Published: 28 Feb 2017 Source: University Relations Office (URO)
A psycho-educational seminar was held for senior members on Thursday 23rd February, 2017 at the Gardiner Conference Room, Great Hall. The seminar was to educate senior members on how to identify and help students in distress.
In his presentation, Rev. (Fr.) Stephen Jantuah stated that stress was a fact of life especially in the life of students. He talked about the negative form of stress which was distress and highlighted some of its causes: financial difficulties, family problems, abuse, academic problems and significant changes in circumstances.
He further outlined the signs that would trigger the attention of faculty and staff members. Some of the signs are deterioration in quality of work, missing assignments and appointments, repeated absence, lack of energy and isolation or withdrawal.
Rev. Fr. Jantuah concluded by establishing the guidelines for referrals. He said that faculty and staff members must first express genuine concern about the well-being of students, go on to have a one-on-one chat with them and listen to their explanations.
Dr. (Sr.) Frances Emily Owusu-Ansah, the head of the KNUST Counselling Centre, presented the counsellors assigned to the various colleges for immediate referrals. She hoped that the seminar would go a long way to help promote good mental health of students so as to ensure career success.