Author: Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University takes pride in providing free public access to all its significant cultural, academic, and green spaces, ensuring inclusivity and promoting learning and engagement. From the expansive Walailak Botanic Park to the Toompang Archeological Site, the university’s commitment to cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and educational excellence is evident. These open spaces, exhibition galleries, and historical sites are accessible to everyone, offering a diverse range of experiences in both natural and cultural heritage. Toompang Archeological Site: A Public Learning Hub for Archaeology The Toompang Archaeological Site is a valuable public heritage area, both historically and naturally, located within the area of Walailak University. It acts as a significant educational and cultural resource, providing an enriching experience with its diverse local plants and native bird species. The 12th Regional…

In 2023, Walailak University, through its School of Engineering and Technology, School of Architecture and Design, and School of Science, partnered with secondary schools to encourage more female students to apply to engineering programs. Engineering has long been a field where women are underrepresented, both in Thailand and globally. However, the number of female engineering students at Walailak University has significantly increased in recent years. Outreach Programs in Collaboration with Secondary Schools to Increase Women’s Applications and Enrollment in Underrepresented Fields To build on this progress, the university developed and organized a series of outreach activities. Faculty members from Walailak University visited secondary schools, conducting workshops and information sessions designed to spark interest in engineering, architecture, and science among female students as WU diagnosed that women are always underrepresented in…

Walailak University (WU) fully embraces its responsibility to champion equality and non-discrimination as core values that shape all aspects of university life. WU is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where women, transgender individuals, and all genders are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect. The university’s policies reflect a strong commitment to promoting diversity, ensuring that everyone can thrive free from prejudice, marginalization, or exclusion. Policy on Gender Equality, Non-discrimination and Anti - harassmentIn alignment with this commitment, Walailak University shall:Ensure equal access to education, employment, and opportunities for personal and professional growth for women and transgender individuals.Promote a campus culture of respect, understanding, and acceptance by providing training and awareness programs that challenge gender stereotypes and bias.Protect individuals from harassment, bullying, or any form of discrimination based on gender…

Sustainability and Stewardship Currently, stress and mental health issues are significant problems that affect the work performance of staff in many organizations, including educational institutions. University personnel manage diverse responsibilities, which can present opportunities for personal growth, but also require effective strategies to maintain well-being and mental health. Walailak University recognizes this issue and has taken concrete steps to address it by establishing the Smile & Smart Center and Psychiatry Clinic, which provide staff with access to active promotion of good mental health support.The Smile & Smart Center and Psychiatry Clinic aim to promote the mental well-being of staff through comprehensive and proactive services. These centers use screening and assessment tools such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Adult ADHD Self-Report…

Sustainability and Stewardship Smoking is a significant health issue both nationally and globally, particularly in educational institutions where the youth are the primary target for fostering good health. Walailak University recognizes this importance and has implemented smoke-free policy to control smoking within the campus to reduce health impacts and create a smoking-free campus for better environment for its staff and students. Smoking in educational institutions is linked to risky behaviors that can lead to both short-term and long-term health problems. Additionally, it sets a poor example for new students who might perceive smoking as a normal behavior. In this regard, the Ministry of Public Health issued a decree in 2018 designating public places, workplaces, and vehicles as non-smoking areas. Consequently, Walailak University has adopted this decree as a guideline for…

Sustainability and Stewardship Sexual health and reproductive health issues among adolescents, especially unintended pregnancies, are pressing concerns that need to be urgently and comprehensively addressed in Thai society, particularly among university students. Educational institutions play a crucial role in creating an environment conducive to providing knowledge and services related to preventing these issues sustainably. In the case of Walailak University, access to sexual health services and guidance on safe pregnancy, provided directly by the university, is part of promoting the well-being of students. Walailak University has established the Smile & Smart Center in collaboration with various organizations, such as Tha Sala Hospital, Walailak University Medical Center Hospital, and Sahathai Foundation, to provide students access to sexual and reproductive health-care services including information and education services. This center not only offers…

Sustainability and Stewardship Most local communities have faced challenges on accessing sports facilities and exercise spaces, particularly in local schools surrounding the university and among the general public who lack sufficient budgets to provide modern sports facilities and equipment. This issue has affected the health and development of children and youth in the area, as well as the development of sports skills at both the local and national levels. Additionally, the limited participation in sports activities among the general public has negatively impacted the health and well-being of the community.To address this issue, Walailak University has recognized the importance of supporting and promoting sports for the sustainable development of the local community. The university has shared sports facilities with the local community, for instance with local schools and with the…

Walailak University plays a significant role in promoting sustainable health and quality of life for the surrounding community. This commitment extends not only to students and staff but also to a diverse population, including the general public in local communities, disadvantaged people, and immigrant communities. Consequently, the university delivers outreach programs and projects in local community to improve or promote health and well-being aimed at providing comprehensive healthcare and continuously improving the quality of life for these target groups. Each program also involves student volunteering, providing them with practical experience in the local community and real-life situations. Also, this health outreach program has several project, targeting to three groups: general public in local community, disadvantaged people, and immigrant community.  General Public in the Local Community The 4th year of The…