Pune: The Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune has stepped up counselling and mental wellbeing support for students, staff and faculty members following the death of a student on Aug 16 and the subsequent student sit-in protest on campus on Aug 27.In a statement issued on Wednesday, the institute said the student was found seriously injured outside a hostel building around 9.45pm on Aug 16 and was immediately taken to hospital. The institute said it informed the student’s parents and the police simultaneously, but she later succumbed to her injuries. “We stand with her family, friends and classmates in this moment of grief,” the statement read.IISER Pune said it was extending full cooperation to the ongoing police investigation and had held a condolence meeting on Aug 17 attended by students, staff and faculty members.The institute said counsellors were providing support to the student’s friends, classmates and other affected members of the campus community. Immediate one-on-one and group counselling sessions have been organised across the campus, along with guided group sessions led by a specialised counsellor for students, staff and faculty. “Academic accommodations and flexible attendance policies are being considered to support affected students,” the statement added.According to the institute, it currently has two full-time counsellors and has brought in two additional counsellors through its Mental Wellbeing Centre. It is also in the process of hiring one to two more full-time counsellors.The statement comes amid concerns raised by students during a sit-in protest on Aug 27, with demonstrators seeking answers and action on campus safety and student wellbeing issues following the student’s death. Reiterating its commitment to student welfare, IISER Pune said it had initiated additional measures and would continue efforts to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and other campus residents.
