IIT Kanpur Welcomes Y24 Batch of Students with Comprehensive Orientation Program

Bengaluru, July 29, 2024: In a spirit of anticipation and enthusiasm, IIT Kanpur warmly welcomed its Y24 batch of students through a vibrant 10-day Orientation Program designed by the Institute Counselling Service. This program kicked off an exciting new academic chapter for over 1,500 postgraduate (PG) and 1,215 undergraduate (UG) students.
 
The comprehensive orientation programs for both UG and PG students commenced with a warm welcome from IIT Kanpur's administration. On the first day, students were addressed by Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director; Prof. Braj Bhushan, Deputy Director; Prof. Shalabh, Dean of Academic Affairs; Prof. Pratik Sen, Dean of Students’ Affairs; Prof. Santanu Misra, Head of Institute Counselling Service and Dhruv Misra, President of Student Gymkhana from IIT Kanpur. Eminent entrepreneur and Prof. Ashok Jhunjhunwala, IIT Kanpur alumnus also spoke to the UG students.
 
Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, in his address said, “It brings me great joy to welcome the Y24 batch of students. With IIT Kanpur's vibrant campus, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and cutting-edge facilities at your access, you have all the tools needed to achieve excellence. Make the most of every chance, stay inquisitive, and consistently seek out new ways to innovate. Remember, your journey here is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about building integrity and forging lifelong connections. May your time at IIT Kanpur be marked by growth, discovery, and achievement.”
 
The orientation for postgraduate students was led by the Senate Postgraduate Committee Chairperson, Prof. Abheejeet Mohapatra, who detailed the institute's rules and regulations. This session highlighted the importance of academic integrity and discipline. Following this, PG students attended separate meetings with their respective departmental postgraduate committees to discuss specific guidelines and expectations, fostering a deeper understanding of their academic journey and creating a strong sense of community within their departments.
 
Simultaneously, a dedicated orientation program was conducted for over 2,700 parents of undergraduate students. This session featured valuable insights from the Director, Deans of Academic and Students’ Affairs, the Head of the Counselling Service, and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Alok Bajpai. Parents were introduced to the academic and administrative structures of IIT Kanpur and the wellness measures in place to support students. The session reassured parents of the institute's commitment to providing top-tier education and comprehensive support for their children.

During the 10-day orientation program, students were introduced to a variety of campus activities, clubs, societies, and functional bodies. These included the Student Gymkhana, Gender Cell, Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), de-addiction initiatives, internships, industry-academia collaborations, Technopark, student-exchange programs with foreign universities, and cyber security measures. Institute counsellors provided guidance on embracing transitions. The program also featured a mix of informative and fun activities such as treasure hunts, performances by seniors and freshers, Zumba and DJ nights, science exhibitions, lab visits, and a tour of the campus, including its airstrip.

IIT Kanpur upholds a ragging-free campus environment through its distinctive mentor-mentee system. In this approach, immediate senior students are assigned to guide and support 5-6 new students each, ensuring their safe and smooth transition into campus life. This system helps new students adapt more easily and fosters strong relationships across different classes and disciplines.

In addition, IIT Kanpur has set up a central Anti-Ragging Committee to manage and enforce rules against ragging. Each hall also has its own unit that works with the central committee to make sure the campus remains free from harassment.
This year, IIT Kanpur has reintroduced its Faculty Guide network, with around 85 faculty members volunteering to support students. Each Faculty Guide will be assigned to approximately 30 undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students, offering continuous support throughout their academic journey. The Faculty Guides will help the Y24 students navigate campus life, make course adjustments, understand institutional rules, engage in co-curricular activities, explore career opportunities, and stay informed about recent trends. This initiative aims to enhance the overall student experience by providing personalized guidance and support.

The entire orientation event was coordinated by the Institute Counselling Service, dedicated to maintaining student well-being at IIT Kanpur. This office is staffed with 9 full-time clinical counsellors, 3 consulting psychiatrists, and a dynamic team of over 600 postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) students. The team operates under the leadership of a dedicated faculty member.

IIT Kanpur extends its best wishes to the students as they embark on the next chapter of their academic journey.