Ton Duc Thang University Towards a Comprehensive and Effective Student Support Model in Social Work and Psychological Services

On the morning of April 18, 2025, Ton Duc Thang University (TDTU) hosted a seminar titled “Developing a Social Work – Psychological Service Model for University Students”.The event, co-organized by the Department of Undergraduate Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, aimed to establish and enhance a comprehensive support service system for students at TDTU, especially in the fields of social work and psychological care.

Held in a warm and open yet professional atmosphere, the seminar brought together experts who shared diverse perspectives on the current state of student support services. Discussions focused on the challenges students face amid today’s socio-economic fluctuations, with key topics including the demand for mental health support, financial assistance, and career orientation. The role of social service centers in mobilizing community resources and the effectiveness of various support models currently implemented in Ho Chi Minh City were also explored.

Participants also contributed practical recommendations such as strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration networks and developing peer mentoring programs. These insights helped highlight both the strengths and limitations of existing models, while opening new directions for building a more holistic, humane, and sustainable student support ecosystem. The seminar also served as a platform for gathering expert feedback on the Ministry of Education and Training’s draft Circular on school counseling and social work services, in accordance with Official Dispatch No. 1400/BGDDT-HSSV dated March 31, 2025.

This initiative marks a significant step in affirming TDTU’s commitment to accompanying and supporting students' mental well-being—an essential factor in improving academic performance and fostering well-rounded personal development. The ideas shared at the seminar not only deepened mutual understanding of students’ actual needs but also laid the groundwork for practical, context-appropriate support models. Through such efforts, TDTU continues to solidify its pioneering role in creating a humane, modern, and sustainable learning environment—one that meets the rigorous standards of international education quality assessments such as AUN-QA and FIBAA, and where every student is heard, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential.