Student Counselling Cell

 

Introduction

Students of this generation are experiencing a range of social, personal, and academic challenges in their day-to-day lives. The growing pressure to excel in every field often leads to emotional and psychological uncertainty, disturbing one’s peace of mind and overall well-being.

Recognizing the importance of mental health support, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College established the Student Counselling Cell in the academic year 2016–2017. The cell was set up with the aim of providing comprehensive guidance programs and services that equip students with the knowledge, attitude, and skills required to become mature, emotionally resilient, and socially responsible individuals. The Counselling Cell also strives to promote a just and humane society by fostering emotional awareness, self-understanding, and empathy.

During the initial years, the college collaborated with external professional counsellors, who provided one-to-one sessions and psychological testing whenever required. To further strengthen the support system, the college appointed a full-time professional counsellor on campus, functioning effectively from September 2023 to the present.

The Student Counselling Cell offers a confidential, non-judgmental environment for students to share their personal and professional challenges. Counselling, as practiced within the institution, is a scientific and ethical process that involves collecting case history, administering psychological assessments, and applying therapeutic methods to address emotional and behavioural issues. The process empowers students to achieve mental health, emotional balance, and personal growth, helping them become confident and compassionate individuals.

All counselling records are maintained strictly confidentially, in accordance with professional ethics and institutional policy.

The Student Counselling Cell is committed to supporting the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of students. It aims to provide individual and group counselling, workshops, and awareness sessions that help students navigate stress, anxiety, peer pressure, and other life challenges.

We believe that “a healthy mind leads to a successful academic journey.” The Counselling Cell serves as a bridge between students and the institution, ensuring early identification of distress and timely intervention.

We observed that students today face a unique set of challenges that affect their emotional and academic lives. Many struggles with personal conflicts, academic pressure, and social expectations that often create inner confusion and emotional fatigue. In such times, counselling becomes not just a service, but a source of emotional healing and direction.

Our Student Counselling Cell has been a space where students can freely open up about their experiences without fear of judgment. Since then, we have been dedicated to ensuring that every student who seeks help receives care, confidentiality, and compassion.

We view counselling as a collaborative journey - one that helps students reframe their thoughts, regulate their emotions, and rebuild their sense of purpose. Through one-to-one sessions, psychological assessments, and mental health workshops, we aim to empower each student to strengthen their emotional intelligence, manage stress effectively, and rediscover their inner strength.

We believe that true education is incomplete without emotional awareness and self-acceptance. Our goal is to help every student at Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College grow not only academically but also mentally, emotionally, and socially - to become confident individuals who contribute positively to society.

Vision

To create a campus that nurtures emotional balance, resilience, and mental wellness - empowering every student to realize their fullest potential with confidence and compassion.

Mission

  • To foster a culture of emotional well-being and mental health awareness.
  • To provide preventive, developmental, and remedial counselling services.
  • To equip students with life skills to manage stress and build self-confidence.
  • To support inclusive growth and ensure every student feels heard and valued.

Objectives

  • To promote self-understanding and emotional awareness among students.
  • To help students develop coping strategies and resilience.
  • To assist in personal, social, and academic adjustments.
  • To identify at-risk students early and provide timely support.
  • To create a supportive, stigma-free atmosphere for mental health.

Composition

Chairman Principal
Convener Dean - Academics
Coordinator(s)

Ms.Ramya S, Counsellor

Dr.R. Chandrasekaran, Commerce

Members

Ms.A.Abibelsiya, English

Mrs.V.Santhiya, Management

Mechanism Adopted

The Counselling Cell follows a four-tier mechanism for mental health support:

Preventive Approach
  • Awareness programmes, mental health workshops, and stress-management sessions.
  • Campaigns to reduce stigma around counselling.
Identification
  • Faculty and mentors are trained to identify behavioural, emotional, and academic warning signs.
  • Self-referral and peer-referral options are available confidentially.
Intervention
  • One-to-one counselling sessions by the counsellor.
  • Group counselling for common issues like exam stress or time management.
  • Referral to clinical psychologists or psychiatrists if required.
Follow-up
  • Regular monitoring of student progress and feedback from mentors.
  • Maintenance of confidential counselling records.

Roles & Responsibilities

Counsellor
  • Provide psychological counselling for individual and group needs.
  • Maintain confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Conduct awareness workshops and mental health training.
  • Coordinate with departments, parents, and external professionals when necessary.
  • Coordinate with departments, parents, and external professionals when necessary.
Faculty & Mentors
  • Observe behavioural and emotional changes in students.
  • Encourage students to seek help when needed.
  • Act as referral links to the counselling cell.
Students
  • Approach the counsellor without hesitation.
  • Participate in wellness programmes.
  • Practice self-care and peer empathy.
Psychological Issues Faced by Students
  • Academic Stress & Exam Anxiety
  • Low Self-Esteem and Self-Doubt
  • Adjustment Difficulties (College/Hostel Transition)
  • Family and Relationship Conflicts
  • Social Media Overuse & Comparison
  • Sleep Disturbances & Lifestyle Imbalance
  • Loneliness & Isolation
  • Depression & Suicidal Thoughts
  • Substance Abuse
  • Career Confusion and Lack of Motivation

 

Individual Counselling

One-on-one confidential sessions between counsellor and student to address personal, emotional, or academic concerns.

Group Counselling

Sessions for small student groups facing similar issues such as stress, time management, or communication difficulties. These sessions promote peer support and collective learning.

Counsellor Information

Name and Designation Ms. Ramya. S
Educational Qualification M. Sc Applied Psychology
Experience Summary Over 2 years of experience in counselling, mentoring, and student wellbeing.
Area of Expertise Student counselling, emotional intelligence, stress management, psychological assessment, and academic guidance.
Contact Number 99524-73770
E-mail ramyas@drngpasc.ac.in

 

Core Values
  • Empathy and Understanding
  • Confidentiality and Trust
  • Integrity and Professional Ethics
  • Respect and Dignity
  • Inclusivity and Acceptance
  • Personal Growth and Empowerment
  • Emotional Safety and Healing
  • Resilience and Well-being Promotion
  • Collaboration and Commitment
  • Continuous Learning and Improvement

Minutes of Meeting

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