The Branch Councillor’s vision for this term (2023-2024) was aimed at fostering a stress-free learning environment, increased curriculum flexibility, and improved networking with alumni to enhance placement and internship opportunities.
His vision was to enhance the academic process by expanding the curriculum and providing greater access to information on internships, placements, skill development, resume building, alumni networks, semester exchange programs, and research opportunities. Additionally, efforts were made to create a conducive environment for efficient brainstorming and productive research by revamping department amenities such as the library and collaborative working spaces, while also focusing on mental health and well-being initiatives.
Throughout his tenure, he instituted regular GBM meetings and also carried on negotiations for the flexible option of the MAP project. The Double Minor is also under negotiation. The snacks shop Usha which was closed citing power issues was instituted back in the department in 2024.
With a manifesto comprising 18 points across various categories, including academic initiatives, student well-being, placements and internships, department outreach, branding, alumni relations, facilities, accountability, and SLC proposals. For department-specific proposals, there were 14 points.
The proposed initiatives outline a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing various aspects of academic life and student well-being within the department. Academic initiatives include integrating the new MA curriculum with existing programs, expanding elective options, reinstating study circles, and establishing a course repository for improved resource accessibility. These measures reflect a commitment to academic enrichment and flexibility, facilitating collaborative learning and research opportunities for students.
In terms of placement, internships, and career development, the proposal advocates for the establishment of a dedicated Department Career Outreach Cell, conducting resume-building workshops, and updating the Semester-Exchange Guidebook. These efforts are geared towards providing students with enhanced career opportunities, professional development resources, and guidance in navigating the academic and professional landscape effectively.
The proposal also emphasises strengthening alumni relations and department outreach through initiatives such as creating a database of alumni working in relevant sectors, organising alumni talks, and fostering networking opportunities for current students. These endeavours aim to provide students with valuable mentorship, networking, and career advancement prospects. This was not completed during the time of writing.
Regarding department amenities and student welfare, the proposal includes measures to enhance the learning environment, such as installing a snacks vending machine, revamping the library, and ensuring proper waste management. These initiatives seek to create a comfortable and conducive environment for learning, research, and collaboration.
Furthermore, the proposal includes suggestions from the Student Legislative Council (SLC) to address safety concerns and promote mental well-being. These include installing vehicle speed detectors, providing a subscription to a meditation-aiding app for students, establishing a labyrinth walk space for stress management, and ensuring student representation in grievance committees.
Let’s first delve into the review of initiatives he has proposed in the academic section. The branch counsellor had put a point for more elective options and access to Public policy courses which has been taken up. The study circle has not been instituted. The notion site has been maintained fairly well but this comes under the purview of the Department secretary. It was already developed by the previous BC Keziah. The Branch Councillor is responsible for making the time table and ensured that they were not congested.
In the realm of placements and internships, the Branch Counselor had proposed the establishment of a Department Career Outreach Cell (DCOC) to enhance career opportunities for students. However, this initiative could not be implemented during his tenure. Despite this setback, resume-building workshops were conducted by a dedicated placement team, although these initiatives fell outside the purview of the Branch Councillor’s responsibilities.
Additionally, the proposed career cell was intended to update a semester exchange blue book to facilitate student participation in exchange programs.This was also not realised. Moreover, the Branch Councillor had envisioned a more significant role for the Alumni Relations Team (ART) in various schemes. However, the team encountered challenges that impeded their effectiveness.
The ART team was inactive due to lack of manpower and most of the initiatives listed under that team were not able to be fulfilled. The proposed initiatives aimed to strengthen alumni relations within the department by integrating the Alumni Relations Team into the Institute’s International & Alumni Relations Cell. Additionally, plans were made to create a comprehensive database of all IIT Madras alumni working in sectors relevant to HS students, facilitated through collaboration with IIT MAA and IIT GEC. Furthermore, a series of alumni talks on career-oriented topics were envisioned to provide valuable insights and guidance to students.
However, none of these initiatives were executed due to their ambitious nature and challenges in implementation. The scope of these proposals was far-reaching, requiring extensive coordination and resources beyond the department’s capacity at the time. Despite their potential benefits, practical constraints hindered their realisation during the Branch Councilor’s tenure.
There were some proposed initiatives aimed to enhance department amenities and infrastructure for the benefit of students and faculty. This included the installation of a snacks vending machine to provide convenient access to refreshments within the department. Additionally, plans were made to revamp the library by restructuring seating spaces, increasing the availability of books, and implementing systematic cataloguing of materials to improve accessibility and usability. The Department Library was revamped during the even semester. Other amenities were left the same.
Furthermore, measures were proposed to ensure proper waste management through the installation of monkey-proof dustbins and regular electrical inspections to address issues with fans, lights, sockets, and other equipment.
However, despite these proposals, the Department’s amenities remained largely unchanged, with vending machines remaining unimplemented and library amenities in a poor condition. Many electrical sockets were found to be non-functional, posing inconvenience to users. Although waste disposal was managed adequately, monkey-proof dustbins were not implemented, highlighting ongoing challenges with waste management.
While the proposed initiatives aimed to address critical infrastructure and amenity issues within the department, challenges in implementation resulted in limited progress. Mental health initiatives which were proposed were not able to be brought to fruition. Budget constraints were hampered The delivery personnel to hostel point was not implemented due to administration unwillingness. Student representation was instituted due to the wider movement calling for more student representation due to various groups.
Overall, the proposed initiatives reflect a proactive approach towards addressing the diverse needs and concerns of students, enhancing academic experiences, and fostering a supportive and conducive environment within the department. Effective implementation and continuous evaluation of these measures will be crucial to their success in achieving the desired outcomes and promoting the overall well-being and success of students. Most of the initiatives, despite being sound, were not able to be implemented due to issues beyond the Branch Councillor’s control.
Despite the constant maintenance of the question bank, he has also carried out the MAP mapping project, which was initiated under the previous Branch Councillor. This feature is really helpful for those who are doing their project. However, most of the schemes, despite being creative, were unable to come to fruition due to reasons beyond the purview of the Branch Councillor. Some of the initiatives are promising, and hopefully, the upcoming Branch Councillor will be able to fulfil these initiatives.
The Branch Councillor’s Manifesto included several initiatives that remain unfulfilled. These include reinstalling bi-monthly study circle sessions, creating a course repository for easier access to materials, and establishing a Department Career Outreach Cell (DCOC). Additionally, resume-building workshops, updates to the semester-exchange guidebook in collaboration with the DCOC, and skill development orientation workshops were not conducted. Efforts to create a database of alumni working in think tanks and to implement proper waste management through monkey-proof dustbins at department entrances and corridors were also not realised. Snack machine was also not put up .
The Councillor, however, respected the autonomy of each department body and ensured that this was the case through his year. The academic initiatives were fulfilled. The others were mostly not taken up or could not be completed. We wish the next Branch Councillor a successful tenure.
Article 19 