Students’ awareness and availment to guidance and counseling services in the new normal: Basis for an enhanced guidance program

Abstract

This study aimed to provide a foundation for creating targeted and effective support systems that address the unique challenges posed by the evolving educational landscape, contributing to the holistic development, mental well-being, and academic success of students. Utilizing a descriptive correlational design, the study investigated the awareness and utilization of guidance and counseling services among 368 students of a state university in Northern Iloilo, academic year 2023–2024. Participants were selected using stratified proportional random sampling across four campuses and classified by age, sex, course, campus, and year level. Data were collected through an adapted researcher-made electronic questionnaire. Statistics analyses employed were frequency count, mean, percentage, Chi-Square Test, and Pearson’s r at a .05 level of significance. Findings revealed that most students were older, predominantly female, and enrolled in BS Criminology and BS Hospitality Management programs, primarily in their first and second years. Students demonstrated high awareness of guidance and counseling services but had a low overall level of availment. Significant differences were found in the participants ' awareness when classified by campus and in the level of availment classified by age, sex, degree program, and campus. A significant positive relationship was observed between students’ awareness and availment of services. The results indicated the need for enhanced support strategies tailored to students' varying needs across campuses.