As part of its directive/ mandate, the UGC has also instructed universities to organise student induction programmes (SIP) for newly admitted students and upload Action Plans/ Photographs/ Videos of these programmes on the UGC’s University Activity Monitoring Portal (UAMP). This transparent approach will not only ensure accountability but also enable stakeholders to track whether the process is being implemented.
Link of notice – https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/9402914_Deeksharambh_SIP.pdf
In a letter addressed to vice-chancellors of all universities, Prof Manish Ratnakar Joshi underscores the importance of this directive and urges universities to take appropriate initiatives to organise student induction programmes in a timely manner post admissions. This proactive approach reflects the UGC’s commitment to ensuring a positive and enriching higher education experience for all. Through the initiative called Deeksharambh, which is a guide to student induction programmes, the UGC aims to facilitate a seamless transition from secondary to college or university life.
The student induction programme, abridged as SIP has gained traction globally as institutions seek to address the diverse needs and challenges faced by the newly admitted students. These SIPs will work like a bridge between the what students expect and what are the realities of college life, and offer students valuable insights into academic, social, and cultural aspects of campus life by building a sense of belonging and community.
A comprehensive student induction programme will typically include a wide range of activities as well as resources that will be designed to help new students in their transition process to college life. The activities may include orientation sessions, academic advising and course registration assistance, campus tours, information sessions on available campus resources and support services, as well as any social events or networking opportunities.
The orientation programme conducted by colleges will be conducted before the regular classes commence and will play a pivotal role in acquainting students with institutional policies, processes, practices, culture, and values, thus laying the groundwork for a successful academic journey.
By providing students with the necessary tools, information, and support networks from the outset, colleges and universities will be significantly able to enhance their retention rates, academic performance as well as overall student satisfaction.
Effective implementation of student induction programmes requires collaboration and coordination across various campus stakeholders, including faculty, staff, administrators, and student leaders. It is essential to develop a comprehensive plan that will serve as a roadmap and have all the objectives, activities, timelines, and responsibilities associated with the programme, as well as mechanisms for assessing and evaluating its impact on students.
Furthermore, colleges and universities must prioritise ongoing support and follow-up initiatives to ensure that students continue to receive the guidance and assistance they need throughout their academic journey. This may include mentoring programs, peer support groups, academic success workshops, and ongoing communication workshops, etc. Moreover, the UGC’s mandate for compulsory student induction programmes represents a significant step forward in promoting student success and well-being in higher education institutions across India.
