10.6.6 Support for underrepresented groups
Srinakharinwirot University is committed to cultivating an inclusive academic community where every member—students, staff, and faculty—can succeed. To support this commitment, we have established a range of mentoring, counselling, and peer support programmes designed to meet the diverse needs of underrepresented groups. These initiatives extend support to individuals with disabilities, first-generation and low-income students, minority, indigenous groups, underprivileged.
Our university understand that real equality is not achieved by access to classrooms alone. It requires comprehensive systems of support that empower individuals to flourish both inside and outside the university. Guided by this principle, we have developed an integrated framework that combines academic mentoring, professional counselling, peer-to-peer learning, and career development initiatives, ensuring that all members of our community have the resources and networks they need to thrive.
1) Disability Support and Inclusive Learning
The Office for Disability Support Services (Disability support services center: DSS Center) coordinates tailored interventions to ensure that students with physical, visual, auditory, or learning impairments have equal access to education. The services include:
1.1) Universal Design Projects: Campus upgrades such as wheelchair-accessible pathways, auditory signals at crossings, and adapted computer labs.
1.2) Scholarship and Grant Opportunities: Targeted funding to ensure financial obstacles do not prevent academic success.
1.3) Academic Support: Provide assistance and facilitation in teaching and learning for students with disabilities, such as printing and photocopying services, scanning textbooks or learning materials, report binding, and other necessary assistive devices as required by the students. This also includes reading examination papers for visually impaired students and coordinating with faculty members regarding teaching arrangements.
1.4) Lending of Learning Media and Equipment: Laptop computers, voice recorders, screen magnifiers, Braille printers, Braille note-takers, electric wheelchairs, drafting tables, etc.
1.5) Information Technology Services: Screen reader software (JAWS), Braille translation software (Duxbury), and screen magnification software (ZoomText).
1.6) Assigning student “Buddies” to assist students with disabilities.
1.7) Promoting employment opportunities during study for students with disabilities.
This service not only enhances academic outcomes but also builds a culture of empathy, where able-bodied students learn to collaborate with peers of diverse abilities.
Disability Support Services: [URL] https://studentaffairs.op.swu.ac.th/dsscenter
2) Student Welfare and Counselling
SWU SMILE offers professional counselling on both academic and non-academic matters. The unit operates a strict no-harassment policy and provides confidential spaces for students and staff to raise concerns. The services include:
2.1) Personal Counselling: Support for stress, anxiety, cultural adjustment, and personal wellbeing.
Gender and Harassment Support: Specialist counsellors trained in handling gender-related concerns and harassment cases.
Academic Adjustment Counselling: For students struggling with performance due to trauma, illness, or adaptation challenges, counsellors work closely with academic advisors to design improvement plans.
Health & Insurance Support: Guidance on student health benefits and insurance claims, ensuring that international and low-income students receive timely care.
All counselling services are free of charge and operate on an appointment system with both in-person and online options.
Student Counselling and Welfare: [URL] https://studentaffairs.op.swu.ac.th/SWUSMILE
3) Career Mentoring and Professional Development
SWU Career Service provides career mentoring and professional development opportunities to help underrepresented students make a successful transition beyond university. Through our structured Career Mentoring Programme, we connect students with alumni and industry professionals who offer tailored guidance and support. Mentors represent a wide range of sectors and backgrounds, ensuring that students gain access to diverse perspectives, global insights, and meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth. The services include:
3.1) Workshops and Networking Events: Sessions on CV preparation, mock interviews, and sector-specific insights tailored for students who may lack family or community professional networks.
This initiative not only enhances career readiness but also reduces the systemic disadvantage faced by students from less privileged backgrounds. Moreover, Completion of the programme is formally acknowledged on students’ co-curricular transcripts, strengthening graduate employability.
Career Mentoring Programme: [URL] https://studentaffairs.op.swu.ac.th/SWUCareerService
For University Staff with Disabilities
The Human Resources Division of Srinakharinwirot University provides a health promotion benefit that includes reimbursement for disability assistance equipment, as specified under Item 22 (1): Disability Assistance Equipment Expenses.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CpsnGxfyputRbKxLCkfvj-qgng0w-NFF/view?usp=sharing
for example,
November 4–6, 2024
The Center for Students with Disabilities Support, under the Guidance and Counseling Unit of the Student Affairs Division, Srinakharinwirot University, organized the project "Friends Without Differences" at Tawaravadee Resort, Prachinburi Province. The project aimed to enhance participants' understanding and attitudes toward the culture and lifestyles of people with disabilities. It also focused on equipping participants with basic, appropriate skills in assisting individuals with various types of disabilities. Moreover, the project sought to foster positive relationships through joint activities, building a strong network between students with and without disabilities.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GZ2CPjH2X/
January 24–26, 2024
The Center for Students with Disabilities Support, under the Guidance and Counseling Unit of the Student Affairs Division, Srinakharinwirot University, organized the second generation of the "SWU DSS Buddy Project" for the academic year 2023. The project included lectures on the topics “Communication Culture with Persons with Hearing Disabilities” and “Providing Care and Support for SWU DSS Friends.” Relationship-building and awareness-raising activities were conducted through group dynamics sessions and recreational activities (Walk Rally) to foster understanding and empathy towards peers with disabilities.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18pvnVdajZ/
April 30, 2024
SWU Career Service organized the SWU Job Fair 2024, an event that brought together employers and students. The university gathered leading companies to participate, offering job opportunities and internship positions. In addition, the fair featured various activities designed to help students enhance their skills and prepare for future careers.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FXNZ4nwYt/?mibextid=wwXIfr