Walailak University’s Contribution to Women’s Access Schemes

08Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Outreach and Engagement

Walailak University is dedicated to creating an inclusive, equitable, and high-quality educational environment, ensuring female students can thrive both academically and personally. In fiscal year 2023, the university introduced several women’s access schemes to support female students. This included providing scholarships, mentoring programs, and other targeted supports, all managed by dedicated university organizations. Through these initiatives, Walailak University continues to champion the well-being and success of its female student body.

Mentoring Schemes

The Smile and Smart Center, part of the Division of Student Support and Development, Walailak University (formerly known as the Division of Student Affairs), plays a crucial role in mentoring WU students. This includes female and LGBT students, addressing various aspects of university life, academic enhancement, and personal development. The center is staffed with skilled advisors and a psychologist who offer comprehensive guidance and support on numerous issues, ensuring students navigate their university journey smoothly.

The WU female students can benefit from the Center’s mentoring services on a wide range of matters, including personal and family issues, academic performance, mental health concerns like depression, and social adaptation challenges. The Center also organizes workshops and group sessions to foster a supportive community where students can share experiences and build resilience together. By providing a safe and welcoming environment, the WU Smile and Smart Center empowers female students to overcome obstacles, achieve their academic goals, and enjoy a fulfilling university experience.

In addition to offering mentoring services, the WU Smile and Smart Center provides free psychological testing services to female students. These services help identify potential mental health issues early, preventing them from escalating. Female students in need of these services can visit the Office of the Smile and Smart Center, located in the Thai Buri Building at Walailak University, or contact them by phone at 075-673-122.

Moreover, the center actively engages with students through its Facebook Page. This online platform offers updates on upcoming events, resources for mental well-being, and additional support options. By leveraging both in-person and digital channels, the Smile and Smart Center ensures that female students have comprehensive access to the assistance they need to lead a balanced and healthy university life.

Figure : The Office of WU Smile and Smart Center at Thai Buri Building, Walailak University.

Figures : A group of female students participating in a mentoring group with a staff of the center.

Point of View Inspiration in WU

The event “Point of View Inspiration in WU” was organized by the Smile and Smart Center to inspire female students to pursue their university education with passion and purpose. It featured Ms. Chananya Techajaksemar, a renowned YouTuber from the channel “Point of View,” who shared her insights on university life, academics, dream-chasing, time and mindset management, and the journey to becoming a successful female student. Her presence as a role model sparked motivation among the attendees. In addition, WU female students had the opportunity to receive personalized advice and mentorship from Ms. Techajaksemar, further empowering them to achieve their goals. This event not only ignited inspiration but also fostered a supportive community for female students to thrive academically and personally.

Furthermore, this initiative allowed WU female students to interact directly with Ms. Techajaksemar, engaging in meaningful dialogues and receiving one-on-one consultations. These sessions enabled students to address their personal challenges, gain clarity on their ambitions, and develop actionable plans to turn their dreams into reality. The event also included interactive workshops and networking opportunities, creating a platform for students to connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships with peers and mentors alike. This holistic approach ensured that the event was not just a momentary spark of inspiration but a sustained source of support and motivation for the female student community at WU.

Figure : A poster for promoting the event titled “Point of View Inspiration in WU”, a scheme organized to ignite inspiration for female students on university life.

Figures : The WU female students participating in the event.

Scholarships

Walailak University is committed to ensuring all students, including female students, have the financial support needed to complete their education. The university annually offers the General Scholarship, and in the academic year 2023, 410 students benefited from this program. Notably, 318 of these recipients were female students, making up 77.56% of the total. In line with its vision of being a leader in educational equality, Walailak University also provides 30 scholarships each year to international students from both ASEAN and non-ASEAN countries, including female students. These efforts demonstrate the university’s dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.Walailak University has the official website of Walailak University to explore the scholarship recipients for female students.

Figures : The WU female students receiving scholarships in the scholarship award ceremony for academic year 2023.

Other Provision

In 2023, Walailak University organized schemes and events in which female students at Walailak University could spend university life as male students do. WU organized various schemes and events to promote the quality of life among female students, including inspiring women’s schemes, women’s health programs, academic performance improvement programs, etc. All female students could participate in all programs without any cost.

The HPV Vaccination Scheme for Female Students at Walailak University

Walailak University realizes the importance of female students’ well-being because women have unique health needs, including reproductive health, menstrual health, and specific mental health concerns. A dedicated health scheme can ensure that these needs are adequately met. The HPV Vaccination Scheme was organized to provide free access to the female students of Walailak University to contribute to their overall well-being, as the vaccine could protect against certain cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Figures : The WU female students receiving the vaccine in the scheme.

The Health Literacy Promotion Program for Breast Cancer

The School of Nursing at Walailak University recognized the need to address the low level of awareness among female students regarding breast cancer, a significant health issue and one of the leading causes of death among women in Thailand. In response, they launched the “Health Literacy Promotion Program for Breast Cancer,” designed to enhance breast cancer knowledge and prevention practices among the university’s female population. The program aimed to educate female students on the risks, contributing factors, and early detection methods associated with breast cancer, empowering them to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health. Through workshops, informative sessions, and interactive activities, participants gained vital skills to identify potential warning signs and understand the importance of regular screenings, ultimately promoting a healthier and more informed community.