Create cells to address mental health issues of students: UGC draft guidelines

Under the guidelines, which are likely to be released for public comment on Tuesday, these cells are also expected to keep separate records of students who appear to be “most vulnerable and stress-prone.”

“This way you can also check the dropout rates. Subsequent interventions can be designed accordingly”, according to the guidelines – “Promotion of Physical Fitness, Sport, Student Health, Wellbeing, Psychological and Emotional Wellbeing”.

“Every higher education institution must have a Student Assistance Center (CSE) in charge of attending to and managing problems related to stress and emotional adjustment. It will have the standardized and systematic arrangements within the relevant provision of the Ordinances to provide the necessary support to students, especially from rural backgrounds, female students, students from divergent cultural backgrounds, and students with special needs,” the guidelines read.

UGC President M Jagadesh Kumar said: “The main aim of these guidelines is to promote sports and physical activity among students, instill a positive attitude and develop a support network of students. These are essential to strengthen the mental well-being of students to protect themselves against the different types of stress, pressure and behavioral problems they face.”

Recognizing that students entering universities are often pushed out of their comfort zone for the first time in their lives, the guidelines urge authorities at higher education institutions to avoid taking punitive action where possible and seek the help of professionals such as psychological counselors to manage “deviant behaviors”.

“HEIs must respect linguistic, religious, cultural and social diversity and consequently ensure that they have counselors with efficient language skills to provide services to students and teachers. Particular care may be taken with LGBT students,” the guidelines add.