Naidoo P, Where to from Here Contemplating the Impact of.pdf (561.12 kB)
Where to from Here? Contemplating the impact of COVID-19 on South African students and student counseling services in higher education
journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-10, 10:43 authored by Paulette Naidoo, Duncan Cartwrighthe unprecedented magnitude and effects of the Covid-19 pan?demic have rendered it a highly disruptive and traumatic phenom?enon. This paper considers the impact of Covid-19 on South
African students and Student Counseling Services in Higher
Education. The paper specifically reflects on shifts in student men?tal health and psycho-social vulnerability as a consequence of the
pandemic, and the increased demand for the student counselor
advocacy role. The inevitable need for technological shifts to
traditional student counseling practice is considered, as well as
the transformational dilemma or “double-edged sword” inherent
in such change, given the historical, psycho-social, and economic
complexities of South African society which impact on student
access and participation in Higher Education. The paper lastly
considers the adoption of a customized or “blended” student
counseling approach that incorporates traditional and technologi?cal-based elements, and that can accommodate student personal
and mental health needs, preferences as well as contextual pecu?liarities and challenges.