Mental Health Support: UPJ Launches Support Services Unit for Students with Special Needs

Bintaro, South Tangerang 02/10/2024 - Universitas Pembangunan Jaya (UPJ) strengthens its commitment to educational inclusivity by launching a support services unit that includes Health Services, Counseling Services, and Disability Services. The launch event was marked by a seminar titled "Understanding Students with Special Needs," aimed at educating attendees about mental health.

The seminar, held at Theater 2 of Building A, was the result of a collaboration between the Counseling and Disability Services Unit, the Student Affairs and Alumni Department (BKAL) of UPJ, and Personal Growth, an organization focusing on mental health and self-development. This event also aligns with the Ministry of Education and Culture's mandate encouraging all universities to provide specialized services for students with disabilities.

UPJ's educators and staff participated in the event, reinforcing internal collaboration to support students with special needs. The launch of this service unit marks an important milestone for UPJ in enhancing academic services and the psychological well-being of its students.

UPJ's Rector, Ir. Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D., officially inaugurated the new service unit with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony. In his remarks, Yudi emphasized the vital role universities play in preparing the younger generation amid rapid technological advancements.

"Our role is to serve students as subjects. By strengthening our services, we hope to address the educational and psychological challenges students face today," said Yudi Samyudia, Ph.D.

The seminar featured two keynote speakers. The first speaker, Ellyana Dwi Farisandy, discussed the importance of understanding the mental health conditions of students, especially those with special needs. She explained the four main characteristics of psychological disorders (4D's abnormality): deviance, distress, dysfunction, and danger, and the role academic advisors play in detecting these symptoms.

The second speaker, Mutiara Maharani, highlighted the important role of lecturers in supporting students experiencing mental health issues. She also provided training on basic mental health first aid skills, including observation, empathy, and support for students in crisis situations.

"We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone," this quote concluded the seminar, reminding attendees that everyone can contribute to creating an environment that supports mental health.

With the launch of this new service unit, UPJ hopes to become a pioneer in providing inclusive services for students with special needs, aligning with its vision of creating a welcoming and open educational environment for all students.