LETTERS: The pandemic has put a spotlight on the hidden challenges of student wellbeing, particularly their mental health as seen in the increased workload at student wellbeing centres.
Academics have to equip themselves with basic mental health knowledge to cope with these challenges. The Higher Education Ministry has came up with initiatives, such as KPT Prihatin, to deal with these concerns.
However, academics are not psychologists, and the ministry's initiatives may have limited reach.
The best avenue to find out what needs to be done will be from students.
The Global Student Barometer survey done between October and November last year showed that students were concerned about their wellbeing during the pandemic.
There has been a 35 per cent increase globally in the use of counselling services. However, 95 per cent in Malaysia are satisfied with the support provided compared with 85 per cent globally.
Furthermore, data shows that 56 per cent of students in Malaysia are concerned about the impact of the pandemic on the timely completion of their studies.
This survey collected data from 170,000 students from 107 universities in 15 countries, including 25,000 in Malaysia.
In response to the issue, the Malaysian Society for Higher Education Policy and Research Development (PenDaPaT) recently organised an online discourse on student wellbeing focusing on mental health.
The three groups of panellists — students, academics and experts — highlighted students' mental health in higher education institutions, particularly in the last 24 months.
Participants heard from students on how they coped, relying on resources to support themselves apart from parents. They also approached friends, academics and wellbeing centres at universities.
International students faced additional pressures as many were away from crucial social support during this time.
The student panel confirmed the findings of the Student Barometer that while they were more stressed, they were also satisfied with the mental health support received.
The academic panel felt that students' requests for extended weekends and a more balance study life are essential to ensure their wellbeing and mental health.
However, the academic panel felt there was room for improvement, particularly in policy scaffolding.
An expert panel discussion followed the academic panel. The conversation hinged on areas universities should focus on moving forward.
We should support students' mental health by creating awareness and promoting mental health at four levels: individual, department, organisation and policy.
On the policy narrative, the panel felt that policymakers must engage mental health professionals in developing policies so that student support can be appropriate and meaningful.
For example, creating greater awareness of mental health through social media will reduce stereotyping, discrimination and the stigma related to mental health in higher education.
It is also critical to design an effective mental health management system at the national level, and establishing greater accountability at the institutional level.
DR ROZILINI MARY FERNANDEZ CHUNG
Associate professor, University of Nottingham Malaysia;
DR JIMMY TAM KOK CHIAN
Assistant professor, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia;
Both are members of the Malaysian Society for Higher Education Policy and Research Development (PenDaPaT)
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times