Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the practices and challenges of Guidance and
Counseling services in Ambo University. The study used a descriptive survey and Case study
involving mainly qualitative approach. The desired Research data collected from 68
randomly selected respondents through in-depth interview to probe the issues under the study
and the respondents are based on the Guidance and Counseling center office in Ambo
University and the students that have a good information about the practice and challenges
of Guidance and counseling Services in Ambo university was collected through personal
interview, Focused group discussion and document reviews. Ambo University has officially
organized office of Guidance and Counseling services center for students. The office has
been providing Guidance and counseling services by the Psychologist teachers of the
University since its establishment in March 2005. Further the study revealed that the office
has not been functioning effectively in spite of its existence as an officially institutionalized
unit.
The practice of Guidance and Counseling services in Ambo University are not competent and
Ambo University is not attention on the development of Guidance and counseling service
practices. lack of human resources, lack of material resources and facilities, lack of support
from the university stake holders, student behavior, the curriculum higher education of
Guidance and Counseling office, budget, little awareness about its existence, in appropriate
location of the office were identified a major challenges and obstacles of Guidance and
counseling services in Ambo University.
Finally, recommendations on ways of improving Guidance Counseling services where for
worded.
