Alliance University organised a Psychological First Aid (PFA) Training Workshop for faculty members on 15 December 2025 as part of its faculty capacity-building initiatives. The workshop was designed to strengthen early mental health support systems on campus and was aligned with University Grants Commission guidelines and national mental health initiatives.

Workshop Objective and Context

The training aimed to equip faculty members with the knowledge and skills required to provide first-level psychological support to students in distress. Recognising the important role faculty play in students’ academic and personal lives, the workshop focused on building awareness, sensitivity, and practical response strategies within classroom and campus settings.

Facilitation and Learning Approach

The session was facilitated by Ms. Janaki Ramaswamy, a Counselling Psychologist from YourDOST, who brought professional experience in counselling and mental health training. The workshop followed an interactive and experiential format, creating a safe and reflective environment that encouraged active participation and open discussion among faculty members.

Key Areas of Engagement

During the workshop, faculty members shared real-life classroom experiences related to student stress, emotional distress, and behavioural concerns. Role plays were conducted to help participants practise Psychological First Aid skills in realistic academic situations. The discussions also covered different class-level scenarios, early identification of warning signs, and the importance of timely referral to professional mental health services when required.

Outcomes and Way Forward

The workshop promoted empathy, dialogue, and practical learning, helping faculty members feel more confident in responding to students who may be experiencing distress. The active engagement and reflections shared during the session contributed to meaningful learning outcomes. This initiative represents a continued effort by Alliance University to strengthen its mental health ecosystem and foster a supportive, responsive, and student-centred academic environment.