Internal Counselling and Student Support Committee
CONSTITUTION OF INTERNAL COUNSELLING AND STUDENT SUPPORT COMMITTEE
In continuation of the existing Student Support and Guidance Programme (SSGP) and Mentor-Mentee Programme of the Institution, and in order to strengthen the system of student welfare, counseling, guidance and psychosocial support, an Internal Counselling and Student Support Committee (ICSSC) is hereby constituted.
The Committee shall function in coordination with the SSGP and shall provide an integrated mechanism for the early identification, counseling, guidance, referral, follow-up and support of students facing academic, personal, emotional, psychosocial or other difficulties.
1. Composition
The Committee shall comprise the following:
2. Functions
The Committee shall:
- Strengthen the existing SSGP and Mentor-Mentee system of the institution.
- Facilitate early identification of students requiring academic, personal, emotional or psychosocial support.
- Ensure appropriate counseling and guidance through mentors, counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists.
- Coordinate the Student Peer Support/Peer Group mechanism in a structured and responsible manner.
- Monitor students who require continuing support and ensure appropriate follow-up.
- Facilitate academic support for students experiencing learning difficulties or poor academic performance.
- Provide appropriate referral to professional services whenever the student’s needs exceed routine mentoring or counseling.
- Coordinate with concerned departments, mentors, wardens and other student-support mechanisms wherever necessary.
- Promote a supportive, respectful and non-stigmatizing learning environment.
- Undertake preventive and awareness programmes relating to student wellbeing, stress management, resilience, professional conduct and healthy coping mechanisms.
- Maintain appropriate records of activities, meetings, referrals and follow-up, while ensuring confidentiality and privacy of individual students.
- Review the functioning of the student support system periodically and submit reports/recommendations to the Principal.
3. Meetings and Reporting
The Committee shall meet at least once every quarter and more frequently whenever required.
The SSGP Coordinator/Nodal Student Support Faculty shall coordinate the meetings, maintain minutes and records, and prepare an Action Taken/Periodic Report for submission to the Principal and IQAC.
Mentors and Mentor-Mentee Coordinators shall provide periodic feedback to the Committee regarding students requiring additional support, without compromising the confidentiality of sensitive personal information.
4. Student Peer Group
A structured Student Peer Support Group shall function under the guidance of the SSGP/Committee. Peer supporters shall assist in promoting a positive and supportive student environment and may facilitate early identification of students who may benefit from professional support.
Peer supporters shall not undertake professional counseling, diagnosis or treatment and shall refer concerns to the designated mentor, counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
All concerned faculty, mentors, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, wardens and student peer-support members are requested to extend their full cooperation to the Committee.
This Circular shall come into force with immediate effect.
