The 2017 exam period begins on Monday, 6 November. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope during this time, we urge you to make use of the following support services.

Our Student Counselling Division (also known as the Student Support Division) offers academic, therapeutic and emotional support, rendered by a highly professional multi-disciplinary team consisting of counsellors, educational and clinical psychologists, and social workers. Academic support ensures that students make the correct career choices, handle academic stress better and are equipped to be academically successful. Therapeutic and emotional support ensures academic success and enhances psycho-social functioning. Life skills enable students to develop holistically, and empowers them to be successful, well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.

• Services include psychometric testing, career planning, study methods, stress handling, personal empowerment, life skills, trauma counselling and relationship skills.
• All services are free of charge for registered students.
• Students who need trauma counselling after hours may also call the 24-hour crisis line.
• The University, in collaboration with the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG), offers 24-hour emotional support to students via the official UP 24-hour Careline. The number is 0800 747 747. Students are also encouraged to visit the SADAG website (www.sadag.org) for more information on mental health matters.

The Department of Residence Affairs and Accommodation makes use of the following protocol steps in terms of student support at residences:

Step1: Speak to your Head of Residence or any of the House Committee Members. If they cannot help, they will refer you to the next level of intervention.

Step 2: Dial the TuksRes Student Support BVB (Bel vir Bes) 24-hour support number: 082 908 3588. If they cannot help, they will refer you to the next intervention level.

Step3: Crisis Intervention – In case of any situation/incident at a residence that is of a traumatic nature, dial the TuksRes Student Support BVB (Bel vir Bes) 24-hour support number: 082 908 3588

Step 4: Professional counselling by the Student Support Division

Step5: Psychiatric/medical intervention

Students do not need to follow these steps in sequence. Very often, circumstances dictate the steps to be taken.