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Walailak University, under the leadership of the Division of Student Support and Development (DSSD), is committed to promoting students' well-being in all aspects, aiming to cultivate students who possess "good and able" qualities that align with the university's identity in response to society's needs.

The DSSD's primary mission is to enhance students' well-being in all aspects covering physical, mental, societal, and intellectual. The division is currently overseen by Vice President Associate Professor Dr. Urai Jaraeprapal.

Dr. Urai said that Walailak University is not only committed to cultivating academically "able" graduates but also aims to foster morally and socially "good" citizens.

She explained, "The term "able" can be defined by grades, test results, or the successful completion of a professional license. As for "good," the definition is from a conclusion reached in a meeting with relevant organizations, characterized by five attributes: patriotism, gratefulness, discipline, volunteerism, and leadership."

Based on these five attributes, students need to accumulate a minimum score of 100 during their studies to qualify for graduation, with a minimum requirement of at least 20 points for each attribute. This system is called the "good student passport."

Students are encouraged to express themselves appropriately and creatively, showing pride in Thainess and a commitment to inherit Thai local wisdom. They need to demonstrate gratitude, including expressing appreciation towards their parents and teachers. They need to understand their responsibilities and adhere to society's rules. Additionally, they are expected to demonstrate volunteerism and leadership qualities. All of these can be shown through participation in events such as community services, Teacher's Day, Loy Krathong Day, the Foundation Day of Walailak University, and more.

"However, if students can initiate activities that promote these qualities independently, they can earn more points than simply attending routine events organized by the university."

"We want them to be able to initiate these activities by themselves so that, upon graduation, they can contribute to and give back to society."

Dr. Urai also mentioned that starting next year, every program in the university will include a Program Learning Outcome (PLO) that promotes the identity of Walailak University, ensuring that the direction is consistent.

"And because we received feedback from graduate users saying that some of our students did not perform well in public speaking, another thing we do on Wednesday afternoons is organizing an activity that promotes public speaking skills."

"We have our seniors who have completed this activity serving as commentators, providing feedback to their juniors and friends," she added.

In addition, the DSSD has the Smile and Smart Center, which has a network of students and teachers, psychiatrists, psychology nurses, and psychologists ready to provide advice for students facing anxiety and stress, and also collaborate to suggest solutions.

The center provides co-working spaces for activities such as reading, doing homework, tutoring, and board games for relaxation. Other well-known activities include "Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life," stress management, self-improvement training, and the Psychology of Love.

Dr. Urai further mentioned that every month, the DSSD organizes "Walk and Talk for Change" – an activity where the DSSD team meets student leaders from the Student Administrative Board to receive feedback about places within the university where they would like to make changes. And the two parties work together to brainstorm ideas and solutions for improvement.


Written by Settaboot Onphakdee, Division of Corporate Communication
Photo by Division of Student Support and Development