Mechanisms for Activating University Social Service Offices to Address Emerging Problems Among University Students: An Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the mechanisms for activating university social work offices to address emerging problems among university youth. The study was conducted in light of the rapid social, cultural, economic, and technological changes affecting university life and students’ needs. It was based on the assumption that the mere administrative existence of social work offices within universities does not necessarily guarantee their effectiveness unless they are professionally and organizationally activated in accordance with the nature of contemporary student problems.

The study adopted the descriptive analytical method by analyzing literature and references related to university social work, youth welfare, and emerging social problems. It discussed the concept, importance, and professional roles of university social work offices. It also analyzed the most prominent emerging problems facing university youth, such as digital addiction, cyberbullying, social isolation, anxiety about the future, weak student participation, disturbed social relationships, and weak university belonging.

The study concluded that activating university social work offices requires a set of organizational, professional, preventive, therapeutic, and developmental mechanisms. These include clearly defining the office’s responsibilities, providing qualified professional staff, implementing awareness and counseling programs, establishing a database of students’ problems, and strengthening coordination between the social work office, university administration, faculty members, families, and relevant community institutions. The study also emphasized that the effective activation of these offices can contribute to supporting university students, enhancing their social, psychological, and academic adjustment, and strengthening the university’s educational and social role..