Best Practices
Best Practices - I
Title: Towards Eco-Friendly Campus
Objectives of the Practice
- To create awareness among students regarding environmental issues such as various types of pollution, global warming, and increasing health issues due to pollution.
- To educate students about the importance of planting trees as a means to prevent pollution.
- To make the campus plastic-free and eco-friendly.
- To nurture love and respect for nature, making students more sensitive and responsible.
The Context
The Practice
Plastic-Free Campus: Plastic cups and drinking glasses are replaced by paper cups and glass bottles.
Water Conservation: Installation of RO aqua-guard drinking water facilities to promote the safe and sustainable use of potable water.
Waste Segregation: Separate waste bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes.
Plantation Drives: Mandatory planting of plants during events instead of lighting lamps. NSS and NCC cadets conduct planting drives within the campus and neighboring areas twice a year.
Awareness Campaigns: Distribution of plants in nearby areas to raise awareness about the importance of planting and maintaining a balanced environment.
Smoke-Free Zone: Smoking is strictly prohibited on campus.
Campus Clean-Up: Regular campus cleaning projects undertaken by NSS.
Environmental Assessments: Conducted by the Department of Geography.
Tree Identification: Trees and plants on campus are numbered and named.
Green Audit: Periodic green audits to maintain a green campus.
Evidence of Success
- The campus is transitioning to a plastic-free zone.
- Trees and plants are thriving on campus.
- Several awareness programs regarding water conservation, forest conservation, climate change, waste management, pollution control, and planting have been organized for staff and students, as well as in nearby villages.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
- Environmental degradation demands significant resources for addressing issues on and around the campus.
- Support from local administration for various environmental projects would enhance the promotion and practice of eco-friendly measures.
- The institution manages campaign costs and activities from the college fund.
Best Practices - II
Title: Student Smart Card (College ID Card cum Library Card)
Objectives of the Practice
- To simplify daily library operations.
- To reduce operational costs by issuing one card that serves dual purposes.
- To save time for both students and library staff in providing library services.
- To reduce the burden on students of carrying and maintaining two separate cards.
- To ensure better monitoring of book circulation.
The Context
The Practice
With the purchase of KOHA software, a full automation system was implemented. Each library book was assigned a barcode, and online student data maintenance was mandated. The Library Committee, including the Principal, HODs, and library staff, decided to introduce the ‘Smart Card’.
Smart Card System: Students’ Smart Cards are scanned, followed by the scanning of the book’s barcode they wish to borrow. The data is immediately registered in the online database, and offline records are maintained via a register.
Evidence of Success
- Improved functionality of the library system.
- Increased student interest and frequency in visiting the library.
- Resolved space issues as manual management of library cards, which required separate cabinets, is no longer necessary.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required
- Library operations are hindered during load-shedding since the college lacks alternative power sources like an inverter or generator.
- Additional desktops and barcode scanners are needed.
- A library cataloguing machine and complete ICT facilities for students are highly required.