Since its inception in 1963, the Office of Student Guidance and Counseling at Dhaka University has been a pillar of mental health support for students. Over the past four years, 1,340 students have utilized its services, attending over 5,000 sessions.
Services are available across the girl dormitories' five halls, while coverage in boys' halls remains incomplete, with only two equipped centers out of thirteen. Despite this, the counseling office ensures a comprehensive range of support initiatives.
Initiatives & Support:
The counseling office offers an array of initiatives, including tailored introductory programs for undergraduates and comprehensive booklets guiding students on available resources and services. Central to its function is professional counseling, part-time job facilitation, and commemorating vital events like World Mental Health Day.
Moreover, it fosters personal development through workshops and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Program, alongside extending support to visually, hearing, and physically challenged students.
Comprehensive Approach:
Counselors employ a comprehensive approach, addressing personal, emotional, social, vocational, and educational concerns. Services are tailored, encompassing social skills, stress and anger management, self-defense, and assertiveness strategies.
Student Feedback:
Students mainly seek support for relationship, family, and career-related issues. While some praise the service, others express mixed feelings about its efficacy.
One student lauded the attentive listening and valuable advice received, while another cited religious concerns for discontinuing the service despite positive interactions. However, a student from a prior session expressed dissatisfaction, highlighting the need for ongoing service evaluation.
Authorities' Perspective:
Deputy Director and Counselor Faizunnessa Zaman emphasized workshops for student advisors, promoting a supportive environment and encouraging referrals to the counseling office. Seminars on mental health are also regularly conducted across university halls.
Dhaka University's counseling center stands as a beacon of support, embodying a holistic approach to student well-being. While student feedback varies, ongoing efforts aim to continually enhance service quality and accessibility, ensuring all students receive the support they need.