student counseling office

the danger of cults

How cults entrap students

Students Are Often Approached When They Are Alone

Strangers may talk to you when you are alone on or near campus. They may talk about general things or hobbies, try to get friendly with you, and they may ask for private information such as your LINE ID. Here are some of the “reasons” given by such people.

  • Invitation to job search events
  • Invitation to join their school societies
  • Request to participate in surveys
  • Request by psychology students to participate in psychological tests
  • Suggestion to schedule another meeting on a different day in the common room on campus or at a nearby café/fast food restaurant
  • Suggestion to introduce their friends who know a lot about the hobby and job search that you just discussed with them

When You Are Approached by Cult Members

When students are recruited by cults, they often believe that they are having a “good learning” or “enriching” experience. However, once they join a cult, they are required to take part in the organization’s events like fund raisers and solicitation. Soon they start to dedicate their time and effort, destroy their personal relationships, and stop leading healthy lives as students. In order to avoid such risks, make sure you stay alert to suspicious solicitation and never disclose your private information or contact number/address.

When strangers speak to you, make sure to find out what their purpose is. If they do not tell you their names and/or purpose or they do not give out the name of the organization specifically, this is a dangerous sign. Never disclose your private information to such people, and have the courage to clearly say no.

Solicitation by cults often takes place not only on campus but also at/around Sapporo Station as well as via social media.

If you see students being approached or if you yourself are approached, report it to the Student Counseling Office or Window #2 at Student Support Division immediately.

Contact: Student Support Program officers, Student Support Division, Academic Affairs Department (Window #2, 1st floor, Institute for the Advancement of Higher Education)

TEL: 011−706−7460・7454

Contact: The Student Advice and Counseling Center

TEL: 011−706−7463

Student Counseling Office TOP Useful Resources

Become a peer supporter

Hokkaido University takes applications for peer supporters at designated times throughout the year. Peer supporters are paid part-time staff (administrative assistant) of the university. Check out the peer support unit web site or come to the Center for more information.

Thinking about visiting us?

If you would like to make a counseling appointment, please call us, email us, or even just drop by in person. Students with appointments are given priority, so we recommend making an appointment.