UNS – Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta has officially launched its Mental Health Agents (MHA) program across all faculties. The launch and training event took place on Friday (9/5/2025) at the Hall of Building F, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP) UNS. This initiative reflects UNS’s commitment to promoting a healthy, inclusive, and supportive campus environment for all students and academic staff.
Promoting Mental Health Awareness Through Student Empowerment
The event began with a report presented by the Head of Student Counseling Services Section, Sadar Sutopo, S.T. The Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Alumni, Prof. Ir. Doddy Ariawan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., officially opened the event.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Doddy emphasized the urgent need to address mental health challenges in higher education. He pointed out that today’s students often face academic pressures and social stress. These challenges can impact their psychological well-being.
“Mental health is a strategic issue that requires serious attention. Through the formation of Mental Health Agents, we aim to build a more caring, responsive, and humane campus ecosystem,” Prof. Doddy said.
Furthermore, he appreciated the strong collaboration between UNS, student organizations (Ormawa), the Student Executive Board (BEM), and PIK R Cakra. This collaboration shows that building a mentally healthy campus is a shared responsibility.
Training to Build Supportive Campus Networks
The program continued with two presentation sessions. In the first session, psychologist Afia Fitriani, S.Psi., M.Psi., introduced key mental health issues that commonly affect university students. The second session, led by Berliana Widi Scarvanovi, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psychologist, who heads the Subdirectorate of Student Counseling Services at UNS, highlighted the university’s available counseling resources.
Notably, student representatives from various faculties at UNS attended the event. These participants will serve as Mental Health Agents. They will gain knowledge, practical skills, and support to foster a supportive campus environment.This mental health initiative also aligns with the third Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): Good Health and Well-being. As a result, UNS continues to pave the way for inclusive mental health awareness and care in higher education. Humas UNS
