Facing a Surge in Academic Pressure, ITS Computer Engineering Department Holds Mental Health Seminar

Image: A warm atmosphere as participants engage in the mental health seminar organized by the ITS Computer Engineering Department.

Surabaya, ELECTICS ITS – Amid the growing concern for student well-being, the Computer Engineering Department of ITS held a Mental Health Seminar on October 9 at the Multifunction Room, Tower 2, 11th Floor. The event served as an educational space for students to better understand the importance of maintaining psychological health amid demanding academic activities. More than 150 students attended, filling the room and reflecting the high enthusiasm and need for mental health support within the department.

This initiative was organized as a concrete step by the ITS Computer Engineering Department after identifying, in recent years, several cases of students experiencing declining academic performance, frequent absences, and personal issues related to mental pressure. Through this seminar, the department aims to provide comprehensive insights on emotional awareness, self-validation, and healthy, sustainable strategies for managing academic stress.

Image: dr. Zain Budi Syulthoni, Sp.KJ., delivering his material as the speaker at the Mental Health Seminar of the ITS Computer Engineering Department.

The event began with a session titled “Building ITS Students’ Resilience in Facing Campus Life” presented by dr. Zain Budi Syulthoni, Sp.KJ. The session covered resilience, stress management, and methods for maintaining mental health in highly demanding situations. The speaker emphasized that many students experience mental fatigue not only due to academic load, but also because of the tendency to suppress or ignore their emotional state.

Beyond focusing on students, the event continued with a session on “Introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA)” for lecturers and educational staff as part of strengthening their capacity to provide initial support to students. Through this session, lecturers were equipped with an understanding of empathetic listening techniques, emotional validation, and recognizing early signs of distress so they can provide appropriate referrals when needed.

According to Dr. Diah Puspito Wulandari, S.T., M.Sc., Secretary of the Computer Engineering Department, several new challenges have begun to emerge among students. “We observe that the pressure students face does not only come from academic demands but also from various aspects of their personal lives. This drives the department to strengthen guidance, including through mental health education,” she stated.

Image: ITS Computer Engineering students enthusiastically follow instructions guided by dr. Zain Budi Syulthoni, Sp.KJ.

The 2023 Curriculum change has also presented additional challenges. Previously, first-semester students began with relatively lighter courses. However, in the latest curriculum, they immediately face more demanding materials from the start of their studies. This transition requires a significant adaptation process, especially for new students. Moreover, the use of smartphones and social media has increasingly influenced psychological conditions, from social comparison to heightened tendencies of overthinking.

The ITS Computer Engineering Department remains committed to strengthening attention to social and psychological aspects as part of academic support. A strong understanding across all elements of the campus community is expected to foster more empathetic communication and a supportive learning environment.

“We hope students feel that the challenges they face do not have to be dealt with alone. With proper guidance, they can grow stronger and more adaptive,” Dr. Diah added.

Through this seminar and the PFA introduction session, the ITS Computer Engineering Department reaffirms its commitment to supporting student development holistically not only as academically excellent individuals but also as mentally healthy and well-prepared members of the modern world.