Mandatory induction programme for varsity students

Catch them young, seems to be the new mantra for the university grants commission (UGC) which is set to roll out a compulsory induction programme for the fresh undergraduate students in colleges and universities to primarily inculcate “universal human values” like trust, righteous conduct, love, non-violence and peace among them.

The proposed three-week induction programme, scheduled to be launched across all universities and colleges from 2019 academic session, also seeks to inculcate values of “equality and responsibility towards one’s fellow citizens of any caste, class or creed.”

The UGC has issued comprehensive guidelines for the conduct of compulsory induction programmes.

The higher education regulator is gearing up to hold a series of regional workshops for the faculty members of the universities and colleges in November-December this year to prepare them for an effective implementation of the programme.

“Methodology of mentoring this content is extremely important. It must not be through do's and don’ts, but by getting students to explore and think by engaging them in a dialogue. It is best taught through group discussions and real-life activities rather than lecturing,” the UGC's guide for the proposed programme stipulates.

While the proposed induction programme will be compulsory for all newly-enrolled students for the first three weeks of their joining the college, the UGC has asked the heads of the universities and colleges to consider continuing the students mentoring activities throughout the entire duration of their undergraduate programme

The mentor groups, which will comprise senior students, should meet with their “faculty mentors” for an hour every week within the same semester after the induction is over and in subsequent semesters.

At the start of the subsequent semesters, three days should be set aside “for full days of activities” as a follow up of the previous sessions.

“Show inspiring films, arrange collective artwork and cultural programme, conduct group discussions, and organize lectures by eminent people. Subsequently, the group discussions can also be arranged once a month,” the UGC added.

During the induction programmes and their follow up sessions, the students will be exposed to the Indian philosophical concepts on Nyaya (justice), Vishwas (trust), Samman (respect), Sneha (affection), Mamata (care), Vaatsalya (guidance), Kritagyata (gratitude), Shraddha (reverence), Gaurav (glory) and Prema (Love) with real-life examples and activities.