Soochow University Recognized for Excellence in Student Counseling by Ministry of Education

Soochow University has been named one of only five institutions nationwide to receive the top honor of “Excellence” in the Ministry of Education’s Evaluation of Student Counseling Practices in the Academic Year of 2024-25. A total of 37 universities and colleges underwent this year’s comprehensive evaluation, making Soochow’s recognition a clear reflection of its outstanding efforts and innovation in student guidance and support.

The evaluation, conducted every four years in accordance with Article 18 of the Student Guidance Act, assessed universities across several dimensions: organizational structure, counseling personnel, practical outcomes, and innovative measures. The aim is to encourage institutions to continuously enhance their counseling systems while promoting best practices in student support.

Soochow’s counseling program stood out particularly in the category of “Distinctive Features of Campus Counseling.” Grounded in both school-based and evidence-based approaches, the university has built a comprehensive, all-staff counseling model that integrates resources across departments.

Key initiatives include the departmental counseling psychologist case management system and a real-time advising alert network, which help ensure early identification and response to students in need. Through ongoing data analysis and dynamic case tracking, Soochow has developed an accurate profile of at-risk students, supported by a stable team of professional counselors whose expertise is retained through long-term staffing commitments.

The evaluation committee also highlighted Soochow’s efforts to bridge practice and research. The university has translated real-world counseling experiences into valuable action research, contributing not only to the professionalization of student counseling but also offering models for other institutions to learn from.

In terms of effectiveness, Soochow’s case management system was praised for its professionalism and clarity. From well-defined policies and case closure standards to referral and follow-up mechanisms, the school has built a responsive and accountable counseling infrastructure. Regular emergency drills further ensure that staff across offices are well-prepared to respond to student crises and offer reliable support networks.

This “Excellence” rating from the Ministry of Education affirms Soochow University’s long-standing commitment to students’ well-being. It also reflects the university’s success in building a compassionate and inclusive campus environment.