WU’s Commitment to Supporting Female Students through Inclusive Mentoring
In 2025, Walailak University organized various mentoring programs for female students to help women gain confidence, break barriers, and advance in their careers and education, and others to ensure that female students can conduct their university life successfully.
Walailak University prioritizes broad participation, ensuring that at least 10% of female students across the university engage in mentoring programs, as women constitute the majority of its student body. Some programs are even organized for all female students across the campus to participate in as part of their facilities and services from WU. The mentoring programs for women at WU include various topics, such as life mentoring, health and well-being, university life, encouraging development, career development, etc.
The Smile and Smart Center, operating under the Division of Student Support and Development at Walailak University (previously known as the Division of Student Affairs), plays an essential role in supporting female students throughout their university life. The center provides mentoring and guidance in areas such as academic improvement, personal development, and mental well-being. Staffed by experienced advisors and a psychologist, the center ensures that students receive comprehensive support to help them navigate academic and personal challenges.
Based on diagnostic analyses, most concerns among students include personal and family issues, academic difficulties, mental health challenges such as depression, and social adaptation. Additionally, the center organizes workshops and group activities designed to foster peer support and resilience, creating a welcoming environment where students can share experiences and learn from one another.
In 2025, records showed that 703 female students received one-on-one mentoring services from the Smile and Smart Center, while over 3,560 participated in various mentoring activities and programs organized by the center. The primary issues raised by students included academic performance enhancement, family and personal relationship matters, and coping with emotional difficulties. Through its dedicated services, the Smile and Smart Center has played a vital role in helping female students manage these concerns, offering tailored advice, emotional support, and effective strategies for both academic success and personal well-being.
Volunteer Mentor Training for New Students
The Smile and Smart Center at Walailak University conducted a workshop for Volunteer Mentors for New Students (Volunteer Mentor), designed to equip student volunteers with the skills and understanding needed to assist newly enrolled students as they adjust to university life. The workshop was attended by 128 student volunteers, of whom 120 were female students, accounting for 93.75% of the total participants.
The training emphasized the development of practical competencies for peer mentoring, including an understanding of mentors’ roles and responsibilities, effective communication, and the planning and organization of student activities. These skills support volunteer mentors in providing appropriate guidance to new students, communicating effectively with their peers, and facilitating activities that foster interaction, connection, and a welcoming campus environment.
The initiative contributes to peer-based support during the post-admission stage by enabling experienced students to assist newcomers as they commence their university experience. Through direct interaction with fellow students, newly enrolled students have an accessible source of advice and encouragement from peers who are familiar with the university setting and the challenges of adapting to higher education.
The strong participation of female students in the Volunteer Mentor program also demonstrates women’s active participation in the University’s mentoring system. With 120 of the 128 volunteer mentors being female, women constituted the overwhelming majority of students prepared to undertake mentoring roles. Their participation enables female students to contribute not only as recipients of support but also as peer mentors and contributors to the student support environment.
By equipping student volunteers with communication, mentoring, and activity-management skills, the Smile and Smart Center strengthens the University’s capacity to provide supportive guidance to students during the early stages of their university experience. The initiative therefore contributes to a supportive and inclusive higher-education environment in which female students can actively participate in mentoring and leadership roles while helping new students adapt to university life and navigate their transition more effectively.
The Volunteer Mentor workshop represents Walailak University’s approach to extending mentoring beyond formal faculty advising by developing a student-led peer support mechanism. Through this scheme, female students are provided with opportunities to develop interpersonal and leadership-related competencies while participating in a structured mentoring system that supports the successful integration of new students into university life.
Building Resilience and Mental Well-being through Student Mentoring
Walailak University, through the Smile & Smart Center, in collaboration with Mental Health Center 11, organized a training program on Resilience Quotient (RQ) for student leaders of the University’s Junior Helper peer-support program and other interested students. The training was designed to strengthen students’ psychological resilience and equip them with practical skills to cope with challenges and respond appropriately to difficult or potentially crisis situations during their university experience.
A total of 57 students participated in the training, including 40 female students, representing 70.2% of all participants. The strong participation of female students demonstrates their active engagement in peer-support and well-being initiatives designed to strengthen students’ ability to manage personal, emotional, and social challenges.
The training was delivered by psychologists, social workers, and academic professionals from Mental Health Center 11. It was based on the “I am, I have, and I can” framework and combined knowledge-sharing with practical activities and experiential learning. Participants explored different aspects of resilience, including self-awareness, recognition of personal strengths, emotional management, stress management, positive communication, and the ability to overcome challenges.
Practical activities included exercises on self-worth and self-awareness, such as the Four Directions Personality activity and Life Journey activity. Participants also took part in activities designed to strengthen motivation and emotional resilience, including Who Gives Me Encouragement? and Color Your Mind. In addition, the training introduced practical stress-management techniques, active listening, and positive communication skills through the I-Message activity. These activities provided students with practical approaches that could be applied in their daily lives and in their interactions with fellow students.
An important component of the training was the introduction of available mentoring, counseling, and mental health support services. Participants were informed about support channels within Walailak University, including the Smile & Smart Center, Rak Jai Clinic, and Puea Jai Clinic, as well as external support through the Puean Jai Clinic and Mental Health Hotline 1323. This information helps students recognize when additional assistance may be needed and provides clear pathways for accessing appropriate professional support.
The training also strengthens the University’s peer-mentoring system by developing students who can contribute to a supportive environment for their fellow students. In particular, participants from the Junior Helper program can apply the knowledge and communication skills gained through the training when supporting and interacting with other students. This creates an additional layer of peer-based support alongside the mentoring and counseling services provided by University staff and professional personnel.
The effectiveness of the activity was reflected in its participant evaluation, with 94.6% of participants reporting the highest level of satisfaction with the training. Participants highlighted that they gained useful knowledge, enjoyed the activities, appreciated the opportunity to participate, and intended to apply what they had learned in their daily lives.
Through this initiative, Walailak University extends its mentoring approach beyond academic guidance to include resilience building, emotional well-being, communication, and peer support. The substantial participation of female students also provides women with opportunities to develop skills that can be used to support themselves and their peers. Together with the University’s broader mentoring and counseling mechanisms, the initiative contributes to a supportive post-admission environment that helps female students manage challenges, access appropriate assistance, and continue their university journey with greater confidence and resilience.
Student Capacity Building and Participation for Female Students
Walailak University, through the Smile and Smart Center, provides student development opportunities that encourage active participation and the development of transferable skills. As part of these efforts, the University organized a Student Facilitator Workshop under the Communication and Leadership Skills Development Project (The Best Speech of WU), in collaboration with the Department of Student Wellness, the Department of Arts and Culture Preservation, and the Department of General Management and Administration. A total of 145 students participated in the training, including 136 female students.
The workshop was designed to equip students with practical skills that can support their participation in university activities and their future academic and professional development. The training covered communication, public speaking, facilitation, teamwork, and leadership, helping students develop greater confidence in interacting with others and contributing to activities within the University community.
Following the training, participating students were prepared to serve as facilitators at four Rally Speech activity stations focusing on Gratitude, Discipline, Volunteerism, and Leadership Development. This provided students with opportunities to apply their training in practical settings, communicate with their peers, coordinate group activities, and assume responsibility for supporting the learning and participation of other students.
The workshop comprised two main modules. Module 1 introduced the concepts, objectives, and key messages of the four Rally Speech activity stations. Module 2 focused on practical facilitation techniques, effective communication, group management, and the appropriate use of training tools. Through this combination of knowledge and hands-on practice, students were able to strengthen their ability to engage with groups and participate actively in university activities.
For female students, participation in such activities creates additional opportunities to build confidence, communication skills, teamwork abilities, and experience in taking active roles within the University community. Their involvement as student facilitators also enables them to contribute to peer learning and student activities while gaining practical experience that can be transferred to future academic, professional, and community settings.
The Student Facilitator Workshop therefore demonstrates Walailak University’s commitment to providing opportunities for students, including female students, to develop beyond the classroom. By combining structured training with practical opportunities to participate and take responsibility, the University supports students in building transferable competencies, engaging with their peers, and becoming active contributors to the university community.
Career Preparation and Employment Support for Female Students
Walailak University, through the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development (COOP), provides support to strengthen students’ employability, workplace readiness, and transition from university to employment. Administered by Dr. Attanan Tachopisalwong, the Center serves as a link between academic education and the labour market by connecting students with employers, facilitating work-integrated learning opportunities, and helping students develop the professional knowledge, skills, and networks required for their future careers.
As part of these services, female students are provided with career guidance and mentoring throughout their preparation for work placements and future employment. Support includes assistance in identifying appropriate work-placement opportunities, preparing for workplace environments, strengthening professional competencies, communicating with employers and colleagues, and addressing challenges that may arise during internships or cooperative education placements. Students can also receive guidance when preparing for employment and considering career pathways that align with their academic backgrounds, interests, and future goals.
These career-development and mentoring services enable female students to gain practical experience and a better understanding of workplace expectations before graduation. Through direct exposure to professional environments and access to guidance from the University, students can strengthen their confidence, communication abilities, professional networks, and other transferable skills that contribute to their readiness for employment.
The University’s approach combines cooperative education, career guidance, mentoring, and workplace preparation to support female students throughout the transition from higher education into the labour market. Rather than focusing solely on access to university education, these services provide continued support for students as they prepare to participate in professional environments and pursue sustainable career opportunities.
Through these activities, Walailak University promotes the continued participation and development of female students beyond the classroom. By providing structured career guidance, practical work-placement opportunities, and mentoring support, the University helps female students develop the competencies and confidence needed to pursue further professional development and participate actively in the workforce.
English Communication and Mentoring Support for Female Students
Walailak University, through the Center for Student Promotion and Development, organized the English communication development activity “English Level Up, Boost Your Confidence With Kru P’Ann,” featuring Ms. Warinthorn Uawasinthorn, widely known as “Kru P’Ann,” founder of the “Perfect English with Kru P’Ann” page, as the guest speaker and mentor.
The activity provided students with an opportunity to improve their English communication abilities and strengthen their confidence in using English in academic, everyday, and international contexts. Through an interactive and supportive learning environment, participants were encouraged to practice communication skills, express themselves more confidently, and develop personal competencies that can be applied beyond the classroom.
The activity also provided a mentoring and learning opportunity for female students, with women representing a substantial proportion of participants. More than 1,200 students took part in the activity, including 1,024 female students. Their participation demonstrates the engagement of female students in university-wide opportunities for language development, personal growth, and skills enhancement.
Through interaction with an experienced female English educator and public communicator, female students were able to gain practical perspectives on communication, confidence-building, and effective use of English. Exposure to female professionals in educational and communication roles can provide students with opportunities to learn from practical experience while developing skills that may support their academic studies, future employment, and participation in international environments.
The activity therefore extended beyond conventional language instruction by combining English learning with mentoring, communication practice, and personal development. It provided female students with an accessible opportunity to strengthen transferable competencies and participate actively in a university-wide learning environment.
Through initiatives such as this, Walailak University supports the continued development and participation of female students by providing opportunities to enhance their knowledge, communication skills, confidence, and readiness for future academic and professional settings. This contributes to the University’s broader commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment in which female students can access opportunities for personal and professional development.
Academic Mentoring and Learning Support for Female Students
The WU Tutor Center, established by the Division of Student Support and Development, provides academic mentoring and tutoring services to support students who encounter learning difficulties or require additional assistance with their studies. The Center helps students identify areas for improvement, strengthen their learning abilities, and develop the confidence and skills needed to make continued progress toward graduation.
Through individualized and small-group tutoring, female students can access academic guidance based on their specific learning needs. Support may include clarification of difficult course content, review of previously studied material, assistance with study techniques, and guidance on developing more effective approaches to learning and preparing for assessments. These services provide students with additional academic resources beyond regular classroom instruction.
The WU Tutor Center also offers a supportive setting where students can seek assistance with academic difficulties and discuss challenges related to their studies. Lecturers and senior student volunteers contribute as tutors and mentors, providing academic guidance alongside encouragement and practical advice. This peer- and staff-supported approach can help students become more confident learners, improve their study practices, and take greater responsibility for their own academic development.
In 2025, approximately 1,622 female students received support through the academic tutoring and mentoring programs provided by the WU Tutor Center. The services addressed a range of learning needs, including difficulties with course content, foundational knowledge, study habits, and strategies for overcoming academic challenges.
By providing accessible academic mentoring and tutoring, the WU Tutor Center gives female students additional opportunities to address learning difficulties and strengthen their academic performance. The initiative forms part of the University’s broader student support system, helping students remain engaged in their studies and develop the skills necessary for continued educational progress.
The availability of these services also provides female students with a structured source of academic assistance when they encounter difficulties during their university studies. Through direct support from lecturers and senior student mentors, students can access guidance, learning resources, and encouragement that complement their regular academic experience.
Female students who wish to receive academic tutoring and mentoring support can contact the WU Tutor Center directly at its office or through its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/wututorcenter.
Preventive Healthcare Access for Female Students
In 2025, Walailak University provided free HPV vaccination to female students as part of its student health and well-being support. The programme was designed to improve access to preventive healthcare by removing the cost of vaccination and providing students with convenient access to professional health services while they continued their university education.
The programme was implemented in alignment with Thailand’s national Quick Win 100 Days, 1 Million Doses Policy, which seeks to expand access to HPV vaccination and strengthen prevention of cervical cancer. By incorporating HPV vaccination into its student support services, Walailak University provided female students with access to an important preventive health intervention within the university environment.
A total of 1,955 female students received HPV vaccinations through the programme in 2025. The vaccinations were administered by Walailak University Hospital, allowing students to access healthcare services through a trusted medical facility within the University. This arrangement helped make preventive healthcare more accessible to students and reduced the need to seek vaccination services outside the university.
The programme forms part of the University’s broader approach to supporting students’ health and well-being alongside their academic development. Access to preventive healthcare can help students address health needs during their university years and maintain their ability to participate in education and other aspects of university life.
By providing HPV vaccination free of charge and integrating the service into the University’s student support system, Walailak University contributes to improving access to essential preventive healthcare for female students. The initiative demonstrates how university-based health services can complement academic support by addressing health and well-being needs that may otherwise create barriers to students’ continued participation in higher education.
Menstrual Hygiene Support for Female Students
In 2025, Walailak University continued its Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme to provide female students and staff with free access to essential menstrual hygiene products. The scheme supports the University’s student welfare and well-being efforts by ensuring students can access basic hygiene supplies when needed during daily academic and residential activities.
To improve accessibility, sanitary napkin dispensers were installed in female student dormitories, enabling students to obtain sanitary napkins conveniently and free of charge. Locating the dispensers within student residences provides an accessible source of menstrual hygiene products and offers practical support when students need supplies unexpectedly or are unable to purchase them immediately.
The University also established a central distribution point at WU Bota Market. At this location, University staff conducted an awareness activity alongside the distribution of sanitary napkins to female students and staff. The activity provided an opportunity to promote awareness of menstrual health and encourage more open discussion of menstrual hygiene within the University community.
Throughout 2025, more than 1,200 sanitary napkins were distributed through the scheme. The distribution of these essential products provided direct and practical assistance to female students and staff while complementing the University’s broader student welfare services.
By making menstrual hygiene products available without charge and placing distribution points in locations that students can readily access, Walailak University addresses a practical need that can arise during students’ daily lives. Such support helps create a more comfortable and supportive learning and living environment and can reduce avoidable disruptions associated with access to menstrual hygiene products.
The Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme therefore represents a practical component of the University’s student support system. By combining free access to essential hygiene products with menstrual health awareness, Walailak University supports the well-being and continued participation of female students in academic and university activities.
Integrated Health, Counselling, and Support Services for Female Students
Walailak University provides a range of student support services designed to help students access health information, counselling, screening, and guidance throughout their university experience. These services form part of the University’s broader approach to student well-being, helping address personal and health-related concerns that may otherwise affect students’ ability to participate in education and prepare for employment.
In 2025, Walailak University Hospital organized a Voluntary Counselling and Testing (VCT) Day, offering HIV screening, health information, and opportunities for consultation to students, staff, and members of the public. A total of 718 people participated in the activity, including 466 female students and staff members of Walailak University. The activity promoted awareness of HIV prevention and encouraged individuals to make use of appropriate health screening and preventive health services.
The VCT activity also complemented the University’s wider mentoring and support system by connecting students with health information, counselling, screening, and sources of professional guidance. Access to appropriate and confidential health services gives female students an opportunity to seek advice and address health concerns while continuing their studies and participating in university activities.
Beyond health screening, Walailak University provides a range of support mechanisms for female students across different stages of their university experience. These include pre-admission and post-admission support, academic and personal development activities, counselling, emotional well-being services, health-related initiatives, and career preparation. Together, these services provide multiple points of support as students progress through higher education.
The Smile and Smart Center provides individualized support through counselling, skill-development activities, and mental health services according to students’ needs. Other University initiatives complement these services, including the Free HPV Vaccination Programme, the Sanitary Napkin Distribution Scheme, and cooperative education and career-development opportunities. These measures address different aspects of students’ well-being, academic experience, and preparation for future employment.
This integrated approach enables female students to access different forms of assistance according to their circumstances rather than relying solely on academic support. Health services, counselling, mentoring, personal development opportunities, and career preparation work together to support students’ continued engagement with university life.
Through these services and initiatives, Walailak University seeks to create an environment in which female students can access appropriate information, professional assistance, and development opportunities throughout their higher education journey. The University’s approach supports students’ well-being, personal development, and educational progression while helping them prepare for participation in professional and community settings after graduation.
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well-being
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Reduced Inequalities