UNNES demonstrates its unwavering commitment not only to physical health but also to the mental well-being of its academic community. As part of its sustainability agenda, UNNES ensures that psychological health receives the same level of attention as academic and physical development.
This effort aligns with the national directives of Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), which emphasize mental health promotion as a component of university well-being standards under the Kampus Sehat (Healthy Campus) framework.
The university’s mental health initiatives operate in harmony with Rector’s Regulation Number 10 of 2016 on Green, Clean, and Healthy Campus Management, which outlines the creation of a safe, comfortable, and healthy academic environment. The regulation underlines UNNES’s belief and dedication that every student must be able to learn under supportive circumstances to guarantee that they can reach their potential in college.
Comprehensive Counseling and Mental Health Services
The implementation of mental health services is regulated by UNNES Rector Regulation No. 117 of 2024, which affirms the right of all academic staff and students to access psychological support. Recognizing that mental balance is fundamental to achieving academic success, UNNES offers free and accessible counseling services through the Career and Counseling Center of the Language Services, Education Training, Career Guidance, and Disability Center (LPPP) and the Faculty of Education and Psychology’s Counseling Laboratory. These services are staffed by certified psychologists and professional counselors who provide:
- Individual and group counseling for students facing academic or personal stress;
- Psychotherapy for those requiring deeper psychological support;
- Emergency mental health assistance for crisis situations;
- Educational workshops and awareness campaigns promoting mental health literacy.
The services are provided free of charge for all students. Counseling sessions last 60 minutes and can be accessed through the official UNNES Counseling Service website (https://labbkunnes.carrd.co/) or the social media account (Instagram @bkunnes_). Students can access these services both on campus and online, and they can also choose to do peer counseling with Peer Counselor Community (PCC). This program is designed to help students feel more connected to peer counselors who have experienced similar challenges, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism. Every month, around 50-70 students use this counseling service. The Faculty of Education and Psychology’s Counseling Laboratory also offers paid counseling services at an affordable cost of Rp. 20,000 if students wish to attend counseling without queuing and choose their own counselor.
UNNES also provides Peer Counseling Services through the FIPP UNNES Peer Counselor Community, known as Kawan Dengar UNNES. One counseling session is 60-90 minutes with one client being able to receive three counseling sessions. This program serves as a safe space for students to share stories, listen, and provide emotional support to one another. This initiative has received positive feedback for its ability to strengthen communication between students and the university regarding mental health issues. This service is accessible free of charge through the Instagram official account (@kawan.dengar).
Strengthening Mental Health Literacy
The Center for Educational and Community Counseling Studies (PK2PK BK) of the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) consistently contributes to awareness about emotional wellness across the university. Its program, “Sparkling: Seputar Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling” brings together academics and practitioners to discuss concrete actions for improving mental health literacy among adolescents and special populations., including students themselves around the campus.
On the other hand, a public campaign titled “Mental Health Campaign” was held on October 11, 2024. The activities include mental health speeches, distribution of candy containing positive affirmations, and posting of hopes and prayers on the expression wall. At the same time, an “I Hear You” session was also held, offering free counseling services by the UNNES Peer Counselor Community. Similar campaigns were also held on October 12 and November 3, 2024 at two locations, UNNES and Car Free Day at Simpang Lima Semarang.
Meanwhile, the Career and Counseling Center regularly hosts interactive workshops such as “Mental Flexibility: The Key to Overcoming Study Completion Challenges,” aimed at helping final-year students manage stress and develop resilience during their thesis-writing process. Another program, Basic Service Guidance and Counseling “Mental First Aid: First Aid for Stress for Students” on October 09, 2024 provides a forum for psychological first aid training, emotional awareness, and confidence building. In addition, the Counseling Services Week activity which is held regularly, provides free assistance to all UNNES students. Counseling Services Week: “Problem Solving Resolution: Solving Problems Without Feeling Anxious” was also held on September 20, 2024. This effort affirms UNNES’ commitment to creating an inclusive and friendly campus environment for all students.
The Faculty of Sport Science (FIK) UNNES also held a National Seminar on “Physical Education and Mental Health of Students” on December 3, 2024. This activity was attended by hundreds of participants consisting of students, lecturers, and education practitioners from various regions. This event presented two renowned speakers, Prof. Drs. Suroto, M.A., Ph.D. (Universitas Negeri Surabaya) and Luftiah, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D. (Universitas Negeri Semarang). This seminar discussed current issues related to the importance of physical education in supporting the mental health of students in the modern era.
Beyond that, UNNES also prioritizes mental health education through various creative media and reflective activities. The UWB Podcast from UNNES Wellbeing is one such innovation, featuring light-hearted discussions on psychological issues and self-balance.
Meanwhile, the MINDWELL 2024 event with the theme “Not to be Lonely: Look Around, You’re Not Alone!”, held on May 19, 2024, became a space for dialogue for students to share experiences and strengthen social support networks. This activity was attended by 67 students. Another program, UMH 2024 Talkshow: “Embracing Emotions, Find Your Best Motions” on November 02, 2024, featured inspirational speakers who discussed the importance of recognizing and managing emotions in a healthy way as the foundation for mental well-being and student productivity. This activity was attended by more than 250 students. Through this series of services, campaigns, and educational initiatives, UNNES demonstrates its commitment to building a campus ecosystem that supports mental health, inclusivity, and the well-being of all its students.
Creating a Safe and Supportive Campus
Through these integrated programs, UNNES cultivates a supportive academic community that prioritizes empathy, safety, and inclusion. By promoting peer support, accessibility, and professional psychological care, the university ensures that every student feels secure and valued.UNNES’s ongoing mission is clear: to foster a “Healthy and Happy Campus Life” where mental well-being is treated as an essential foundation for intellectual and personal growth. As a Conservation University, UNNES continues to prove that sustainability begins with human wellness helping students thrive mentally, academically, and socially.
