Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, and eight other Rajamangala Universities of Technology under the initiative “Partner Network for Mental Care: Stepping Towards Quality Thai People.” The agreement aims to strengthen and expand comprehensive mental health services for students across all nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology through coordinated collaboration between public health agencies and universities in their respective health regions.
The partnership focuses on establishing an integrated and sustainable mental health support system encompassing mental health promotion, prevention, early identification, care and assistance, continuous monitoring, and surveillance of mental health concerns. By strengthening cooperation between higher education institutions and public health authorities, the initiative seeks to improve students’ access to mental health resources, enhance psychological well-being, and create a supportive educational environment.
The MoU remains effective for 10 years, from 30 August 2022 to 29 August 2032, demonstrating the participating institutions’ long-term commitment to student mental health and well-being.
RUTS Provides Free Mental Health Screening and Online Counseling Services to Support Student Well-being
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) is committed to promoting student mental health and psychological well-being by providing free mental health screening and access to online counseling appointment services. The university utilizes the “Mental Health Check-in” tool developed by the Department of Mental Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, to support mental health awareness, early risk identification, and preventive mental healthcare among students and university personnel.
Through the Mental Health Check-in platform, students can access free self-assessment services to evaluate their emotional well-being, stress levels, and potential mental health concerns. This initiative encourages self-awareness, early detection, and proactive mental health management, enabling students to recognize early warning signs of psychological distress and seek appropriate support before their conditions potentially worsen. By promoting regular self-assessment, the university aims to cultivate a culture of mental health awareness, reduce barriers to seeking help, and encourage students to take an active role in maintaining their psychological well-being.
In addition to mental health screening, RUTS provides an online counseling appointment system that enables students to conveniently request consultations with psychologists or qualified mental health professionals. This service facilitates access to professional guidance and emotional support for students experiencing academic stress, personal difficulties, anxiety, or other psychological concerns. The online appointment system also offers a more accessible and private channel for students to seek assistance, supporting timely intervention and appropriate referral when necessary.
By integrating free mental health self-assessment with accessible online counseling appointments, RUTS strengthens its student-centered mental health support system and promotes a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. These services reflect the university’s commitment to preventive healthcare, early identification of mental health risks, and the continuous promotion of psychological well-being among students.
RUTS Strengthens Student Mental Health and Well-being through Counseling Skills Development and Academic Advisor Support
On 17 January 2025, the Student Development Unit of the Faculty of Industrial Education and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), organized a workshop on “Counseling and Encouragement for Individual Learners” at the Chuphan Meeting Room. The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Chaiya Thanapatsiri, Dean of the Faculty, together with Mr. Alawee Hasani, Associate Dean for Student Development, and attended by university administrators, lecturers, staff, and students. The initiative aimed to strengthen student mental health support, enhance counseling competencies, and foster a supportive educational environment that promotes students’ psychological well-being and personal development.
The workshop focused on developing the capacity of lecturers, academic advisors, and university personnel to provide effective individualized counseling, emotional support, and encouragement to students experiencing academic, personal, or emotional challenges. By enhancing counseling and interpersonal communication skills, the program sought to improve the university’s ability to identify students’ needs, provide appropriate initial support, and strengthen relationships between students and academic advisors.
A key component of the program was a panel discussion entitled “Building a Positive Mindset and Strong Relationships between Students and Academic Advisors,” facilitated by Dr. Witoon Mettajit and Dr. Pornthep Chantarakamol from the Faculty of Liberal Arts, Prince of Songkla University. The session emphasized positive attitudes, mutual understanding, trust, and effective communication as essential foundations for a supportive academic advising system.
Another important session, “Counseling and Encouragement Techniques for Individual Learners,” was conducted by Dr. Pichamon Boonsit and Ms. Suwaibah Pohlae. The speakers shared practical counseling approaches, emotional support strategies, and techniques for encouraging students to manage challenges, build confidence, and maintain psychological well-being throughout their academic journeys.
Through this initiative, RUTS strengthened the knowledge and practical skills of university personnel in providing student-centered counseling and mental health support. The workshop also promoted collaboration among academic advisors, faculty members, and student development personnel, contributing to a more responsive and supportive student care system.
RUTS Strengthens Mental Health Support and Counseling Skills through the “Heart Care: Teachers Who Care” Project
On 19 July 2025, the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Student Development Division, organized the second round of the “Heart Care: Teachers Who Care” Project at Lecture Room 4, Small Animal Hospital Building, Thung Yai Campus, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The initiative aimed to promote mental health awareness, strengthen emotional resilience, and enhance counseling and interpersonal communication skills among faculty members, staff, and student leaders, contributing to a supportive and mentally healthy university environment.
The workshop focused on developing essential competencies in self-awareness, emotional intelligence, stress management, and effective coping strategies for academic, professional, and personal challenges. Particular emphasis was placed on active listening, empathy, and supportive communication, enabling participants to better recognize emotional concerns, provide appropriate initial psychological support, and foster positive relationships within the university community. Through interactive learning and practical exercises, the programme encouraged participants to apply these skills in everyday interactions and student support activities.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Asst. Prof. Dr. Dhiravit Chantip, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The workshop featured Asst. Prof. Dr. Sineenart Khembuppha and Lecturer Sophawan Rattanaphan as guest speakers and facilitators, who delivered expert-led sessions and hands-on activities designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of mental well-being, emotional regulation, and empathetic counseling practices.
A total of 60 participants, comprising faculty members, staff, and student leaders, attended the programme, which was coordinated under the supervision of Dr. Mathurot Suwanruengsri, Vice Dean for Student Development. The initiative provided opportunities for participants to exchange experiences, develop practical counseling skills, and strengthen their capacity to support individuals experiencing stress or emotional difficulties.
Beyond individual skills development, the project contributed to strengthening an institutional network of mental health awareness and peer support within the Faculty of Veterinary Science. By empowering lecturers, personnel, and student leaders to recognize emotional challenges and respond with empathy and appropriate support, the programme reinforced the faculty’s commitment to preventive mental healthcare, early identification of psychological concerns, and a supportive educational environment.
RUTS Promotes Mental Health and Stress Management through Biofeedback-Based Screening and Health Education
On 29 August 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS), through its Student Development Division in collaboration with Mental Health Center 12, organized a mental health screening and stress management initiative using Biofeedback technology. The activity aimed to promote mental health awareness, strengthen stress management skills, and encourage preventive mental healthcare among students and university staff. A total of 51 participants, comprising students and personnel, participated in the program.
The initiative employed Biofeedback technology to monitor physiological indicators associated with stress, including heart rate, blood pressure, and autonomic nervous system responses. These measurements provided participants with objective information about their physiological reactions to stress, helping them better understand the relationship between emotional well-being and physical responses. The technology also supported greater self-awareness and encouraged participants to recognize potential signs of accumulated stress.
Beyond the initial screening, the program emphasized mental health literacy, preventive healthcare, and practical stress management skills. Participants received guidance and hands-on training in self-regulation techniques, including diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and basic mental well-being practices. These techniques were introduced to support relaxation, improve emotional regulation, and encourage healthier responses to everyday stressors associated with academic and professional responsibilities.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in promoting mental health. Through its partnership with Mental Health Center 12, RUTS strengthened cooperation between higher education and specialized public health services, supporting proactive mental health awareness and access to preventive mental healthcare within the university community.
The program equipped participants with practical knowledge and techniques for recognizing and managing stress, encouraging the adoption of healthier coping strategies and self-care practices. It also demonstrated the university’s commitment to creating a supportive learning and working environment that prioritizes psychological well-being.
This initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3): Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the promotion of mental health and well-being. It also contributes to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by strengthening collaboration between the university and regional public health authorities.
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