KIIT University at the behest of the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Sasmita Samanta took a decision to organize a training of the Hostel Staff namely the Supervisor and the Deputy Supervisor.
The rationale for such a training was the fact that the hostel staff stay with the students for most of the time during the 24 hours including the holiday too. Rightly understood that ‘ They are the eyes and ears of the hostel management. Hence, they need to be sensitized through a short term training program, to handle student issues in a gentle manner. The hostel staff can help students overcome challenges and struggles by getting involved in their University journey. They can provide suitable emotional support and advice and help them cope with their issues.
The key topics about 15 of them which are given below as well as the structure of each session commonly was put together by Director, Students Counseling, Prof. Sucheta Priabadini, Dr. Pranab Mohapatra, Psychiatrist, KIMS and Dr. Soumya Mishra, KIMS.
Aims and Objectives –
In this counseling training, hostel staff would be familiarized with:
– Gaining faith and confidence of students
– Handling the students with proper behavioural approach
– Identifying problems, students face commonly
– Different areas of counseling such as – personal, educational, vocational, social, moral, health, leisure time etc.
– Optimal development of individual students
– Social-personal adjustments
– Assisting students in understanding themselves
– Handling frequently asked questions by students and parents
– Assisting students to view the world and social environment in the right perspective
– Assisting the students in making sound adjustment to different problems confronted in life
Each module was of 1hour duration consisting of the following –
- Introduction of the topic 10mins
- Identification of the problem 10mins
- PowerPoint based learning 10mins
- Learning through case studies (Activity) 15mins
- Discussion of 2 cases 10mins
- Conclusion 5mins
Total 60mins
This was titled as Group 2. It also comprised of few hostel attendants.
The training program commenced from 06.01.23 to 25.01.23
Timings- were in three slots i.e. 12 pm to 1 pm, 3 pm to 4 pm and 4 pm to 5 pm
Venue-Campus 3 , Block B and Block-D, Meeting Room(2nd floor)
At the end of every slot, two cases were given by the trainer. The participants were given these assignments and were asked to record their responses within 150 words.
On completion of the program, a short test would be conducted for the participants and certificates distributed.
Training module on counselling for Hostel Staff
The content of the proposed training module was as follows:
Topic 1. Helping students adjust to their new life in the campus : Hostel staff should know about the students, particularly in the first year of study, who have issues like homesickness, adjusting to new life and food. They may like to be in touch with family and friends through, perhaps a daily phone call or through internet. After staying for sometime they start to enjoy being in the campus. This module is designed to support the students manage the transition from home to hostel.
Topic 2. Liaising with parents and teachers: Staff should take note of the information from mentors and update the parents whenever needed. They need to keep in touch with the parents.
Topic 3. Addressing housing issues: Students are overwhelmed by the amount of studying they have to do, more so during exams. Their housing issues like bed, fans, water etc has to be addressed promptly so that they can focus on their studies. Hostel staff should be prepared to help them in the process.
Topic 4. Managing sickness or health conditions of students: When students get sick they might feel incredibly homesick and alone. Make sure they know that you are always available to help. Encourage students to routinely exercise and keep good health.
Topic 5. Keeping a friendly atmosphere: Hostel employees should be watchful of the group behaviour of students, like, whom they interact with and like, and with whom they have conflict . The friends and roommates the students have in the University would have influence on their personal lives and academic performance.
Topic 6. Managing issues with roommates: Although hostel authorities work hard to pair compatible students, there will be conflicts among roommates. These need to be managed amicably before it hurts them. Deal with potential problems before they arise.
Topic 7. Supporting students during exams and placements: Students need more attention during stressful periods of exams and placements. This is more important for students who are not doing well in studies.
Topic 8. Identifying and helping students with Depression: Staff should pay attention on the emotional state of students. If depression and stress are an issue, convince them to seek help. Send them to counselors for helping students get back on track.
Topic 9. Co-coordinating Parties and Celebrations: Partying is not a problem as it is something everyone needs once in a while. The issue is that students must follow hostel rules and avoid alcohol. Make students enjoy within the ambit of hostel rules.
Topic 10. Noting disturbed lifestyles among students: Many students suffer from health-related issues caused by irregular sleeping patterns. Students are often given assignments and projects that they have to complete within a short period of time. Staff should encourage students to maintain a regular routine.
Topic 11. Time Management: It may be difficult for students to balance between their social lives and studies. They should follow a planned schedule and be responsible with managing their own time. Students may procrastinate and may feel the urge to put off their work since they have the freedom to do whatever they want, without a parent looking over their shoulder.
Topic 12. Assist students with disturbed relationship: Disturbed relationships affect students both academically and emotionally. Try to give emotional support to them and assist them to go through the recovery process instead of suppressing their emotions.
Topic 13. Support students feeling isolated: Students of different countries, language and culture may have some difficulty learning the language and adapt to campus environment. Be aware of feeling of isolation and keep company whenever possible. These students might learn the language but some international students may not be ready for it.
Topic 14. Security and Stealing & Prevention of unlawful activities: Hostel authorities need to protect the privacy and the belongings of students. Security is essential to generate trust among students. The staff need to make pre-emptive effort to identify and report events that may turn violent or break law.
Topic 15. Crisis management: How to report a crisis to parents and University management. How to prepare during calamities like cyclone, epidemics etc.
Attached please find the detailed schedule of the training
At the end of the training, a valedictory programme was organized wherein both the trainers and the trainees have given their feedback. The valedictory programme was presided by Registrar, KIIT University, Prof. Gyana Ranjan Mohanty and the other guests present on the occasion were Director, Boys Hostel, Prof. Sudhir Rath, Director, Girls Hostel, Prof. Jayanti Nath, Director, Students’ Counseling, Prof. Sucheta Priabadini, Director, Students’ Affairs, Prof. Samaresh Mishra. ,The trainers did share that it was a time of mutual learning. The sessions were very interactive and it was a very lively and informative discussion during each slot. The trainees in turn shared that it was a very good time especially the first of its kind where they got a platform to discuss many of the disturbing issues related to the students and they also learned how they can work on their behaviour and sensitivity towards the students.
Both the trainers and the trainees received certificates
