“You matter. Your mental health matters, too.” was the annual theme at IMC Krems during the 2025/26 academic year. The focus was on concrete measures to promote mental health, equal opportunities, diversity and inclusion. At the same time, diversity was further embedded structurally through the university’s new strategy. As the new academic year begins, IMC Krems is setting a new focus with the motto “Safe to Study. Safe to Work.” The aim is to make safety and belonging tangible for everyone in everyday university life and work.
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Strengthening diversity. Creating safety. Fostering belonging.
Mental health: from annual theme to an integral part of university life
The past academic year has clearly demonstrated the importance of accessible, ongoing mental health support. Students can access digital support through the TalkCampus app. This is complemented by the “Mental Wellbeing” section on the intranet, videos featuring IMC experts on mental health and learning strategies, as well as the established partnership with Hilfswerk, which provides free and confidential psychological counselling for students both on campus and online.
The health programme for staff has also been further developed, with a clear focus on mental health. Additional initiatives, including cross-over programmes and Instahelp workshops, as well as training several colleagues as Mental Health Supporters, provide practical support.
“Mental health is more than an annual theme for us: it is now an integral part of our services, our communication and our university culture at IMC Krems. Initiatives such as ‘Mental Health Monday’, together with the continued integration of the topic into everyday university life, help raise awareness and ensure that support remains visible and accessible in the long term,” emphasises Ulrike Prommer, CEO of IMC Krems.
New annual motto: “Safe to Study. Safe to Work.”
With the new motto “Safe to Study. Safe to Work.”, IMC Krems is now focusing on what is needed to ensure that people feel even safer, respected and that they belong – both while studying and working. The first initiative is an Active Bystander Training, which equips participants to respond attentively in challenging situations and take responsibility.
Ulrike Prommer, CEO of IMC Krems:
“The past academic year has shown what concrete measures and collective commitment are needed to sustainably embed equal opportunities, lived diversity and inclusion at IMC Krems. I am proud of the tangible improvements we have achieved together as a university with our students and staff – above all in the area of mental health, but also in increasing the visibility of women in science and research. With our new motto ‘Safe to Study. Safe to Work.’, we are consistently continuing on this path.”
Victoria Englmaier, Gender & Diversity Officer:
“‘You matter. Your mental health matters, too.’ was more than a motto for us – it was a promise that we fulfilled through very concrete services for students and staff. We are now taking the next logical step: safety is the foundation for everyone to feel comfortable and that they belong, whether studying or working. With our new motto ‘Safe to Study. Safe to Work.’, we want to build on precisely this.”