Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) continues to advance its commitment to inclusion and student well-being through comprehensive mentoring, counseling, and peer support programs designed to assist students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented groups.
The university’s Counseling and Disability Service Unit, operating under the Language, Education, Training, Career, Counseling, and Disability Service Center (PLBPP), offers a comprehensive range of academic, psychological, and social support services. These services are designed to ensure that all members of the UNNES community can thrive in an inclusive and equitable environment.
Counseling Logo of UNNES, Source: The Center for Counseling and Disability Services
At the heart of these initiatives lies the UNNES e-Counseling Laboratory, managed by professional counselors from the Counseling Study Program. The laboratory offers both face-to-face and online counseling services, ensuring accessibility for students and staff regardless of location.
The e-Counseling Lab offers individualized counseling, consultation sessions, psychological assessments, and career guidance, along with workshops and webinars that focus on personal growth and mental well-being. These activities empower students to manage stress, enhance their emotional resilience, and develop the interpersonal skills essential for success in both academic and professional life.
UNNES also provides specialized mentoring programs for students with disabilities, reinforcing its mission to create a campus that supports equal opportunities for all learners. Through initiatives detailed in the SDGs Center report (UNNES Enhances Services and Mentoring for Students with Disabilities. The university offers tailored academic guidance, peer support systems, and accessible learning resources.
These mentoring efforts are part of UNNES’s broader implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), by ensuring that inclusive education remains at the core of institutional development.
Beyond direct counseling, UNNES extends its impact through digital media platforms, including UNNES TV, podcasts, and Spotify content, which focus on mental health education and awareness. In one of its featured programs on UNNES TV, Expert counselors discuss strategies for maintaining psychological well-being, overcoming academic pressure, and promoting empathy among the campus community.
A Podcast with International Student Discussing a Topic about Mental Health, Source: UNNES’ Documentation
Through these initiatives, UNNES integrates technology, counseling expertise, and community engagement to promote a culture of openness and emotional literacy — key components of its vision as a Conservation University with Global Reputation.
A Holistic Commitment to Inclusion and Equity
Complementing these programs, UNNES also provides scholarships and financial support for students from underrepresented backgrounds, further demonstrating its commitment to inclusive education. Together, the EDI Committee, the PLBPP, and the e-Counseling Laboratory form a cohesive network that advances equity, diversity, and mental health across the institution.
“These efforts are not only about services — they are about creating a caring ecosystem where every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed,” said the Head of the UNNES SDGs Center.
