Student Mentor Programme

1. What is counseling?

Counseling is a one to one interaction between the student and the student counselor whereby the counselor puts the student at ease and tries to understand the problem faced by the student. A strong attempt is made to establish a positive rapport with the student whereby he/she is at ease to discuss anything that may be bothering him/her. This may be a simple as homesickness, peer pressure, academics or anything that is causing a disturbance in his/her day to day activities. Counsel from a person in whom you can confide everything, in whom you can repose faith that he/she will help you out in the best available way possible.

2. What is the difference between a counselor and a psychiatrist?

A psychiatrist is a qualified professional in psychiatry authorized to prescribe medication in cases of major ailments. A counselor is a qualified therapist who spends adequate time to understand the student's problems, get an insight into the student's mind and in turn help the student solve his/her problems. This process involves no medication, only pure interaction.

3. When/where can I meet the institute's student counselor?

You can meet the counselor on all working days with a prior appointment. You may call 7071 to fix up an appointment and meet her in her office on the first floor of the main building adjunct to the Dean SA's office.

4. Do I have to pay for a visit to the counselor?

No, you do not have to pay anything for this service which is provided by the institute.

5. When should I consider visiting a counselor?

If at any point of time you feel uncomfortable about anything and are unable to carry out your daily activities, you should visit the counselor. Do not spend time thinking whether you have a problem or not, do not try to diagnose the reasons for the problem, simply pay a visit to the counselor. She would help you solve whatever problem that you might be facing. You might come across situations where you might not be able to discuss the problem either with your parents/guardians or your peers. The counselor is indispensable in such circumstances and the best person to get in touch with.

6. How can a counselor help me?

A counselor will sort out your problems whether they are at a personal level or at an academic level. Read through some of the anonymous testimonials by students and you will know what help the counselor can offer. Note that a counselor can also help you in case you are addicted to drugs, alcohol & smoking.

7. Doesn't asking for counseling mean admitting failure?

Asking for help does not mean failure; it is in fact a step ahead in solving a problem and reaching your goal. Likewise, a counselor will help you overcome all your difficulties and keep failure at bay.

8. Will my identity/problem be revealed to the authorities if I meet the counselor?

Under all circumstances, confidentiality is strictly respected. Think of the counselor as a friend in whom you can confide anything that you may not be able to share with anybody else. This friend of yours will not reveal your identity to anyone, not even your parents, without your permission. No records are kept of cases too.

9. How can I figure out if any of my friends needs counseling?

If you find your friend having the following symptoms you may refer him to the student mentor from your hostel - abrupt mood swings, extremely irregular attendance, drastically dismal academic performance, tendency to keep aloof from friends and/or family etc.

10. What can I do if I feel my friend needs the counselor's help?

Contact any assistant coordinator in the Institute Student Mentor Programme from your hostel/department. He will report it to the counselor, arrange for a meeting with her and provide help to your friend. You will not have to do anything else in this process.