The college accords high priority to the counseling process, given the fact that nearly 70% students come from outside Delhi, several are first generation learners and the full range of diversity exists within the college community, be it in terms of differing socio-economic and educational backgrounds, differing ethnicities, cultures, religious affiliations, or student's abilities. Problems of relocation, sudden independence, social activity, technology mediated social networks, peer pressure, and intense competition pose several challenges to the individual. Counseling is used to provide timely help to students having emotional, behavioral, academic, social or other adjustment concerns. Although the teacher-student bonds at Miranda House are very strong, mentoring is often not enough and professional quality mental health interventions are often necessary to help students establish realistic goals and develop active short-term treatment solutions.
Psycho-Social Counseling and Guidance Centre: The college has established a Counseling Centre on the campus. Its mission is to enhance student wellbeing and offer them a meaningful and successful college experience. This entails helping them evolve as confident and well-adjusted young women capable of handling any situation. A professionally trained counselor Ms. Alpana Rustogi is available on three days of the week on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 11.30 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. in the hostel. She is also available on call as and when required. The facility is available to day scholars as well. The college's stated policy of affirmation of diversity is respected and followed at all times. All services are provided in a strictly confidential and professional atmosphere with respect for diversity and sensitivity as its hallmark.
In addition to counseling, various empowerment activities are taken up during the session for increasing awareness and in aiding the personal skill-building and personality development of the students and staff. In the academic year 2015-16, an essential part of Counseling outreach was knowledge dissemination through posters on topics like Exam and Study Skills, Anger Management, Anxiety and Fear, Peer Pressure, Productivity, Self-esteem and Developing Hobbies; art therapy sessions; and continual workshops sparking conversations about mental health issues. Important sessions included Strengthening Team Work and Focus on Health and Hygiene, a survey and discussion organized for the mess employees on waste management and work morale a workshop on Understanding the Growing Need for Counseling and the Counseling Process targeted at Hostel students and an interactive talk on Managing Stress delivered to NSS volunteers.
Academic Counseling: This begins from the time of admission when the faculty members deputed at the Public Relations Office answer queries of prospective students unable to makeup their mind on what course to choose. The department faculty also assist students seeking advise, particularly in B.A. Programme wherein a large number of course combinations are on offer. The dilemma of choice is again visible when students select from options available for Generic Elective, Interdisciplinary, Concurrent courses, etc. For second and third year students, departments often organize orientation programmes and road shows to enable well informed choice. Students are encouraged to seek personal advice when doubts persist. Subsequently, students fill well-designed survey form on basis of which they are allocated optional courses. This data becomes the basis for organization of teaching. Students are given a chance to change the option up to an announced date. Individualized counseling becomes necessary in rarest of rare case where a course cannot be offered because of lack of viable number of students or when a student remains unsure despite extensive discussions.
Career and Education Advancement Guidance: The faculty contributes to the education and career advancement of students in a variety of ways. Students are always encouraged to discuss their plans related to higher study including research and their choice of career. They are encouraged and guided to appear for the entrance exams for post-graduate studies in prestigious institutions and universities in and outside the country. The help rendered includes rigorous discussion on course material, books, approaches to problems and perspectives and on research proposals. The continuous interest taken in the academic and career choices of students which includes teaching, the administrative services, publishing, the mass media and pure research, contributes to an abiding and enriching relationship of the students with the faculty and the institution.