National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has cultivated a robust, multi-layered mental health support ecosystem designed to address the diverse psychological needs of both its student body and professional staff. This commitment is reflected in a structured approach that combines direct clinical services, digital accessibility, progressive policy-making, and continuous professional development.
For students, the Counseling and Guidance Division serves as the primary gateway to mental health resources. To ensure seamless access, the university utilizes a digital "Counseling Service System," allowing students to navigate appointments and support services efficiently. A landmark initiative in NCKU’s student welfare policy is the institutionalization of "Mental Health Leave" (心理調適假), which provides students the necessary space to prioritize their psychological well-being without academic prejudice. Furthermore, the university integrates mental health into its academic fabric through General Education courses and various promotion activities, fostering a culture of self-awareness and resilience across the campus.
Support for faculty and staff is equally prioritized through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) managed by the Personnel Office. Recognizing that financial barriers can often deter individuals from seeking professional help, NCKU provides subsidies for counseling service fees, ensuring that high-quality mental healthcare remains affordable. This is complemented by the clinical expertise of the NCKU Hospital Psychiatry Department, which provides a high-level medical safety net for more complex psychological needs.
Institutional growth and capacity building are also central to NCKU’s strategy. As evidenced by the "2025 Student Affairs and Counseling Workshop," the university actively invests in Social Emotional Learning (SEL) to enhance the counseling capacity of its staff. By staying at the forefront of counseling techniques and fostering a holistic "culture of care," NCKU ensures that mental health support is not merely a reactive service but a proactive and fundamental component of the university’s mission to sustain a healthy, thriving academic community.
- NCKU Counseling and Wellness Services Division
NCKU’s Counseling and Wellness Services Division is dedicated to promoting the mental well-being of the university community. The division offers professional services, including individual counseling, group therapy, and mental health promotion events like the "Happy Sexual Communication" workshop, helping students navigate academic stress and emotional challenges. By providing a safe and private environment, the division assists students in self-exploration and building resilience, fulfilling the philosophy of holistic care and establishing a comprehensive psychological support network.
- Counseling Service System
NCKU’s Counseling and Wellness Services Division has launched a new "Counseling Service System" integrated with the university's Single Sign-On (SSO) portal. Officially online since January 2025, the system allows students and staff to log in using their ID numbers. By updating this digital platform, the university aims to streamline the counseling application process and address user feedback in real-time. This initiative ensures the efficiency and quality of the campus mental health support system, fulfilling its commitment to the psychological well-being of all university members.
- NCKU Mental Health Leave for Students
NCKU has officially included "Mental Health Leave" in its student leave regulations, demonstrating a strong commitment to student psychological well-being. According to Article 3, students experiencing emotional or mental distress may apply for this specific leave type. This initiative institutionalizes campus mental health support and encourages students to seek necessary breaks when facing stress. By establishing diverse leave options, the university strives to create an inclusive and empathetic learning environment that balances academic achievement with physical and mental wellness.
- 2025 Student Affairs and Counseling Workshop: Associate Professor Hsuan Shares on SEL to Enhance Counseling Capacity
NCKU hosted the "2025 Student Affairs and Counseling Workshop," featuring Associate Professor Hsuan on the application of Social Emotional Learning (SEL). The workshop aimed to enhance the counseling capacity of student affairs staff and mentors. By introducing core SEL concepts, participants learned to guide students in emotional regulation, respectful communication, and conflict resolution. Through this interdisciplinary knowledge sharing, the university seeks to strengthen the campus support network, empowering educators to effectively support students' psychological growth and foster an empathetic, inclusive learning environment.- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) Section for Faculty and Staff
- On-Campus Psychiatric Consultation Services
NCKU’s Counseling and Wellness Services Division collaborates with medical institutions to offer on-campus psychiatric consultations for all faculty, staff, and students. Senior psychiatrist Dr. Hsieh Pei-Chun provides professional mental health assessments and advice every Thursday noon at the Yun-Ping Building. By integrating external clinical resources, the university aims to establish a direct and convenient bridge to professional medical care, strengthening the campus support network and helping members identify and address emotional or mental health challenges early on.
- Mental Health Promotion Activities
NCKU’s Counseling and Wellness Services Division actively promotes "Mental Health Promotion Activities," organizing professional lectures and experiential workshops for the campus community. The curriculum covers critical areas such as depression prevention, emotional regulation, interpersonal communication, stress relief, and relationship education. Through interaction with professional instructors and counselors, the university aims to enhance self-awareness and psychological resilience among faculty and students. These initiatives effectively relieve academic and workplace stress while fulfilling the core values of holistic development and campus care.
- General Education Courses on Mental Health
NCKU’s Counseling and Wellness Services Division has designed a rich array of "General Education Courses on Mental Health" to enhance students' psychological quality and vitality. The curriculum ranges from foundational stress management and family relationships to self-exploration and interpersonal communication, guiding students to develop sound mental health concepts alongside academic growth. Through diverse teaching formats, the university is committed to nurturing resilient and inclusive individuals, empowering students to manage life challenges and practice holistic care, thus building a solid foundation for their future careers and social participation.