Kanpur, January 30, 2024 : After three students died by suicide recently, IIT Kanpur has strengthened its counseling services and support measures for student wellbeing. A dedicated center, weekly visits by psychiatrists, hiring of hostel staff, interactive events, and mental health programs are some new initiatives.
A review committee will address student issues sensitively and make recommendations. Last year too, reforms were introduced including flexible PhD programs, more financial aid, reduced coursework, a student guidance committee, faster thesis review, and MS degree options.
Other measures currently underway are extra counselors and hostel staff, faster counseling response, department-level discussions to identify student issues early, senior students mentoring juniors, faculty guides for non-academic matters, hostel activities for engagement, and regular mental health awareness. The aim is to foster a supportive environment for the students.
