Guidance Services and Testing Center

Objectives

The GSTC aims to empower students to:

1. Pursue self-awareness and self-acceptance, and to deepen appreciation of one’s individuality and unique journey (self-awareness, identity and autonomy) 
2. Be better able to manage oneself, practice skills and pursue personal/social, academic and career goals despite weaknesses and challenges (self-management, competence and purpose).
3. Become more aware of other people’s perspectives and empathize with them, to better understand social and ethical norms and recognize social resources and supports (social awareness)
4. Enhance the ability to establish and maintain healthy and satisfying relationships with individuals and groups (relationship skills, interdependence)
5. Make positive, ethical choices, in consideration of realistic consequences of available options, bearing in mind the well-being of oneself and others (responsible decision-making, integrity)
6. Contribute to the development of other individuals, groups and communities by sharing one’s time, gifts and resources in the spirit of Unitas (Unity), Veritas (Truth), and Caritas (Love).

The GSTC aims to fulfill its mission through GUIDANCE CARES:

Curriculum - Guidance classes, seminars/webinars, psychoeducation groups and other psychoeducational activities for the academic, career and personal/social development of students

Appraisal - Collection of student data through individual inventory, testing and other non-psychometric means for student’s individual planning

Responsive services - Counseling, consultation, referral, follow-up, assistance, supervised peer support, psychotherapy, social work

Evaluation, Research, Information and Community Services - disseminate guidance data and pertinent information to students, parents, faculty, administrators and other members of the university community and beyond, and utilize such data for the improvement of programs and provision of relevant and impactful services 

System Support - Development of the GSTC personnel and peer facilitators, facilities, equipment and other supports to facilitate the delivery of quality guidance and counseling services

• COUNSELING is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. 
•  APPRAISAL SERVICE involves gathering of information about students through the use of psychological tests and non-psychometric devices such as the individual inventory records 
• FOLLOW-UP SERVICE- To see how well students are doing.It is the key so that students can be assisted until their issues have been fully addressed.
• INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE - This service provides the students with information and assistance in order to make informed personal/social, academic and career decisions. It also provides information about guidance services to students, parents, and faculty/staff.
•  CONSULTATION Guidance professionals consult with parents, faculty/staff and administration in order to collaborate towards the management or resolution of an individual or group concern of students which can impact their wellbeing and success.Consultation is also offered for students who may need assistance in the areas of personal/social, academic and career, and may serve as an intake session for counseling.
•  Research and Evaluation, utilizing guidance data to increase awareness of areas that may impact student wellbeing and success and to improve guidance services. Guidance data is also shared to pertinent stakeholders to improve student services, academic support and instruction.
• Peer Facilitators Organization, The GSTC supervises the Peer Facilitators Organization, a trained group of students who offer peer support and assist in guidance activities.
•  REFERRAL SERVICE is the coordination with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to ensure that special needs of students are met.  The GSTC has licensed professionals in its team, namely, registered guidance counselors, registered psychometricians, a registered social worker, and a registered psychologist. The social worker offers assistance in cases that require more comprehensive support for students and their families, while the psychologist conducts psychotherapy, assessment and counseling services.The GSTC also accepts internal referrals from faculty/administration of students who need additional support. As necessary, the unit also makes referrals to external professionals, agencies or organizations that can better assist the client’s resolution of problems and attainment of goals.

IX. Special Projects

The GSTC constantly innovates and collaborates with internal and external partners to carry out new projects based on the needs of the students and other pertinent stakeholders of the university. Special projects include, but and are not limited to, activities that address the unique needs of special groups of students, important issues that affect the youth, identified needs of parents, faculty and other members of the university, and serve the larger community.