Day 1 – Opening Session – afternoon:

• Welcome from UTCB International Relations Office
• Presentation of programme structure and objectives
• Team introductions and expectations-mapping activity

Day 2 – Understanding Stress and Burnout:

10:00 – Morning Reset (breathing and grounding)
10:30–12:00 – Workshop on burnout, emotional labour, and early signs of stress
13:00–15:00 – Strategies for prevention, boundary-setting, and “micro-wellbeing” moments
15:30–16:00 – Creative reflection: designing a wellbeing-friendly workday

Day 3 – Supporting Students while Protecting Our Energy:

10:00 – Presence exercise
10:30–12:00 – Emotional labour, active listening, de-escalation techniques, case studies
13:30–15:00 – Energy management: cycles, focus protection, communication templates
15:30–16:00 – Personal Wellbeing Plan

Day 4 – Outdoor and Cultural Day:

• Nature walk in Sinaia Forest
• Cultural visit to Peleș Castle

Day 5 – Reflection, Action Plans, Certificates:

09:30–10:00 – Morning reflection
10:00–11:30 – Personal Wellbeing Plans, next steps, collaborations
• Certificates of attendance and group photo
12:00 – Departure

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased awareness of personal wellbeing strategies
• Stronger peer-learning networks across European universities
• Development of institutional wellbeing action plans
• Enhanced capacity for inclusive and empathetic student support

How to Apply:

• Confirm with your Erasmus Office – Your Erasmus/International Relations Office must provide funding and register you as a BIP participant under Erasmus+ staff mobility for training (STT). Without this confirmation, we cannot accommodate your participation.
• Complete the registration form by the end of February: https://forms.gle/dMqpR2UDQ5r5Eapj6.
• Prepare your mobility file with your Erasmus Office. For the invitation letter and Training Agreement, please contact: Ramona Diac – ramona.diac@utcb.ro.

Organizational Details:

• Host Institution: Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (UTCB), Romania
• Partner Universities: EU-CONEXUS European University Alliance & Erasmus+ partners
• Language: English
• Certificate: Certificate of Attendance (BIP Staff Training) issued by UTCB
• Location: Training Room, Sinaia – B-dul Carol I, no. 51

Accommodation: Participants are kindly asked to book accommodation in nearby hotels, as the villa hosting the activities does not provide lodging.

Transportation to Sinaia:
The easiest way is by train. From Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP), take the train to București Nord Railway Station, then continue by train to Sinaia. Train operators: CFR, Regio Călători, Astra Trans Carpatic.