1. What is KURES, and what services does it provide?

KURES stands for Koç University Guidance Service. KURES provides professional support to Koç University students to help them understand themselves, develop psychological resilience, find solutions to the problems they face, maintain a balanced and healthy adaptation to their surroundings, and grow into responsible individuals in society.

The services provided by KURES include:

1- Psychological Counseling Services

2- Group Counseling Services

3- Preventive Services

– Sexual Harassment Prevention and Awareness Training

– Substance Abuse Prevention and Awareness Training

– Awareness Days (Seminars, Workshops)

 

2. What is KURES Counseling Service?

KURES aims to support students in personal, social, and academic areas. It provides professional assistance to help students understand themselves and acquire the skills needed to cope with potential challenges. Our unit offers individual counseling services, organizes group sessions, workshops, seminars, and prepares psycho-educational resources (brochures, videos, and newsletters) on topics such as adapting to university and dorm life, coping with stress, academic challenges, relationship issues, decision-making processes, and dilemmas. The student works with the psychological counselor to identify the current problem and its causes, developing solutions and effective coping methods.

KURES offers students 6-8 counseling sessions free of charge.

In cases where deemed necessary, referrals may be made to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist at KUPTEM (Koç University Psychological Counseling and Psychotherapy Center) for psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy.

 

3. What are Preventive Services?

KURES supports the personal and academic development of students throughout the year by organizing seminars, workshops, group sessions, videos, and brochures on various topics. The themes of these activities are determined based on common issues experienced. The aim of the Personal Development Seminars is to raise awareness among university members about physical and mental health issues. These development seminars focus on topics such as effective and proper communication, motivation skills, coping with exam stress, relationships, boundaries, mindfulness, anger management, and adaptation to university life. Workshops and group sessions offer students a safe space to overcome similar challenges with other students, while videos and brochures aim to provide information on common situations and solutions that individuals frequently experience.

 

4. Are the details shared in KURES counseling sessions kept confidential?

Confidentiality is fundamental in psychological counseling sessions. Information shared during these sessions remains between the student and the professional they are working with. If there is a risk of harm to the student or others, this information may be shared with the student’s family and relevant units for protection purposes. In such cases, the student will be informed beforehand.

 

5. How can I make an appointment with KURES?

Students can complete their application by visiting the official KURES website “kocunikures.ku.edu.tr,” clicking on the “Application” tab, and following the steps indicated in the tab. Completing the Application Form on the website is a prerequisite for applying to KURES. Students who fill out the application form are automatically directed to the “KURES-Calendar” online appointment calendar. The student can then schedule an appointment at a time convenient for both themselves and the professional.

 

6. How can I contact the KURES team?

You can reach KURES via email at kures@ku.edu.tr on weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Emails received outside of working hours will be responded to as soon as possible.

 

7. Important Points to Note Regarding the KURES Application Process

– KURES counseling sessions are conducted both online and in person.

– The first appointment taken from KURES-Calendar is a preliminary meeting appointment. Preliminary meeting appointments are conducted online.

– In-person meetings take place at the Student Center located on the Rumelifeneri Campus.

– KURES counseling service is not a psychotherapy service. The KURES professional may refer the student to the most appropriate internal or external resource during the counseling process.