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The University of Mauritius recognises that access to sexual and reproductive health care services is an essential component of student health, well-being and overall development. The institution is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment in which students can access appropriate health information, guidance and services relating to sexual and reproductive health without discrimination or stigma.

Among the measures implemented to support students in this area are initiatives to raise awareness of HIV, promote preventive practices, and encourage early testing and diagnosis. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness (NDCCI AIDS Unit), the Universityof M auritius provides access to sexual and reproductive health care services through caravan sessions on HIV and AIDS awareness. This is organised on a monthly basis on campus, especially during term time and includes free testing for the benefit of theUniversit y community as a whole. Trained professionals from the Unit are present to ensure that the sessions are conducted smoothly and in full compliance with the health and safety regulations.

In 2025, HIV and AIDS awareness and testing caravan sessions were held on 9 occasions.

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No-Smoking and No-Alcohol Policy

The University of Mauritius operates a fully smoke-free campus. Under the University’s No-Smoking and No-Alcohol Policy, smoking is strictly prohibited both inside and outside all buildings across all UoM premises. There are no designated smoking areas, and the policy applies equally to all staff, students and visitors.

The policy is set out in an official notice published by the Office of the Chief of Facilities and Services on 31 October 2025. Anyone breaching the policy faces strict disciplinary action by the University, in addition to the penalties set out in national law. The notice is publicly available on the University’s website at https://www.uom.ac.mu/images/files/facilities/SmokeNAlcoholonCampus.pdf and is reproduced below.

Notice: Prohibition of Smoking and of Consuming Alcoholic Drinks on UoM Premises (31 October 2025)

The University of Mauritius (UoM) actively promotes good mental health among its staff and provides them with free access to professional mental health support. The University's focus on mental health support is deeply rooted in data-driven planning. In 2025, the Office of Human Resources conducted a comprehensive Training Needs Assessment (TNA) across all staff categories to identify skills gaps and development requirements. The findings of this assessment highlighted a significant demand for training in areas related to well-being. Notably, Stress Management emerged as one of the highest priority training themes requested by staff.

In response to this clear demand, the Office of Human Resources has prioritised the development and delivery of targeted workshops, such as the Stress Management and Mindfulness sessions, to equip staff with the necessary tools to navigate professional pressures effectively. This strategic approach ensures that staff development initiatives are directly aligned with the expressed needs of the UoM community.

In 2025, as part of its 60th Anniversary, the University ran a programme of staff wellbeing initiatives, led by the Office of Human Resources and the Psychology Unit of the Department of Social Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH). The programme combined an awareness campaign, two free workshops for staff and free on-campus counselling.

Actively Promoting Good Health

1. Wellness Awareness Campaign – September 2025

In September 2025, the University launched a campus-wide awareness campaign inviting staff and students to pause, reflect and look after their wellbeing. The posters were designed by the UoM Students’ Psychology Society, and the campaign was led by Dr Fiona Grant, Senior Lecturer in Psychology, FSSH.

• 16 September 2025: two posters circulated to staff with practical wellbeing tips: moving the body, prioritising sleep, practising mindfulness, expressing feelings, staying connected and limiting negative self-talk.
• 18 September 2025: two further posters highlighting the importance of supporting one another and working together to foster mental health across the UoM community.

The campaign aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to encourage open, judgement-free conversations. It also signposted staff to key resources and contact details for professional help.

2. Stress Management and Mindfulness Workshop – 23 September 2025

Following the campaign, a free half-day workshop on Stress Management and Mindfulness was held for UoM staff on 23 September 2025, from 09:00 to 11:30, in Lecture Theatre 1. It was led by Dr Fiona Grant, with Dr Roshan Unmar, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, as guest speaker on meditation.

Opening the session, Dr Grant reframed the University’s motto, “Scientia Salus Patriae”, as “Knowledge at the Service of the Wellbeing of the Nation”. Participants then:

• learned the difference between healthy and toxic stress, and the Stress–Performance Curve;
• discussed common workplace stressors and how to recognise the physical, emotional, behavioural and mental signs of stress in colleagues;
• practised stress-management techniques, including mindful breathing, time management and lifestyle planning;
• took part in a guided meditation and visualisation session with Dr Unmar.

3. Self-awareness, Emotional Intelligence and Wellbeing Workshop – 13 November 2025

With staff facing growing work pressure and tight deadlines, the University held a second free workshop for staff on Thursday 13 November 2025, in Lecture Theatre II, to help them maintain a healthy work-life balance. Organised by the Office of Human Resources and the FSSH Psychology Unit, it was delivered by Mrs Smita Rampat and Dr Mylene Lecoq-Bamboche, Lecturers in Psychology, FSSH.

The workshop aimed to help staff:

• develop greater self-awareness and emotional control;
• understand the key components of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and build emotional regulation;
• learn practical techniques to improve empathy and communication;
• apply EI principles in their daily and professional lives.

Through reflective exercises, participants identified the core values that anchor their identity and resilience. They learned the “90-second emotion rule” and a simple Pause–Breathe–Respond technique for choosing conscious responses over impulsive reactions. Sessions also covered empathy, healthy boundaries and small “identity-based habits” that build wellbeing at work and at home.

Free access to professinal health support

Since 2018, the University has engaged clinical psychologists to provide independent, confidential one-to-one counselling to staff and students. This is a first point of contact for professional, personal, financial, social or practical concerns. The service is being strengthened through the creation of a new Counsellor post.

To ensure continuity of support, the University has partnered with Befrienders (Mauritius), a non-religious NGO whose trained volunteers provide free, confidential emotional support to anyone who is lonely, in distress or in despair. Throughout 2025, Befrienders (Mauritius) held regular counselling sessions on campus every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, free of charge to UoM staff and students.

Free counselling for UoM staff and students – key facts

• Provider: Befrienders (Mauritius), in partnership with UoM
• Cost: free of charge
• When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
• Where: office near the MCB ATM, UoM campus
• How to book: email app.psychologists@uom.ac.mu
• More about Befrienders (Mauritius): http://www.befriendersmauritius.com/

“Let’s Talk!” counselling poster

Our Commitment

Together, these initiatives reflect UoM’s commitment to the wellbeing of its staff, to reducing the stigma around mental health and to building a supportive, caring university community. As the University marks its 60th Anniversary, it continues to make mental health and wellbeing a priority for all staff.