The Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), held a guest lecture themed “Recognizing and Addressing Troubled Students” On Wednesday (May 14), held in the lecture room of the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA UI, at the UI Depok Campus. This event aimed to raise awareness and enhance lecturers’ capacity in dealing with students facing psychological or social issues.
This guest lecture featured Dr. Sylvia Detri Elvira, Sp.KJ(K), a psychiatrist from the Psychotherapy Division, Department of Psychiatry at FKUI-RSCM, who is also a member of the Student Development and Counseling Team at FKUI. The event was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kiki Ariyanti Sugeng, Professor at the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia.
The organization of this event was motivated by concerns over the increasing number of students experiencing pressure due to academic, economic, family, or social factors, which may potentially affect their academic progress and overall quality of life.
In his opening remarks, the Head of the Department of Mathematics at FMIPA UI, Prof. Alhadi Bustamam, Ph.D., emphasized the important role of lecturers in supporting students’ mental health. He stated that students not only need academic guidance but also require attention to their emotional and psychological well-being.
“Students are the nation’s intellectual assets that we must protect together. Through this event, we hope that lecturers can better understand and be more sensitive to the signs of students who are facing difficulties,” said Prof. Alhadi.
Furthermore, Prof. Alhadi said that this activity was the initial step of the Mathematics Department of FMIPA UI in building a more structured psychosocial support system in the academic environment.
“In the future, we plan to hold events like this regularly as part of our efforts to improve literacy and raise awareness about mental health issues among lecturers and educators,” he added.
In her presentation, Dr. Sylvia explained that students often face intense pressure that can develop into mental health disorders, such as severe stress, anxiety, and even depression. She emphasized the important role of lecturers as the front line in early detection and response to students showing signs of psychological distress.
She also added that empathy, sensitivity, and communication skills are essential abilities that educators need to possess today.
“Lecturers need to be a safe and supportive presence, someone who can create space for students to talk and seek help,” she explained.
In addition to discussing the causes and common symptoms, Dr. Sylvia also explained how to build a healthy relationship between lecturers and students, as well as outlined the referral procedures in cases that require professional intervention.
She emphasized that being an academic advisor is one of the “the multiple roles of a teacher”, In addition to the roles of facilitator, mentor, and tutor, this role also encompasses more than just academic aspects; it includes functioning as a counselor who supports students in facing non-academic challenges.
As academic advisors, lecturers hold a strategic position in detecting students’ adaptation abilities and resilience. This detection can be done subjectively through students’ stories or complaints to their friends, peer counselor, or to lecturers, as well as objectively, such as changes in behavior, declining academic performance, or decreased attendance. If these symptoms are observed, lecturers are expected to provide initial assistance and guide students according to the support pathways available within the system. student support.
“This approach requires sensitivity, communication skills, and cross-role collaboration within the academic environment to ensure that students receive the right help at the right time,” she added
This guest lecture was attended by lecturers from the Department of Mathematics, FMIPA UI. The discussion session was dynamic, with many participants raising real cases they encountered in the field and seeking direct advice from the speaker.
