SDPC services center on mental health in new norm learning

SDPC services center on mental health in new norm learning

by CRISTOPHER VILLARUEL

Mental health programs are one of the focus campaigns of the Student Development Placement Center (SDPC) for academic year 2020-2021 according to College SDPC Director Chris Feli Joy Tajonera, MSGC, Dec. 2.

“There can be people who struggle on this [mental health], which is why your SDPC counselors are trying their best to be within reach so no one will struggle alone,” Tajonera said.

The Office is offering online psychosocial support for students via Messenger where counselors and the concerned student talk online within office hours for their personal concerns.

“Students can send us a private message right away. They can also refer another student or a friend through [Messenger] chat and make use of our [SDPC counselors] contact details. There are some [students] who reach out through the counselors’ personal Facebook accounts and there are some who send emails for privacy. Rest assured, though, that on the official Facebook account of SDPC, everything is treated with utmost confidentiality.”

As online classes ensued in the University, Tajonera assured students that the office still renders its services to those seeking to avail them.

“Prior to the school opening and having the pandemic in the mind, we did turn the table by designing all

activities into online ones. We made it a point to befriend all UNO-R students through our official SDPC Facebook account in order to stay in contact with them.”

Along with the online counseling sessions, Tajonera stated that other office activities, such as awareness campaigns and webinars, are being pursued as well.

“With our monthly meeting, we get to check the status of activities written on our action plan.”

As the University currently requires a skeleton workforce in its operations, Tajonera shared that it does not hinder the office in assisting student needs.

“The skeleton workforce, I believe, did not hamper our chance to cater to the students’ concerns. A few [students] would call the office about their concerns but a lot would reach out through chat. That, even at home, we get to spend time addressing their concerns,” she shared.

The office is also planning activities that are suited for both online and face-to-face means, such as the administering of admission exams while observing health protocols and homeroom guidance classes to be in touch with the students.

College students can reach the SDPC office through its official Facebook account, UnorCollege Sdpc, for queries.