In a significant move aimed at student welfare, Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh has issued a directive making a structured mentor-mentee programme compulsory across all its academic units. The initiative mandates every faculty member to guide a specific group of students, with dedicated weekly interactions now a formal part of the academic timetable.
Structure and Mandate of the New Programme
The official communication, issued by the office of the Dean of University Instruction, provides clear guidelines for the programme's rollout. Each faculty member will be associated with a group of 15 to 20 students. Crucially, the university has instructed that one dedicated slot every week must be exclusively reserved in the official timetable for these mentor-mentee interactions. This formal integration ensures the programme receives priority and is not treated as an optional add-on.
The directive applies uniformly to all teaching departments, centres, institutes, constituent colleges, and regional centres under the university. Chairpersons, directors, and coordinators have been tasked with implementing the system and ensuring timely compliance.
Focus on Holistic Development and Co-Curricular Activities
The advisory clearly states that the programme's primary objective is to support the holistic development of students and strengthen engagement beyond the confines of traditional classroom teaching. To achieve this, departments are encouraged to organise a variety of co-curricular activities alongside the regular mentoring sessions.
The university has suggested a range of activities to foster all-round growth, including:
- Inter-departmental sports events to encourage teamwork and physical health.
- Special lectures and expert talks on critical issues like mental health and "nasha mukti" (de-addiction).
- Cultural programmes and competitions to nurture creativity.
- Interactive workshops and skill-development sessions for practical learning.
While the modalities of organising these events are left to individual departments, the circular emphasises the need to maintain proper documentation and records of all activities conducted.
Monitoring, Reporting, and Legal Backing
To ensure effective implementation and track progress, the university has established a robust reporting mechanism. Each department is required to prepare a detailed monthly report. This report must highlight the mentor-mentee interactions held, provide details of co-curricular activities conducted, note student participation levels, and outline the outcomes achieved.
These monthly reports are to be submitted to the office of the Dean of University Instruction. Furthermore, in a move highlighting its importance, the reports will be uploaded on the National Task Force portal, indicating centralised monitoring.
The directive notes that this exercise is being carried out in accordance with directions from the Supreme Court of India, as conveyed by the Ministry of Education's Department of Higher Education. This legal backing underscores the programme's significance as a nationwide priority in higher education reform, focusing on student guidance and well-being.
