Mines Saint-Étienne is committed to supporting the well-being of its students and staff by offering free, accessible, and confidential services. Whether it’s physical or mental health, combating violence, or support for financial difficulties, several programs are at your disposal.
Safety Awareness for New Arrivals
Upon arrival, new students and staff participate in a safety awareness session, essential for ensuring a safe work and study environment. This training includes general safety instructions, evacuation procedures, as well as specific measures in case of fire or accident.
All new staff (permanent, fixed-term, doctoral students, post-doctoral fellows, interns, etc.) also undergo mandatory health and safety training and digital security and sobriety training, covering best practices for a healthy work environment as well as advice for secure and responsible digital use.
For users of chemical products, specific training on chemical risk prevention is mandatory, aiming to raise awareness of best practices, protective equipment, and appropriate safety protocols.
Additionally, training on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is offered as an option. Although optional, it provides practical advice for adopting good postures, both for screen work and for lifting, contributing to pain prevention and better ergonomics in daily life.
The School also offers other training courses on workplace safety and health to meet specific needs and ensure a shared safety culture. These trainings are designed to equip each person with the essential knowledge and reflexes to ensure their own safety as well as that of their colleagues.
Medical Teleconsultations with Qare
All Mines Saint-Étienne students benefit from free access to medical teleconsultation thanks to a partnership with the Qare platform. This service allows students to consult general practitioners and specialists via video, 7 days a week, without upfront payment, thus facilitating access to care for all.
Psychological Support and Counseling Unit
A team of psychologists and social workers is available on the Saint-Étienne and Gardanne campuses to support students experiencing stress or difficulties. These now reinforced office hours are offered twice a week. Additionally, a partnership has been signed with Nightline, an association specializing in peer-to-peer support dedicated to students.
Prevention and Medical Support with the University Preventive Medicine (MPU)
Mines Saint-Étienne is committed to the prevention and medical support of its students in collaboration with the University Preventive Medicine (MPU). The MPU offers:
- consultations with doctors, psychologists, and dieticians;
- awareness campaigns on stress, nutrition, and addictions;
- specific accommodations for students with disabilities.
Fighting Period Poverty
Since 2022, the School has been offering a range of free intimate hygiene products, including reusable solutions (menstrual cups, washable underwear) and tampons. In the restrooms, disposable protection (tampons and pads) is also available.
These products, supplied by local and eco-responsible companies such as La Culotte Parisienne, Peau Éthique, Loulou Cup, StrawBerry and Marguerite & Cie, reflect our commitment to promoting sustainable and supportive solutions.
This initiative aims to reduce inequalities, meet the needs of people who menstruate, and foster an inclusive environment within the School.
Food Banks
To combat food insecurity, Mines Saint-Étienne has opened free solidarity grocery stores on its campuses in Saint-Étienne and Aix-Marseille-Provence. These stores offer quality essential products (rice, pasta, canned goods, hygiene products) to students in need.
- The Saint-Étienne solidarity grocery store “Off Course(s)” is run by two volunteers, including a staff member and a student. It is located on the School premises and opens on Mondays from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
- At the Gardanne site, the distribution of food packages is carried out by volunteer members of the Solidar’ISMIN association. It takes place anonymously and without appointment every Monday from 6 PM to 7 PM.
Prevention of Sexist and Sexual Violence (VSS)
Mines Saint-Étienne is firmly committed to preventing and combating sexist and sexual violence (VSS) within its campuses. The school has set up a confidential support and listening system for students and staff, as well as a multi-year action plan and a prevention charter. This system aims to offer appropriate support to victims and witnesses, raise awareness among the student community, and ensure a safe and respectful environment for all. Moreover, VSS referents, trained in listening and support, provide confidential follow-up, allowing everyone to be heard and supported in the best conditions.
The Gender Equality mission has existed for several years at Mines Saint-Étienne and pursues three main objectives: prevent, raise awareness, and support. It aims to provide training on issues of equality and mutual respect, and to connect people in need of support with specialized structures and health professionals (social workers, psychologists, university preventive medicine, etc.).
Listening and Support System Against VSS
To combat sexist and sexual violence (VSS), Mines Saint-Étienne has set up a confidential listening and support system for students and staff who are victims or witnesses of such situations. This system allows for:
- Welcoming students in difficulty, whether they are victims or witnesses of inappropriate behavior;
- Offering a compassionate listening and a safe space to discuss situations of violence or harassment;
- Proposing personalized support with appropriate support measures, in agreement with the person concerned;
- Contributing to the prevention of sexist and sexual violence through awareness-raising actions.
This unit is made up of people trained in listening and in the specificities of sexist and sexual violence, who work on campus or in student residences. They have committed to complying with certain ethical rules, in particular neutrality and strict confidentiality regarding the situations and information brought to their attention. Listening is provided with respect for anonymity and consent.
Contacting the Support Unit
Students and staff can contact the support unit in two ways.
- Online: via the BE SIGNAL reporting platform signalement.net, which allows you to submit a report securely and initiate appropriate follow-up.
- In person: by directly approaching the unit’s referents on campus or contacting them by email.
Useful Contacts
VSS Referents
Saint-Étienne Campus
- Julie Jaffre
VSS referent for Mines Saint-Étienne staff
Email: julie.jaffre@mines-st-etienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 00 17
- Hélène Pangot
Gender equality referent for students at Mines Saint-Étienne
Email: helene.pangot@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 49 97 20
Aix-Marseille-Provence Campus
- David Delafosse
Director of the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus
Email: david.delafosse@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 02 98
- Benjamin Massis (DF-GCP)
Director of Training for the Aix-Marseille-Provence campus
Email: benjamin.massis@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 42 61 66 31
Student residences on the Saint-Étienne campus
- Céline Haton
Director of the Student Housing
Email: haton@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 01 83
- Caroline Montagnier
Head of Rental and Communication
Email: caroline.montagnier@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 93 00
Student Housing of the Aix-Marseille-Provence Campus
- Bénédicte Franceschi
Email: franceschi@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 42 61 66 23
If you feel comfortable with the student association leaders, they can also be a point of contact for you.
For any urgent situation, other external support services are also available:
- Women’s Violence Helpline: 39 19
- Report domestic, sexual, or gender-based violence: Service Public
Together, for everyone’s well-being!
Mines Saint-Étienne is committed to supporting its students and staff in their academic and personal journeys, with health and prevention measures for a balanced and serene life.