How students and faculty can help build a supportive academic community

As a university professor for more than three decades, I have known that college and university life can be a transformative experience, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. However, this journey involves significant personal challenges like culture shock, substance abuse, academic underperformance, and emotional stress.

These issues can derail a student’s progress and well-being if not identified and addressed in time. Many times, being available for a conversation without judging, encouraging students to talk about their feelings, and validating their experiences can help students feel less alone. Sometimes, knowing that someone cares is all it takes to make a difference.

“He looks drunk!” A girl confided in me about a new entrant. “Please do not talk about him without knowing the truth”, I requested her while I investigated and found that the student was just sleep deprived, having a part-time job to fund his expenses.

Peers are often the first to notice changes in a fellow student’s behaviour, mood, or performance. A friendly word or a listening ear can go a long way in encouraging someone to open up. When students actively support their peers, they help create a culture of empathy and trust. Workshops or awareness sessions help immensely in recognising signs of distress like withdrawal from social activities, declining academic performance, mood swings, changes in appearance and behaviour, etc.

While peer support is vital, it should not replace professional intervention. Students can guide their friends towards college counsellors, mental health professionals, or faculty members for appropriate assistance.

For students coming from different regions, cultures, or countries, adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming. Language barriers, unfamiliar social norms, and isolation can lead to culture shock. Peers can initiate group activities like study circles, cultural clubs, exercise sessions, or mindfulness practices that promote well-being and reduce negative coping mechanisms like substance use. Cultural exchange events and buddy systems can also help integrate new students smoothly.

Nagalakshmi N, a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA, shares her experience at the university student mentorship programme. Mentors helped her overcome culture shock by introducing new entrants to the local culture, showing them around the city and popular hangout spots, and also sharing tips on academic success and available campus resources.

Faculty have a significant role to play by providing flexible academic plans, ensuring that classroom environments do not contribute to excessive pressure or unhealthy competition, and, very importantly, being observant and discreetly intervening when students show consistent signs of decline.

“True potential is unlocked when peers genuinely show up for one another, help them through their issues, such as culture shock, addictions, and other issues. When faculty actively create space for meaningful support to flourish, the whole campus becomes a place to grow for students,” opines Sharanya V Prasad, a senior PM with Cisco Systems, SFO, looking back on her experience in a foreign university.

Dr. Deepthi Das, Associate Dean, School of Sciences, CHRIST University, agrees. “Students can create a safe environment for their peers, allowing them to exchange emotions and validate positive and healthy habits. Faculty can provide help through early interventions and create safe spaces for open dialogue and support. Most students tend to look upto a responsible and relatable adult—a role that faculty can easily fit into.” 

Students helping students, supported by informed and empathetic faculty, creates a safety net that allows all learners to thrive. With a compassionate and proactive approach, we can ensure that no one feels left behind or alone in their academic journey. In such situations, peers and faculty are critical in fostering a nurturing, inclusive, and responsive academic environment.