Best Practice - 1

Title of the Practice

Organising National-Level Student Activities to Foster Technical Excellence and Innovation

Objectives of the Practice

• To provide a platform for students to engage in technical and innovative activities at a national level.
• To encourage participation in industry-relevant events, helping students bridge the gap between academics and professional skills.
• To enhance leadership, teamwork, and networking skills by involving students in organising and participating in various technical activities.
• To promote collaboration and knowledge exchange among students from different institutions across the country.

The Context

The institution recognised the need for students to gain exposure beyond the academic curriculum to remain competitive in today's dynamic job market and has setup a student branch under Computer Society of India. As technology continues to evolve, the institution aimed to create opportunities where students could apply their knowledge practically, build relevant skills, and network with peers from different regions. With the support of the Computer Society of India (CSI) Hyderabad Chapter, the institution focused on organising activities that would engage students from across India in technical events that foster creativity and innovation.

The Practice

The institution, in collaboration with the CSI Hyderabad Chapter, implemented a year-long plan of national-level student-centric activities such as hackathons, coding competitions, technical workshops, webinars, and paper presentations. These activities targeted students across disciplines, encouraging them to participate, learn, and showcase their skills.
Key features of the practice included :

• Hackathons and Coding Competitions: Events that promoted problem-solving, algorithmic thinking, and collaboration among students.
• Workshops and Seminars: Regular workshops on emerging technologies like AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing, led by industry experts.
• Project Presentations and Paper Contests: National-level contests that allowed students to present innovative ideas and research.
• Collaborative Networks: Partnering with industry and academia to ensure that students were mentored by professionals, providing insights into current trends and challenges.

Through these activities, students not only enhanced their technical skills but also developed soft skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork.

Evidence of Success

The institution's efforts were recognised when it won the Best Emerging Student Branch Award in Telangana from the CSI Hyderabad Chapter. The award acknowledged the institution's dedication to fostering a culture of innovation and skill development among students. Over 500 students from different states participated in these events, gaining national visibility. Several participants also went on to secure internships and job offers in leading companies, owing to their enhanced skills and exposure.

Problems encountered and Resources required

The primary challenges faced during the execution of these activities included :

• Logistical Challenges: Coordinating national-level events required extensive planning, resource allocation, and communication with students and institutions across the country.
• Resource Availability: Ensuring access to the latest software, hardware, and expert trainers for workshops demanded considerable investment.
• Student Participation: Encouraging participation from students outside the institution required strategic marketing and engagement efforts.

To overcome these challenges, the institution collaborated with industry partners for sponsorships and expert guidance, and utilised digital platforms to facilitate seamless communication and participation from students nationwide.

Best Practice - 2

Title of the Practice

Student Activity Committee (SAC): Empowering Students to Lead Campus Activities

Objectives of the Practice

• To create a structured platform where students actively plan, organise, and manage various on-campus activities.
• To enhance student engagement and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
• To foster leadership, interpersonal, and managerial skills among students by giving them the responsibility of organising events.
• To create a vibrant campus environment through frequent and diverse student-driven activities, thereby boosting overall student motivation and morale.

The Context

Recognising the importance of holistic development, the institution identified a need to increase student engagement beyond the academic curriculum. While the institution had organised activities in the past, there was limited student ownership in the process. To address this, the institution formed the Student Activity Committee (SAC), which empowered students to take charge of planning and executing various events. The idea was to create a democratic, student-led body that would not only increase participation but also give students the opportunity to develop essential life skills such as leadership, teamwork, and time management.

The Practice

The Student Activity Committee (SAC) was formed by selecting students through a democratic election process, where peers voted for their representatives. This ensured that students who were passionate and responsible got the opportunity to lead. SAC members were assigned roles based on their strengths and interests, such as event coordination, publicity, logistics, finance, and communications.
Key activities organised by SAC included :

• Cultural Festivals: The committee organised annual cultural fests that included performances, art exhibitions, talent showcases, and competitions.
• Technical Events: SAC regularly hosted technical workshops, coding marathons, and seminars on trending technologies.
• Sports and Fitness Events: A range of sports tournaments and fitness challenges encouraged physical well-being and teamwork.
• Social and Community Outreach Programs: Students participated in social service activities like blood donation camps, environmental drives, and awareness campaigns.
• Workshops on Soft Skills: Sessions on leadership, communication, and public speaking were held to develop students' interpersonal skills.

The SAC provided students a hands-on experience in event management, from budgeting and sponsorship procurement to marketing and execution. Faculty members provided guidance, but the majority of decisions were made by the students, promoting independence and creativity.

Evidence of Success

The formation of SAC resulted in a notable increase in student activities on campus, from an average of 10 events per year to over 25. Student participation in these events grew by 40%, leading to a more active and dynamic campus environment. Furthermore, students who were part of SAC demonstrated significant improvement in leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Many SAC members went on to take leadership roles in their careers, crediting their experience in SAC as a formative influence. The institution received positive feedback from students, faculty, and external organisations about the impact of student-driven initiatives on overall campus life.

Problems encountered and Resources required

• Coordination Issues: Initially, students found it challenging to coordinate large-scale events while managing academic responsibilities. However, with guidance from faculty and better time management, they were able to overcome this.
• Budget Constraints: Securing funds for activities was a challenge, but SAC developed creative solutions such as finding sponsors, charging nominal entry fees, and utilising available resources efficiently.
• Communication: Ensuring effective communication between SAC members, faculty, and the broader student body was crucial, which was addressed by using digital platforms and regular meetings.