Campuses Screen Students and Lecturers to Prevent Mental Health Disorders

January 13, 2026

To address mental health challenges holistically, universities have established early prevention and treatment systems for mental health disorders. At Unesa and Ciputra University (UC) Surabaya, lecturers and students are required to undergo screening to detect the type of disorder they are experiencing. The universities also provide professional psychologists to assist with recovery.

Assessment Process

At Unesa, mental health management is carried out by the Directorate of Prevention and Management of Strategic Issues (PPIS). Unesa PPIS Director, Prof. Dr Mutimmatul Faidah, stated that all new students and lecturers undergo an assessment using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). The results are used to map students’ stress vulnerability levels, from mild to severe.

Students with mild and moderate vulnerabilities are directed to peer counsellors and community-based mental health classes. Those with severe conditions receive intensive support, ranging from professional counselling to in-person calls and home visits, if necessary. “Mentoring doesn’t stop with the assessment; there’s follow-up according to the risk level,” said Mutimmatul.

Dominant Issues

The most dominant issues Unesa addresses aren’t academic issues. Challenges to new students’ adaptation, family issues, social relationships, and even economic pressures are more common. To expand its service reach, PPIS collaborates with the Faculty of Education and provides counselling services to lecturers and administrative staff.

Mentoring System

UC Surabaya has prioritised mental health issues from the outset as part of its student development system. Psychological screenings are conducted online during new student orientation week. UC’s Head of Student Welfare, Stevany Livia Prajogo, stated that the assessment results form the basis for continued mentoring throughout their studies. The university implements a mandatory mentoring system where supervisors and student mentors regularly monitor the academic and psychological well-being of new students. One mentoring session specifically discusses mental health, campus adaptation, and strategies for coping with the stress of studying. Students are also encouraged to actively utilise peer counselling services.

Counseling Services

For cases requiring further intervention, UC provides professional counselling services by deploying campus psychologists. The service is open flexibly from Monday to Saturday, including online and evening sessions. “We want to ensure students have easy access to support without fear or stigma,” said Stefany. (omy/aph)