ABSTRACT

The unprecedented magnitude and effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have rendered it a highly disruptive and traumatic phenomenon. This paper considers the impact of Covid-19 on South African students and Student Counseling Services in Higher Education. The paper specifically reflects on shifts in student mental health and psycho-social vulnerability as a consequence of the pandemic, and the increased demand for the student counselor advocacy role. The inevitable need for technological shifts to traditional student counseling practice is considered, as well as the transformational dilemma or “double-edged sword” inherent in such change, given the historical, psycho-social, and economic complexities of South African society which impact on student access and participation in Higher Education. The paper lastly considers the adoption of a customized or “blended” student counseling approach that incorporates traditional and technological-based elements, and that can accommodate student personal and mental health needs, preferences as well as contextual peculiarities and challenges.

摘要

Covid-19 大流行的空前规模和影响使其成为一种极具破坏性和创伤性的现象。本文考虑了 Covid-19 对南非学生和高等教育学生咨询服务的影响。该论文具体反映了大流行导致的学生心理健康和社会心理脆弱性的变化，以及对学生辅导员宣传角色的需求增加。鉴于南非社会的历史、社会心理和经济复杂性影响了学生进入和参与高等教育。