Best Practice 1:
1.SAHAYAM - A Student Support Success Service
Title of the Practice: SAHAYAM – A Student Support Success Service
2. Objectives of the Practice:
- ‘S’ - Support: To provide comprehensive support services to students, including academic, emotional, psychological, and career guidance.
- ‘A’ - Academic Excellence: To promote high standards of academic achievement and learning.
- ‘H’ - Healing: To aid students in recovering from psychological distress, facilitating a healthier state of mind.
- ‘A’ - Awareness: To raise awareness among students about mental health, digital literacy, and safety for their overall development.
- ‘Y’ - Youth Empowerment: To empower students through entrepreneurship programs, job placement services, and career counseling services.
- ‘A’ - Access and Equity: To ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for all students.
- ‘M’ - Motivation: To motivate students to stay focused and determined.
3. The Context: Student support is a cornerstone of our mission to foster success and empower students to reach their full potential. Hence, the institution adopted the best practice ‘SAHAYAM’ – A Student Support Success Service, which involves strategies and approaches that have been effective in promoting well-being and student success. SAHAYAM encapsulates various elements that inspire and support students on their journey toward a brighter future, encompassing both personal growth and academic success.
4. The Practice: PVKN College always strives to enhance the overall quality of students' lives. Therefore, it’s a practice for the institution to implement a comprehensive student support success service, ‘SAHAYAM’. The essential elements and strategies of SAHAYAM are:
- Academic support: Tutoring services, skill development courses/workshops/seminars, providing access to digital learning tools, and library resources.
- Career and professional development: Career counseling services, internships, and a job placement cell.
- Financial support: Scholarships and emergency funds.
- Social and emotional support: Community-building activities such as CSP and programs that help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Mental health and wellness: Wellness programs such as yoga and fitness classes.
5. Evidence of Success: As part of SAHAYAM, PVKN College successfully implemented the following:
- Conducted a career guidance program, ‘DIKSOOCHI’ on 26-09-2018, helping students understand future opportunities.
- Held an Inspirational Talk to motivate students on 04-10-2018 by Smt. M. Sri Lakshmi, Assistant Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chittoor.
- Conducted an awareness program on Higher Educational Opportunities on 15-12-2018, focusing on entrance tests like PGCET, CAT, and ICET.
- Held an awareness program on career opportunities in the insurance sector on 11-01-2019.
- Established a mechanism to facilitate students applying for various welfare schemes such as online scholarships and bus passes in 2019.
- Presented books to students who secured more than 90 marks in Botany and to the toppers of the BZC group in S.V. University examinations, 2018.
- Collected Rs. 20,000/- in funds to purchase books and bags for donation to Kerala flood victims.
- Organized ward counseling sessions to provide personalized guidance and support to students.
- Arranged field trips to enhance practical learning and exposure to real-world environments.
- Facilitated paid internships through the Jawahar Knowledge Center (JKC) placements to enhance employability.
- Awarded endowment prizes and merit scholarships to recognize and encourage academic excellence.
- Provided free study materials to support underprivileged students.
- Conducted free medical camps to ensure the health and well-being of students.
- Implemented a free online admission process to streamline and facilitate easy access to education.
- Engaged in NSS and community awareness programs to instill a sense of social responsibility among students.
- Conducted NCC activities to promote discipline and leadership qualities.
- Organized sports and games events to encourage physical fitness and teamwork.
- Introduced research activities through capacity-building programs to nurture a research-oriented mindset.
- Established a mentor and mentee program to provide continuous academic and personal support.
- Offered direct counseling services to address students' immediate concerns and issues.
- Adapted to the pandemic by conducting online classes to ensure uninterrupted learning.
- Provided free insurance coverage for students to ensure their financial security in case of emergencies.
- Initiated green campus initiatives to promote environmental sustainability.
- Organized blood donation camps to support the needs of the community.
- Encouraged volunteering services to instill a spirit of service and community engagement among students.
Outcome: ‘SAHAYAM’ played a crucial role in shaping the personal and professional development of students, creating a culture of empathy and support, and fostering a positive learning environment.
6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required: No significant problems were encountered during the implementation of the best practice ‘SAHAYAM’ – A Student Support Success Service. The process was completed smoothly and successfully.
Kumar, an esteemed alumnus of PVKN Govt. College (A), Chittoor, has generously contributed approximately ₹2,00,000 to the Department of Chemistry. As a member of the B.Sc MPC Batch (2005-2008), Kumar has always held a deep appreciation for the education and experiences gained during his time at the college.
This contribution, in the form of various chemicals and glassware, is intended to enhance the learning experience of current students and support faculty in their research and educational endeavors. The donated items, listed in Annexure-I and Annexure-II, are expected to significantly benefit the Department of Chemistry, promoting academic excellence and facilitating advanced experimental work.
Kumar's donation reflects his gratitude towards the institution and his desire to give back to the college community. This generous act is anticipated to impact the quality of education and research within the department, exemplifying the enduring bond between alumni and their alma mater.
Best Practice 2. Empowering Women: A Legacy of Sustainable Initiatives and Inspiring
Achievements
1. Title of the Practice
"Empowering Women: A Legacy of Sustainable Initiatives and Inspiring Achievements"
2. Objectives of the Practice
Promote Gender Equality: Support equal opportunities for women.
Foster Economic Independence: Equip women with skills for financial self-reliance.
Raise Awareness: Educate women on their rights and opportunities.
Support Sustainable Development: Involve women in environmental and community-focused
activities.
3. The Context
The practice aims to address societal challenges faced by women, aligning with broader gender equality goals. To focus on education, empowerment, and participation in sustainable development of women. `
4. The Practice
Health and Wellness: Over the past five years, 10 health programs have promoted physical and mental well-being among women students through yoga, fitness training, and mental health awareness.
Leadership and Mentorship: 60 programs have been conducted, pairing women students with mentors to guide them academically and in career development, supported by merit scholarships for academic excellence.
Sustainability Projects: 12 programs involving organic farming and environmental initiatives have engaged women in maintaining green spaces and promoting sustainability.
Cultural and Educational Activities:
Sports Achievements: 7 programs celebrated women’s sports victories and participation.
Cultural Activism: 6 programs highlighted women’s roles in preserving cultural heritage.
NCC and NSS Participation: 10 programs focused on women’s leadership in community service.
Blood Donation Drives: 4 drives showcased women’s contributions to community health.
All-Round Skilled Women: 10 programs recognized women excelling in academics, sports, and culture.
Placement and Progression: 20 placement drives and 15 progression programs supported women in securing jobs and advancing in higher education.
5. Evidence of Success
Participation: Over 70% of women students engaged in these initiatives.
Impact: Numerous success stories highlight the transformative impact on women’s lives.
Awards: 5 state-level awards have been received for sports and cultural achievements.
Community Feedback: Positive feedback reflects the increased confidence and empowerment of women students.
6. Conclusion
These initiatives have significantly empowered women at PVKN Govt. College, fostering gender equality and sustainable growth. The college continues to build on this strong foundation, driving progress in education and community involvement.