Best Practice 1:
Providing Generous Scholarships and Financial Aid
At Markanda National College, our vision is to make quality education accessible and affordable for all sections of society. We firmly believe that no student should be deprived of education due to financial constraints. To uphold this principle, we have implemented a robust system of scholarships and freeships for needy, meritorious, and extraordinary students.
The Process:
1. Identifying Deserving Students: We have established clear criteria to identify students eligible for financial assistance. These include students from economically weaker backgrounds, fatherless students, meritorious students, and those excelling in sports, cultural activities, or academics.
2. Sourcing Funds: The college receives generous contributions from various sources, including the college management, trusts, NGOs, alumni, and faculty members. These funds are pooled into a dedicated fund to support the scholarship program.
We ensure that all eligible students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes receive government-mandated scholarships, with the amounts directly transferred to their bank accounts. Additionally, we extend financial aid to students from unreserved categories based on their individual circumstances.
The Impact:
– The scholarship program has enabled many girls from economically weaker families to pursue higher education, a dream that would have otherwise remained elusive.
– It has contributed to an increase in girls’ enrollment in the college, currently standing at over 25%.
– The performance of the college in sports has improved due to the support extended to outstanding sportspersons.
– The college has earned a reputation for providing quality education on a charitable basis, making it accessible to students from all walks of life.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required:
While the practice is implemented successfully, some students try to unduly take advantage, which is tackled through vigilant record checking. The College wishes to extend the facility to more students but is constrained by limited funds.
Best Practice 2:
Student Mentoring System
Recognizing the importance of holistic development, Markanda National College has implemented a Student Mentoring System to foster a nurturing environment for our students. Our mission is to create opportunities for the overall growth of students, encompassing academic, emotional, and psychological well-being.
The Context:
Many of our students come from humble backgrounds, and we understand the need to provide them with guidance and support in navigating various aspects of their lives.
The Practice:
The Student Mentoring System aims to bridge the communication gap between students and faculty members, creating a safe space for open dialogue. The IQAC (Internal Quality Assurance Cell) assigns mentors to various classes, and students are informed about their respective mentors through notices.
Almost every Saturday, a dedicated one-hour mentorship session is conducted, focusing on a pre-determined topic. These topics cover a wide range of areas, including communication skills, time management, career guidance, environmental awareness, moral values, ethics, prevention of substance abuse, gender equality, psychological well-being, and spirituality.
The mentors establish a rapport with their mentees, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, and encouraging them to participate actively in the sessions. Students are given the freedom to express themselves and seek guidance on various aspects of their lives.
Evidence of Success:
The Student Mentoring System has yielded remarkable results:
1. A significant reduction in the number of grievances received from students.
2. Increased participation of students in curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities due to enhanced motivation and encouragement.
3. Stronger bonds between students and teachers, fostering a supportive learning environment.
4. Improved attendance rates among students.
5. Effective counseling sessions have helped students chart their academic, career, and personal growth paths.
Through this best practice, Markanda National College remains committed to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment that empowers our students to achieve their full potential.