Helping Students Adapt: A Seminar on Psychological Support Welcomed at ENU

The Center for Psychological Support of The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University held a seminar on the issues of psychological support for students during the period of adaptation to the educational process.

The participants focused on practical issues: how to notice changes in the student's emotional state, identify signs of psychological distress in a timely manner, provide primary support and, if necessary, refer the student to a specialist.

The seminar was attended by deputy deans of faculties, teachers, curators, advisors and teachers-organizers of Student Dormitories.

Samal Togym, Head of the ENU Psychological Support Center, presented the main directions of the Center's work and the algorithm of interaction with students. Special attention was paid to monitoring the psychological state of students, determining their needs, providing primary emotional support and further support.

A special guest of the seminar was Leyla Miras, an ENU graduate, Chief adviser of the Project Office for Suicide Prevention under the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. She made a presentation on "Early Identification of Students at Risk and Prevention of Deviant Behavior."

During the presentation, the participants reviewed practical approaches to early detection of signs of risk, prevention of emotional difficulties and building effective communication with students. Special attention was paid to how to respond correctly to changes in student behavior and create conditions in which he can receive the necessary help in a timely manner.

"During the period of students’ adaptation to the university environment, it is important to pay attention not only to their academic performance, but also to changes in their emotional state and behavior. The task of the teacher and the supervisor is not to make a diagnosis, but to notice changes in the student's condition in a timely manner, provide support and, if necessary, refer their to the appropriate specialist. Timely support helps the student not to be left alone with the difficulties that arise," the speaker noted.

The seminar allowed the participants to expand their knowledge about the psychological features of the period of adaptation to the university environment and acquire practical skills of emotional support. In particular, the participants discussed the main factors influencing adaptation, ways to recognize emotional changes and signs that require special attention.

Psychological support is an important part of the educational environment, which helps not only the successful adaptation of students, but also the preservation of their emotional well-being. A systematic approach to this area contributes to the formation of a safe and supportive environment at the university, where students can receive timely assistance and necessary support.