Service learning and activity assignments
All students of the department take part in at least one extension activity every year. These activities are designed as experiential learning opportunities. The department plans its extension activities to enhance value addition to theoretical topics in the syllabus and such activities provide much needed practical skill development, real world application and experiential learning which are integral to learning Psychology.
UG students are given service learning assignments and 5th semester students have a project of five fieldwork activities in which they have to do service learning activities which are given academic credits.
PG students have activity based assignments for each course which include service learning activities. They also conduct sessions for school and college students and their parents on several topics related to mental health and cognition.
Faculty members conduct sessions for Government departments, NGOs, banks, schools, employee associations and neighbourhood residential groups.
Report of 2024- 25
37 UG students became active volunteers in the summer camp for school students at the VHC cultural center at the VH colony. The camp started on 10/4/2025 and will continue till the end of May. UG students engaged school students from ages 6-15 in spoken English, Grammer, learning and memory techniques, mental and physical & reproductive health and hygiene, substance abuse, socialisation skills etc. The school children and their parents have given overwhelming positive feedback about the sessions. These camps are important in keeping young children meaningfully engaged and in a safe environment while their parents are working.
First year UG students volunteered in the 3rd Holiday Camp for special children on 10/4/2025 at Kuttamassery Gov. school. The camp was jointly organised by Red Cross Society Aluva, Rhythm of Angels & Dept. of Psychology, U. C. College. The students gave one to one attention to the camp members making a personal connection, helping them to engage in activities and managing behavioural issues and emotional outbursts.
All Final year UG & PG students conducted mental health awareness sessions for the entire college community on 10/10 2024. The session included eradication of mental health myths, scientific treatment methods, and boosted the communication and public speaking skills of the students.
5 2UG students conducted a session on personal hygiene on 17/02/2025 at Gov. L P School, Kodungalloor.
I PG students participated in the Gifted Children programme by Govt of Kerala and organised a Psychology exhibition on 19/10/2024 for parents, teachers and students of special schools. Sruthy Saji of I PG conducted session on suicide prevention in three schools and on ‘awareness about mental health’ in two schools. Gangothry Sunil conducted a session on ‘orientation to Psychology’ for 1st year college students. Nithya B Nair conducted a session for 8th & 9th students on ‘effective learning techniques and overcoming exam anxiety’.13. Niba Fathima K K conducted ‘Mental health and substance abuse awareness’ class for grade 8 students, ‘Parenting in the modern world: tips and trick’ class for parents of grade 1-3 students and an online session for parents of grade 1-4 students on ‘Transforming Study Time into Quality Time’.
9 2UG students volunteered at a camp for special children at Kuttamassery Gov. higher secondary school on 23/10/2024 engaging the children in meaningful activities. Such camps facilitate social skills training, inclusive exposure to social settings to special children, the parents benefit by sharing experiences and feelings of being accepted and understood.
Report of 2023-24
In association with mental health week the department organised a mental health awareness session for the entire college. All Final year UG & PG students were trained to give the session and the students became effective communicators on mental health promotion.
115 2UG students participated in the Migrant labourer data collection drive conducted by the Police department. The data were collected from the guest labourers. Students learned to communicate with labourers some of whom were not even familiar with Hindi. The students were able to deal with them sensitively and reassure them. The experience provided students with exposure to life and experiences of migrant labourers and empathise with them.
Students volunteered in old age homes, awareness campaigns on cancer, degenerative diseases and special schools.
Students of 2nd BSc Psychology conducted an exhibition on the topic ‘Prejudice’ on 12/01/24 . The exhibition was conducted in college and was visited by students, staff and others on campus. The students were able to create an intrigue in the audience on a social issue as well as provide explanation and views to the onlookers.
Report 2022-2023
The Department of Psychology has actively engaged students in various field-based activities, training programmes, and community outreach initiatives, providing them with valuable experiential learning opportunities.
Collaboration with Cotholongo Educational Institution
Undergraduate and postgraduate students volunteered for key events organized by Cotholongo Educational Institution. Five M.Sc. students and six B.Sc. students participated in the Job Fair held on 11th March 2023, while seven B.Sc. students volunteered during the Convocation Ceremony for persons with disabilities conducted on 18th April 2023. Additionally, final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students visited various schools where they provided counseling, life skills training, and academic skill enhancement programs. Students also volunteered during skill training programs for people with disabilities, assisting with training activities and conducting motivational sessions and personal counseling.
International Student Interaction
On 27th July 2022, postgraduate and undergraduate students of the Department engaged in an international interaction with students from the International Christian University, Japan. A focused discussion was held on the theme “Comparison of Socio-Cultural Practices and Psycho-Social Trends in India and Japan,” covering topics such as politics, development, religion, mental health, and gender. The program also included a celebration of Ethnic Day featuring ethnic cooking demonstrations and traditional fashion displays.
Cognitive Assessment Outreach at the School for the Blind
In collaboration with the Basic Life Skills Centre (BLISS) and the Service Learning Centre, the Department organized a cognitive assessment programme at the School for the Blind, Aluva, on 11th August 2022. Assessments were conducted by Dr. Marikutty P.J., Assistant Professor, and Ms. Asha Ravi, Clinical Psychologist and Research Scholar, along with 16 postgraduate psychology students. Two international students from ICU, Japan, observed the assessment process. Psychological tests administered included the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), Binet Kamat Test (BKT), and Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian Children (MISIC), assessing 22 students in total.
Extension Activities
As part of ongoing extension activities, second-year M.Sc. Psychology students visited a nearby orphanage on 17th September 2022 to interact with adolescent girls residing there. A decision was made to organize regular Saturday talks on relevant contemporary issues, conducted by psychology students from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
World Mental Health Day Initiatives
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, BLISS and the Department of Psychology jointly organized a peer-led awareness program titled “Demystifying Mental Illness” on 18th and 19th October. Postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students conducted sessions across 62 classrooms, including MBA and MCA classes, reaching approximately 1,900 students and promoting mental health awareness while dispelling myths surrounding mental illness.
School Outreach Programmes
MoU with Cottolengo Vocational Training Centre
The Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Cottolengo Vocational Training Centre. As part of this collaboration, seven first-year postgraduate and six second-year undergraduate psychology students participated in the program “Build an Inclusive Workforce in Kochi” on 11th March 2023. Students assisted candidates with locomotor disabilities during the Job Fair by supporting registration, application filling, venue guidance, and hospitality services.
Field Work at Government L.P. School, Chamaparambu
As part of their field work, all 19 first-year M.Sc. Psychology students visited the Government L.P. School, Chamaparambu, on 22nd November 2022. They interacted with 21 first-grade students and assessed their intellectual functioning using the Seguin Form Board Test. Rapport-building sessions were conducted prior to assessments, and students were encouraged to pursue academic excellence.
Life Skills Training at St. Paul’s Public School, Kottayam
Faculty members and postgraduate students conducted a Life Skills Training Program at St. Paul’s Public School, Kottayam, for students transitioning from Grade 10 to higher secondary levels. A total of 33 students, parents, and teachers participated in the session, which focused on enhancing adaptive skills necessary for academic and personal growth.
Report 2021-2022
The Department of Psychology organized a series of programmes across various schools in the state to assist students in coping with academic uncertainties and personal challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The sessions were carefully tailored to meet the developmental needs of students from Kindergarten to Grade 10 and were delivered through both online and offline modes. Through this initiative, approximately 1,200 students and 300 teachers and parents benefited. Faculty members conducted sessions on effective parenting and student management, offering guidance to parents and educators in supporting children during this difficult period.
In addition, final-year undergraduate students and postgraduate students of the department conducted sessions for school students on a range of critical topics, including mental health awareness, memory enhancement strategies, learning techniques, assertiveness training, communication and relationship management skills, sexual and menstrual hygiene, substance addiction, and the prevention of sexual abuse.
Report 2020-2021
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the faculty, students, and research scholars of the Department of Psychology took the initiative to offer free tele-counselling services to individuals affected by the crisis. Through this service, 50 individuals were provided with psychological support during a time of heightened need.
Additionally, ten postgraduate students from the Department of Psychology, in collaboration with the Kodungalloor Municipality, conducted a 35-day Tele-Counselling Program from 27th May to 30th June 2022. This initiative specifically targeted COVID-19 patients and individuals in quarantine. During this period, psychological support was extended to approximately 500 individuals, offering crucial assistance during the peak phase of the pandemic.
Report 2019-2020
Third UG and PG students of the department have visited various schools across the state and provided counseling, psychological skills training and academic skill training for students with disabilities. They have provided screening and assessment services to special schools on movement therapy, dance therapy, narration and storytelling for language development.
Report 2018-2019
Psychological first aid for flood affected community
During the 2018 flood, Union Christian College served as the largest relief camp in the region. Students from the Department of Psychology actively contributed by providing Psychological First Aid, with special emphasis on supporting children through interactive sessions utilizing Play Therapy and Art Therapy techniques.
To extend continued psychological support to the flood-affected communities surrounding the college, the department organized a series of training programmes for students, facilitated with the assistance of expert alumni from the department. As part of these efforts, students and faculty members visited nearby Panchayats and schools to engage with the community and offer psychological support. They also visited individual homes and community health centres to reach those in need of emotional care and rehabilitation.
