The University Grants Commission has stressed on providing resources such as helplines and help groups on campus to aid them with issues due to COVID-19
The guidelines ask colleges to have mental health professionals on campus
As colleges prepare to reopen, other than physical safety norms, higher education institutions are also expected to provide students with mental health support in guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The guidelines have focussed on the fact that students may have had anxiety, mental health and psychological issues during the lockdown and should have the means to deal with them.
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The state government approved the reopening from February 15 onwards last week. Apart from a system providing support through mental health professionals and helplines, the UGC guidelines also ask colleges to form COVID-19 help groups at the campus level.
“In order to reassure the students’ community to avoid any kind of stress or panic in the prevailing situation vis-a-vis their studies, health and related issues, Universities and Colleges should take measures for the mental health, psychological aspects and well-being of the student.
All faculty members, students and staff should be made aware of the Web page named “Manodarpan” – created on the Ministry of Education website to provide psychosocial support for Mental Health & Well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond,” the guidelines state.
The statement adds, “Regular mentoring of students through interactions, and appeals/letters by the Universities/Colleges to remain calm and stress-free.
Form COVID-19 help groups of students headed by hostel wardens/senior faculty who can identify friends/classmates in need of help and provide the immediate necessary help.” All eyes are now on Mumbai University, which is yet to declare its roadmap for over 800 affiliated colleges.
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