As every student knows, life at university involves more than lectures, assignments, and exams. Alongside academic study, we can face personal challenges and situations that affect our wellbeing and ability to engage fully with university life.
The Student Welfare team (click here for their website) at Sunway University exists to support students through these concerns and more, offering guidance, coordination, and advocacy where needed.
Whether you're dealing with a difficult situation, feeling unsure where to turn, or needing help navigating university systems, Student Welfare provides a point of contact focused on care, access, and safety. The team works collaboratively across the university to help all students feel supported and able to continue their studies with confidence.
We spoke with the Student Welfare team to answer some common questions about the services they provide…
What are the different kinds of support offered by the Student Welfare team?
The Student Welfare team is here to support you with issues that affect your wellbeing, safety, and ability to learn. If you are dealing with a grievance or complaint, such as feeling treated unfairly or not knowing how to raise a concern, we can help you understand your options and what steps to take next.
If you are experiencing bullying or harassment, whether from another student or someone else on campus, Student Welfare can support you through that process. We also respond to safeguarding concerns, situations involving abuse, and times of crisis, handling these matters with sensitivity and care.
If you have a disability, Student Welfare can help coordinate reasonable adjustments and guide you through the relevant processes. We are also available for other welfare concerns that may be affecting your sense of safety or your studies.
What kinds of issues do students usually approach the Student Welfare team for?
Students often reach out for help with disability-related support, especially when arranging adjustments or trying to manage different university processes. Others contact Student Welfare about grievances or complaints, such as communication difficulties, unresolved conflicts, or concerns about how they have been treated.
Bullying and harassment are also common reasons for getting in touch. Some students reach out during periods of crisis, or when things feel overwhelming and they are unsure which service to approach.
How is Student Welfare different from the Counselling team?
Student Welfare and Counselling work closely together, but they support students in different ways. Counselling focuses on emotional and therapeutic support, helping you talk through thoughts, feelings, and provide coping strategies. Student Welfare focuses more on practical support and coordination across the university.
This might mean helping you deal with systems, speaking with other departments, or connecting you with the right services depending on the support you need. The two teams work alongside each other to help create a supportive and inclusive environment where students feel able to continue their studies.
How does the Student Welfare team work with lecturers and accommodation staff?
Support is organised based on what you need. Student Welfare can communicate with lecturers, accommodation staff, administrative teams, and counselling services where appropriate, helping to make sure everyone involved understands the situation. By acting as a central point of contact, we reduce the pressure on you to manage multiple conversations on your own.
If a student reaches out for help, what typically happens next?
If you contact Student Welfare, we will usually arrange a meeting to understand what is going on for you. This gives you a chance to explain your situation and ask questions. Together, you will look at what support might be helpful and what the next steps could be. Depending on your needs, Student Welfare may then contact relevant departments, services, or external organisations to help effectively address the issue.
What are some common misunderstandings students have about Student Welfare?
Some students think Student Welfare deals with academic matters such as grades or assessments. Academic issues are usually handled by your school or faculty, and it’s best to talk directly to them if you have any concerns related to your studies. Student Welfare focuses on non-academic concerns related to wellbeing, safety, access, and support, particularly when coordination across services is needed.
What if a student is unsure whether their concern is “serious enough” to contact Student Welfare?
You don’t need to decide whether a concern is serious enough before getting in touch. If something is affecting your wellbeing, safety, or ability to study, Student Welfare is a good place to start. Even if the issue feels small or unclear, the team can help you think it through and point you in the right direction, helping you get the support you need.
How can students contact the Student Welfare team?
Students can contact us through the following options:
Email us: welfare@sunway.edu.my
Call us: 03-74918622 Ext : 3047
Visit us: We’re based at the Student LIFE Centre, from 8:30am- 5:30pm. The centre is located in the college building, next to the Sunway Originals shop.
How can international students contact the International Student Welfare Office?
International students may contact the International Office, located next to the Student LIFE Centre, by visiting the office in person or by calling 03-7491 8622.
