WU’s Commitment to Inclusive Mentoring for Female Students

13Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

sustainablility and stewardship

In 2024, 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.

Female students at Walailak University can access the center’s services for a variety of concerns.

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 2024, records showed that 694 female students received one-on-one mentoring services from the Smile and Smart Center, while over 3,752 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.

Smile Clinic

The School of Nursing at Walailak University has established the “Smile Clinic”, a long-standing initiative dedicated to promoting mental health and emotional well-being among students. The term “Pue Jai”, meaning “For the Heart” in English, reflects the clinic’s mission to provide compassionate care and support.

For more than five years, the clinic has offered free mental health mentoring services, with a special focus on female students, to strengthen resilience and prevent mental health challenges such as stress, depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Through personalized mentoring and counseling, the program not only addresses current concerns but also helps students develop positive coping strategies for the future.

Figures: Female students participating in a program organized by the Pue Jai Clinic

In 2024 alone, the Smile Clinic provided mentoring support to 28 female students, reflecting its ongoing role in fostering student welfare and holistic education. Today, it continues to serve as a safe and supportive space where students can openly share their concerns, receive professional guidance, and build healthier mindsets for both academic and personal success.

The 2024 HPV Vaccination Scheme for Female Students at Walailak University

Walailak University acknowledges that women’s reproductive health involves greater complexity than men’s due to biological, hormonal, and anatomical factors. To address this, the university implements various health support initiatives for female students, with the HPV Vaccination Scheme being a key program aimed at ensuring their well-being does not become a barrier to their academic success.

In 2024, Walailak University continued this scheme, providing free HPV vaccinations to female students to help prevent cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Alongside the vaccinations, staff from Walailak University Hospital delivered health education and personalized mentoring on HPV prevention and broader women’s reproductive health issues. A total of 3,874 female students benefited from the program during the year.

Figures: The WU female students receiving the vaccine in the program

Well-being Screening Scheme: Empowering Female Health Volunteers

The Division of Student Support and Development at Walailak University organized the Well-being Screening Scheme as part of its commitment to promoting student health and empowering female students to take active roles as campus health volunteers. This initiative aimed to equip female students with essential knowledge and practical skills in basic well-being screening, enabling them to provide peer support and contribute to fostering a healthier university community.

The scheme addressed well-being across four key dimensions: physical well-being, mental well-being, social well-being, and intellectual well-being. Expert lectures and hands-on workshops were led by M.D. Arak Wongworachat, Director of Walailak University Hospital, and Asst. Prof. Kamlai Somrak, Deputy Director of Walailak University Hospital, who provided participants with both theoretical insights and practical demonstrations.

During the event, participating students learned vital skills such as conducting basic mental health evaluations, measuring blood pressure using digital monitors, performing simple exercise routines to enhance physical health, and applying stress management techniques. Additionally, the program emphasized the importance of peer connection and supportive dialogue in maintaining emotional and social well-being among students.

In addition, the female students had the opportunity to ask questions and consult with the experts regarding case studies they had personally experienced or heard from others. This allowed them to gain practical techniques and advice on how to address and manage similar issues effectively.

The number of female students attending was 32. However, the 32 female students will serve as health volunteers for other female students across the campus.

Figures: Female students participating in the Well-being Screening Scheme

HIV Prevention Mentorship Scheme

Walailak University, through Walailak University Hospital, organized the HIV Prevention Mentorship Scheme to mark World AIDS Day. This initiative aimed to raise awareness about HIV prevention, provide accurate information about the disease, and promote inclusive health services for students, staff, and the public, with particular attention given to female students and staff.

During the event, staff from Walailak University Hospital offered free mentoring services covering various aspects of HIV-related health, including HIV prevention methods, blood testing services, guidance on living positively with HIV, and addressing common misconceptions about the disease. The program also emphasized the importance of regular health screenings and reducing social stigma associated with HIV.

The scheme attracted approximately 1,070 participants, including more than 356 female students, reflecting the university’s ongoing commitment to health promotion, preventive care, and creating a well-informed and supportive campus community.

Figures: WU female students participating in the HIV Prevention Mentorship Scheme

WU Tutor Center

The WU Tutor Center, operating under the Division of Student Support and Development, serves as a dedicated academic mentoring hub for students at Walailak University. The center primarily focuses on supporting female students who wish to strengthen their knowledge in specific subjects, helping them improve their academic performance and gain a deeper understanding of their coursework.

Staffed by experienced lecturers and senior student volunteers, the WU Tutor Center offers personalized tutoring sessions and academic guidance tailored to individual learning needs. This supportive environment not only enhances students’ subject comprehension but also fosters a sense of academic confidence and motivation.

Figures: Female students participating in tutoring schemes at the WU Tutor Center

By providing targeted support to students with academic challenges, the center plays a vital role in increasing the graduation success rate among female students and promoting equal access to quality education on campus. Additionally, it cultivates a culture of peer mentoring, where senior students contribute to the academic and personal development of their juniors, strengthening the overall student community at Walailak University.

In the academic year of 2024, the number of female students participating in the tutoring schemes at the WU Tutor Center was 1,723.

Figures: Female students participating in tutoring schemes organized by the WU Tutor Center at Lecture Buildings at Walailak University

The Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development

The Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development was established to equip female students with the essential knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in the professional world. The center provides a variety of mentoring programs covering important topics such as workplace soft skills, international etiquette, professional communication, and stress management, all of which are crucial for adapting to dynamic work environments.

In addition to its regular programs, the center actively organizes special events and workshops featuring experts, senior executives, and administrators from both the private and public sectors. These events offer students valuable insights, practical strategies, and career guidance to help them navigate the challenges of the real-world workplace.

All female students must participate in these programs because the subjects of cooperative education are mandatory for all students. The number of female students participating in the mentoring schemes and events organized by the Center for Cooperative Education and Career Development was 1,849.

Figures: A career development program on Working Techniques with Happiness by Ms. Aminah Pohchi, Training Manager from Six Senses Samui Resort

Figures: A career development program on Navigating the Modern Workplace: Adaptation Strategies and Interview Mastery by Mr. Kittipoom Maonamprai, Hotel Manager from Railay Great View Resort & Spa

Start with Change 2024 Program

Walailak University realizes that navigating university life can be challenging, especially for students uncertain about how to manage obstacles on their journey to graduation. Mental health concerns frequently surface, particularly among female students, who often encounter academic pressures, personal difficulties, relationship issues, and other sources of stress. In this context, access to mentoring programs, guidance, and support systems is vital for safeguarding their well-being and promoting personal resilience.

Thus, the Smile and Smart Center at Walailak University organized the “Start with Change 2024” event, a mentoring program to empower female students with practical skills and strategies for a more successful university experience. The event featured expert staff who shared valuable advice on topics such as self-directed learning, active and transformative learning approaches, stress management, anger control, and how to access available mentoring services. This initiative reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to nurturing academic excellence, moral integrity, and student well-being.

The event also included an interactive session where female students could openly engage with the Smile and Smart Center staff. This platform provided a welcoming and supportive environment for students to ask questions about academic life, personal challenges, and well-being concerns. Through these conversations, students were encouraged to build relationships with the center’s staff, who could later offer continuous guidance and mentorship throughout their time at the university.The number of female students participating in the program was 2,339, who were mostly first-year female students.

Figures: The Smile and Smart Center organizing the Start with Change 2024 Program

Speech Public Speaking Development Workshop

The Division of Student Support and Development organized a workshop called “Commentator Gen 1,” designed to enhance female students’ public speaking skills and build their confidence in addressing audiences. Recognizing that some female students may lack the courage to speak publicly, the workshop was initiated as a foundational activity to foster self-assurance and communication competence among female participants.

During the workshop, students engaged in interactive sessions where they learned essential public speaking techniques, including methods for managing nervousness, reducing anxiety, and improving fluency. Particular attention was given to practicing difficult-to-pronounce Thai words, helping students overcome linguistic challenges that can hinder clear and effective speech.

In addition to instructional sessions, the workshop incorporated role-play activities, allowing female students to practice delivering speeches in simulated scenarios. Fellow participants acted as commentators, providing constructive feedback and learning to articulate their opinions respectfully and confidently. This peer-commenting activity also served as a valuable exercise in public speaking, encouraging students to voice their thoughts while fostering a supportive learning environment. The number of female students participating in the workshop was 95.

Figures: WU female students participating in the workshop called “Commentator Gen 1” to enhance female students’ public speaking skills

Safe Driving Workshop

The Division of Student Support and Development organized a workshop called “Safe Driving on Campus,” aiming to promote road safety awareness and responsible driving practices among students. The workshop provided comprehensive mentoring on essential traffic regulations, relevant laws, and safe driving techniques. Participants also received practical advice on appropriate behavior and decision-making to help prevent road accidents.

The program included hands-on driving sessions, allowing female students to gain valuable experience behind the wheel and build confidence in their driving abilities. In addition to practical training, students had the opportunity to engage in discussions on driving-related topics, including case studies of real car accidents, helping them understand potential risks and how to respond effectively in various situations.

This workshop, conducted three times each academic year, is part of the division’s ongoing commitment to improving road safety within the university community. A total of 137 female students participated in this session, with the initiative expected to contribute to a reduction in road accidents, particularly among female students, both on and off campus.

Figures: WU female students participating in the workshop called “Safe Driving on Campus”

Based on the measurement of these diverse mentoring, health, and skill development programs, female students at Walailak University receive comprehensive support for their academic and personal growth. They receive guidance to navigate university life successfully, opportunities to enhance career readiness, training to improve public speaking and communication skills, and resources to maintain their physical, mental, and reproductive health. Programs such as the HPV Vaccination Scheme, Well-being Screening Scheme, and HIV Prevention Mentorship promote long-term wellness, while academic initiatives like the WU Tutor Center and career development workshops strengthen their knowledge and employability. Additionally, activities focused on road safety, self-confidence, and resilience equip them with practical life skills, ensuring they are empowered, well-prepared, and supported throughout their studies and beyond.