Walailak University Providing Inclusive Mentoring Schemes to Female Students and Staff
In 2023, Walailak University provided numerous mentoring schemes for female students at Walailak University. The combination of all of the mentoring schemes led to at least 10% of female students and staff participating in mentoring either through receiving or providing mentoring support. The mentoring schemes that WU provided were organized by various organizations on matters, such as life mentoring, health and well-being, university life and others.
Life Mentoring Scheme
The Smile and Smart Center, part of the Division of Student Support and Development, at Walailak University (formerly known as the Division of Student Affairs), plays a crucial role in mentoring female students in 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 mentoring services 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 2023, the records of the WU Smile and Smart Center indicated that 732 female students sought mentoring services and more than 3,500 female students participated in mentoring schemes and activities held by the center. Most of the concerns raised by these students revolved around improving their academic performance, addressing family-related issues, navigating personal relationships, and coping with low mood and emotional well-being. The center’s comprehensive support system played a crucial role in helping students manage these challenges, offering guidance, emotional support, and tailored strategies to enhance both their academic and personal lives.
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 Smile and Smart Center organized the “Point of View Inspiration in WU” event to inspire female students to pursue their university education with passion and purpose. Renowned YouTuber Ms. Chananya Techajaksemar from “Point of View” shared insights on university life, dream-chasing, and time management.
Ms. Chananya Techajaksemar, a renowned YouTuber from “Point of View,” served as an inspiring role model during the “Point of View Inspiration in WU” event. She mentored female students at Walailak University, offering personalized guidance on navigating university life, pursuing dreams, and overcoming challenges. By sharing her experiences and practical advice, she empowered students to build confidence, resilience, and a positive mindset. Her one-on-one interactions provided valuable support, helping students develop actionable plans to achieve their academic and personal goals. Over 137 female students and 75 male students participated in the event.
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.
Safety Driving Course for Women
The Division of Student Support and Development organized a driving course for female students, offering mentoring on essential driving regulations, related laws, and safe driving practices. Additionally, the course provided practical guidance and mentoring services on appropriate behavior to ensure road safety. Female students also had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop confidence behind the wheel, equipping them with skills necessary for safe and responsible driving both on and off campus. The division organizes this course three times each academic year. Each session sees participation from over 210 female students of all years, while the number of male students is approximately 80-90.
Figures : The WU female students participating in the safety driving course.
WU Tutor Center
In the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education, student success hinges not only on individual effort but also on the availability of comprehensive support systems. Among these, the WU Tutor Center plays a crucial role, offering personalized academic assistance and mentoring sessions that foster deeper understanding and enhance learning outcomes for female students at Walailak University. The center offers tutoring programs for the subjects that are required by WU students. In the academic year 2023, more than 781 female students and 289 male students accessed the tutoring programs. These programs helped them review previous material, reinforce their understanding and retention, and more.
Figures : The WU female students participating in tutoring programs.
The HPV Vaccination Scheme for Female Students at Walailak University
Walailak University launched the HPV Vaccination Scheme to offer free vaccinations to female students, aiming to enhance their overall well-being by protecting them from cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. As part of the program, staff from Walailak University Hospital provided guidance and mentoring services on HPV prevention and related health issues. A total of 2,804 female students at Walailak University received vaccinations through this initiative.
Figures : The WU female students receiving the vaccine in the scheme.
The Health Literacy Promotion Program for Breast Cancer
Walailak University initiated the “Health Literacy Promotion Program for Breast Cancer,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving knowledge of breast cancer prevention and early detection among female students. The program not only provided essential information about the risks, contributing factors, and early detection methods for breast cancer, but also offered one-on-one mentoring services.
Through these mentoring sessions, students received personalized guidance from healthcare professionals, who offered support in understanding breast self-examination techniques, recognizing early warning signs, and navigating the process of seeking medical advice when necessary. The program utilized workshops, informative sessions, and interactive activities to ensure participants gained the confidence and skills to take proactive steps in safeguarding their health. By equipping students with both knowledge and hands-on mentoring, the initiative empowered them to make informed decisions about their well-being and emphasized the importance of regular screenings. Ultimately, the program aimed to foster a more health-conscious and informed female community at the university. This health program was organized for female students of all years, with approximately 15-40 participants each time.
Figures : The female students participating in the program to learn breast cancer screeening.
Learning Skill Development and Mental Health Prevention for Happiness
The WU Smile and Smart Center organized a mentoring workshop titled “Learning Skill Development and Mental Health Prevention for Happiness”, aimed at equipping female students with essential strategies to enhance their learning abilities and manage mental health challenges. The workshop provided practical guidelines for improving study techniques, time management, and concentration, while also focusing on identifying and reducing potential mental health risks. The students gained insights into coping mechanisms, stress management, and self-care practices, empowering them to maintain both academic success and emotional well-being. This mentoring scheme featured 170 female students and 13 male students participating.
Figures : The female students participating in the mentoring workshop.
Potential Development by Using Grow Model
The WU Smile and Smart Center recently organized a mentoring workshop for female faculty members at Walailak University, titled “Potential Development through the GROW Model: SMART Goal Problem-Solving Skills.” This workshop offered valuable guidance on enhancing problem-solving abilities, particularly in addressing challenges faced by women, while fostering motivation and personal growth. Participants were equipped with practical tools to develop their capacity for finding effective solutions and overcoming obstacles. In addition, the workshop emphasized the importance of self-reflection, teaching the female faculty members how to use strategic questioning techniques to clarify their goals and pursue success in both their professional and personal lives. This initiative underscores Walailak University’s commitment to empowering its female faculty through continuous development and support. This mentoring workshop included 35 female staff members and 12 male staff members.
Figures : The female faculty members participating in the mentoring workshop.
The Stage Play Reflecting the Female Muslim Life in the 21st Century
The Center of Excellence on Women and Social Security organized a stage play titled “Hijab: The Life of Muslim Women in the 21st Century,” performed by Ms. Fareeda Jirapan. The play highlighted the experiences of Muslim women living in Thailand, a country known for its religious diversity. In addition to the performance, Ms. Fareeda shared valuable advice with Muslim female students at Walailak University on navigating university life as Muslims and coexisting in a multicultural society. Non-Muslim students also had the opportunity into living alongside Muslim peers, fostering mutual understanding both on and off campus.
Figures : The female students participating in the event.
The mentoring schemes at Walailak University have provided female students with invaluable support, both academically and personally. Through life mentoring, students gained guidance on managing academic, personal, and mental health challenges, equipping them with tools to navigate university life with confidence. Events like “Point of View Inspiration in WU” fostered resilience and ambition, while the Safety Driving Course ensured practical life skills. Health programs, such as the HPV Vaccination Scheme and the Breast Cancer Literacy Program, empowered female students to prioritize their well-being. Ultimately, these initiatives helped them build stronger academic foundations, enhance their personal development, and foster a greater sense of well-being and confidence in both their university journey and future endeavors. More than 45 female students and staff participated in this event, while the number of male students was 16.
