Title: “Fostering Student Empowerment: A Personalized Mentorship Approach”
Objectives:
The Student Mentoring Program at JKKNCET aims to cultivate holistic student development by offering tailored guidance and support to address academic, professional, and personal challenges.
Its objectives include:
- Enhancing academic performance and personal growth.
- Developing professional skills and career readiness.
- Creating a supportive environment for mental and emotional well-being.
- Fostering a sense of community and belonging within the institution.
Context:
In Indian higher education, students often grapple with academic pressure, career uncertainty, and mental health issues. Recognizing these challenges, JKKNCET initiated a structured mentoring program based on student feedback and performance analysis. The program is designed to provide personalized attention and guidance, empowering students to realize their potential.
Practice:
The Student Mentoring Program pairs each student with a faculty mentor who serves as a guide, advisor, and confidant. Key features include:
- Regular Meetings: Mentors and mentees meet to discuss academic progress, personal concerns, and career aspirations.
- Personalized Guidance: Mentors offer tailored advice to meet individual student needs and goals.
Workshops and Seminars: Sessions cover topics like time and stress management, career planning, and soft skills development. - Career Counseling: Specialized sessions help students explore career paths and prepare for the job market.
- Emotional Support: Mentors provide emotional support and identify signs of stress or mental health issues, referring students to counselors as needed.
Evidence of Success:
The program’s success is evident through:
- Academic Improvement: Higher grades and reduced dropout rates demonstrate improved academic performance.
- Increased Engagement: Students show greater involvement in campus activities and a stronger sense of belonging.
- Career Readiness: Graduates report being better prepared for the job market, securing internships and job offers.
- Positive Feedback: Both students and mentors praise the program for its impact on personal and professional growth.
Problems Encountered and Resources Required: Challenges in program implementation include:
- Resource Allocation: Ensuring mentors have adequate time and resources to support students effectively.
- Training Needs: Continuous training for mentors to maintain best practices in mentoring.
- Student Participation: Encouraging active involvement from all students requires ongoing efforts and incentives.
To address these challenges, the institution needs:
- Training Programs: Regular sessions to enhance mentor skills and support student needs.
- Counseling Services: Expanded services to address students’ mental and emotional well-being.
- Technological Support: Tools for mentor-mentee communication and progress tracking.