Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) prioritizes students' mental well-being by offering comprehensive counseling and support services through the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS). On-campus counselors are available for individual and group sessions, guiding students through academic, personal, and emotional challenges.
A key initiative supporting mental health is the I.C.A.R.E. Program, part of OSAS’s Peer Mediator Activity. Through this program, trained student volunteers, known as peer mediators, act as extensions of the OSAS counseling team, providing approachable, relatable support for fellow students. These peer mediators are trained to handle basic concerns and refer students needing professional counseling or therapy to OSAS staff, ensuring that every student has access to the level of care they need.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2023 the University hosted a series of workshops and talks, including a presentation by Prof. Jabrica on self-reflection and trust-building. Prof. Jabrica emphasized the importance of self-awareness, noting that understanding one's strengths, beliefs, and weaknesses is essential for building trust and forming authentic relationships. "Being authentic, being who we are, makes us more acceptable to others. This leads us to understand the needs of others because we, too, have been in the same place," she explained. Prof. Jabrica encouraged students to take responsibility for their own emotions, highlighting how this can foster deeper connections with oneself and others over time.
Dr. Liandro Serrano delivered a second presentation focusing on the counseling and referral process. "This is an important idea for peer mediators to understand, as your generation faces unique psychological and emotional needs," Dr. Serrano stated. He explained the limitations of peer mediation and emphasized the importance of OSAS’s referral system. Dr. Serrano outlined the protocol for situations involving severe mental health concerns: students showing signs of suicidal ideation are to be referred immediately to OSAS counselors, while cases of self-harm or overdose require immediate medical attention from University nurses and physicians. Victims of bullying or violence, whose distress may be heightened by these experiences, are referred to the Prefect of Discipline for appropriate action in line with the student handbook.
Additionally, MSEUF recently launched the "Peer Support Network," where trained student volunteers offer emotional support to their peers in an empathetic, confidential environment.
These initiatives, including the I.C.A.R.E. Program, workshops, and referral protocols, demonstrate MSEUF’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and responsive campus environment. By proactively addressing mental health needs, MSEUF ensures a healthy, inclusive, and empowering learning space for all students.
