In order to help finding solutions to problems faced by students, the academic supervisor lecturers require several skills, such as being able to understand and observe problems, attending behavior, and the ability to empathize. This is necessary to foster a sense of trust for students, so that students can be open to the problems they face, and the supervisor can provide the best alternative solution.
This was conveyed by Psychology Lecturer, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences Universitas Brawijaya (FISIP-UB) Ulifa Rahma, S.Psi., M.Psi in Guidance and Counseling Training for UB Academic Supervisors, Wednesday (18/08/2021). This activity, which is held regularly twice a year by the Center for Academic and Professional Education Development, Institute of Educational Development and Quality Assurance (P3AP-LP3M) is held online, and is attended by 38 academic supervisor from all faculties, Vocational, Postgraduate, and UB Kediri.
According to Ulifa, guidance and counseling for students is needed to support academic achievement in lectures. Do not let academic achievement decline, or even fail because of the problems being faced. Therefore, the role of academic supervisor is very much needed.
“Academic supervisor as counselors need to observe students through gestures, tone of voice, gestures whether there is a discrepancy between what they said and their body language. Then attending behavior is needed so that students feel heard, valued, and accepted. This concern is important so that students do not think that counseling is only a formality or merely an ignorant lecturer,” explained the member of the P3AP LP3M in the field of guidance and counseling.
By caring will grow a sense of empathy, so that counselors can help students grow positive feelings towards themselves. After that the counselor can influence students in the decision-making process by providing some of the best alternative solutions.
“Counselors do not have the authority to dictate what students should do, but they can invite students to consider all the alternative solutions,” she said.
If in the process of evaluating or identifying a problem, a solution cannot be found, then the counselor can involve related parties, such as friends or faculty leaders, and provide referrals for help from experts. [Irene/ Humas UB/ Trans. Iir]
