The College recognizes that student success is premised not only on academic ability and application but on the positive social and emotional adjustment of the individual. The Health and Counselling Services Department (HCSD) is responsible for the provision of basic psycho-social counselling, promotion of healthy lifestyles, sick bay facilities and services for the differently-abled.
Counselling Services:
Trained counselors offer services for students who may be experiencing emotional or psychological problems. Counselling services are informed by principles of respect for the person and strict standards of confidentiality. Students are encouraged to be aware of their emotional health and where necessary to seek early intervention with a campus counsellor. Referrals to campus counsellors may be made by faculty, campus liaison officers or students themselves. In more serious cases, campus counsellors may seek the intervention of external professional services.
Students referred by counsellors for further clinical consultation may be required to bear the cost of such services, depending on the nature and/or severity of the issue to be addressed. Appointments may be made in person or by phone and emergency cases can be seen on a ‘walk-in’ basis.
Accessing Counselling Services:
The main office of the HCSD is located at the City Campus. However, campus counselors are available at all other campuses and sites.
Health Promotion:
Throughout the year, the Department hosts seminars on health promotion at each campus.
These are facilitated by trained personnel specializing in areas such as healthy life styles, primary health care, and stress management. Students are encouraged to visit the Health and Counselling Services Department to access information on healthy living as well as government health care services.
Sick Bay Facilities:
Basic first aid and sick bay services for short term and minor illnesses are available to all students while at a COSTAATT campus or site. However, the College does not serve as a substitute for physicians or other health care providers.
In cases of sudden and/or serious illness, the College will make arrangements for students to be transported to the nearest public hospital, preferred medical practitioner or health service provider. In this regard, every effort will be made to immediately notify students’ parents, guardians, spouses or other emergency contact.
Annual Health Fair:
Students can look forward to the College’s annual Health Fair which is held during the month of October. This event is geared to sensitizing students to healthy lifestyles and providing primary health care services, including testing for blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, vision and hearing. The programme includes drug awareness presentations and displays, as well as distribution of samples of pharmaceuticals.