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New happiness course kicks off the academic year

During two intense weekends in August, 256 newly admitted Bachelor students kicked off their academic journey with an intensive course in happiness and wellbeing. Organized by the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare, and Happiness (CWWH), the initiative aims to equip students with a mindset that will enhance their personal and academic lives, both during their time at SSE and in the future. 

For the first time in SSE history, the new course brought together students from both bachelor programs for a shared experience before their official studies began. The course, offered to all incoming SSE Bachelor students, is centered around the TACK framework – a philosophy developed by CWWH, focusing on four core pillars: Togetherness, Agency, Coherence, and Kinetics. Led by Professor and Center Director Micael Dahlen, the course consists of four lectures, each dedicated to one of the TACK elements, allowing students to gain valuable insights into how these concepts contribute to overall wellbeing and welfare. 

“Good vibrations” 

Led by Professor Micael Dahlen, the sessions combine engaging lectures with interactive elements. In one exercise, participants were asked to lock eyes with each other, and soon the room was filled with laughter and lively conversation.  

“We give each other good vibrations, literally, when we look each other in the eye,” said Professor Dahlen, highlighting the importance of human connection. 

The program encourages meaningful connections, allowing students to engage in deeper conversations. Student Therese Hartman Liungman noted: 

"One of the things that has stuck with me the most from this course is how much of what Professor Dahlen says connects to other things I’ve read. Different experts might phrase it differently, but at the core, they're expressing the same ideas. It feels like it brings me closer to an understanding about what happiness and wellbeing is really about”. 

Tracking student wellbeing 

Throughout the course, students were assigned a project that involved painting on canvas boards, each representing one of the TACK pillars. These paintings will later be displayed at the school, serving as a visual reminder of the course's themes. 

The course also intends to serve as a starting point for an upcoming research project by inviting participating students to the SSE Student Wellbeing and Happiness Panel. Students who participated will have their wellbeing tracked through surveys over the coming three years, and even beyond their time at SSE, to measure the long-term impact of the course compared to other cohorts. 

By the end of the 24-hour course, Professor Dahlen concluded all learnings with an inspiring message: “This is the beginning of the beginning,” emphasizing that this course is just the start of a lifelong journey towards understanding and improving wellbeing, welfare and happiness both on a personal level but also in a broader context. 

Tools to lead happier lives 

Through these initiatives, SSE is laying a solid foundation for students to thrive both during their studies and in their future careers, promoting a lasting culture of wellbeing. CWWH is committed to supporting students in leading balanced and fulfilling lives. In addition to the 24-hour course, the center offers other initiatives, such as the SSE Good Life Alumni Panel, open to all alumni, ensuring that the emphasis on well-being continues long after graduation. 

With a focus on well-being and personal development, SSE is not only preparing students for academic and professional success but also equipping them with the tools to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. 

Students who were unable to attend the Kämpasten sessions will have a chance to participate in a final session scheduled for early November. This session will offer another opportunity to engage with the TACK framework and benefit from this enriching experience.  

SSE CWWH Happiness Wellbeing News