Description of Services

R. A. No. 10229, creating the Catanduanes State University, provides for advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in trade, commerce, fishery, agriculture, arts and sciences, industrial technology, nursing, midwifery, education, engineering, public administration, information technology, and other relevant fields of study. It also directs the University to undertake research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

Pursuant to this mandate, CHED Memorandum Order No. 9, s. 2013 requires Higher Education Institutions to “provide a set of student centered activities and services in support of academic instruction intended to facilitate holistic and well-rounded student development for active involvement as future responsible citizens and leaders.” Anchored on the vision and mission of the Catanduanes State University, the Guidance, Counseling and Testing Office (GCTO) believes that every student deserves assistance with their needs and difficulties to achieve their full potentials as future responsible citizens and leaders. Across every educational levels, students face problems and difficulties which can be adequately addressed through a comprehensive program that reflects on existing wide range of individual differences in needs and abilities. Guidance and counseling program, thereafter, is directed to establish and maintain a school climate that fosters personal/social balance and harmony, strengthen and promote wellness, value the dignity of each human being, and satisfy the needs of the clients. The program also intends to provide assistance students undergoing academic transitions and adjustments as well as counsel students who meet difficulties in the midst of their academic pursuits. Eventually, the program aim to escort the students to a career path solely fitted to their interests, values and skills as well as gratifying ventures that will lead them to self-actualization. Guidance and counseling is an integral part of the completely educational program. It aims to contribute actively in the attainment of the institution’s vision, mission and goals, as it is de-signed to assist students in assuming responsibility for their own actions and choices as well as in experiencing academic, personal /social, and career growth and development. Guidance counselors are seen as peripheral to the mainstream of education and occupy crucial positions that require careful consideration.

The Catanduanes State University Guidance, Counseling, and Testing Services promotes and supports students' academic, personal/social, career development. To achieve this goal, guidance, counseling, and testing services endeavor to design range of activities that assist students to make appropriate life choices to maintain academic standards and set goals for academic success, develop skills to improve their study habits and time management, exit from well-directed paths to self-fulfilling careers, and work through personal problems that may affect academic concerns and/or relationships.

The Guidance, Counseling and Testing Office is responsible to fully implement a comprehensive guidance and counseling program addressing the academic, personal/social, and career development of all students through the delivery of guidance and counseling curriculum, individual student planning, and responsive services along with system support activities.

It is a primary school mental health provider as it delivers services to all students, families, and communities of every school as well as serves as the point of contact for other units/agencies concerned with students’ welfare. Guidance Counselors are engaged in every facet of school and serve as the first line in each tier of interventions and consultations necessary in the academic life of every student.