Crescent Sustainability Initiatives

Issue : 04;   Revised on 2023

Responsible Executive : Director (IQAC)
Responsible Office : Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Student Affairs, Estate Office, Academic Office, Library and SDG Cell
Contacts : Registrar, Director (IQAC)

The revised policy has been approved in the 18^th Meeting of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) held on 16.06.2023.

1. Statement of Policy

The B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology is committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. This policy aims to enhance access to educational resources and foster a culture of continuous learning, aligning with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

2. Objectives

• Equitable Access: Ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, socio-economic background, race, religion, or disability, have access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
• Community Engagement: Actively involve the local community in educational initiatives, promoting awareness and participation in lifelong learning programs.
• Resource Availability: Provide free access to educational resources, including libraries, digital materials, and workshops, to facilitate continuous learning.

3. Policy Principles

• Lifelong Learning Opportunities: The Institute will offer a range of programs, workshops, and resources aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge for individuals of all ages.
• Inclusivity: All educational initiatives will be designed to be accessible to diverse populations, including marginalized and underrepresented groups.
• Public Engagement: The Institute will extend its facilities and resources to the community, ensuring that educational opportunities are available to all.

4. Lifelong Learning Measures

4.1 Public Resources (Lifelong Learning)

• Access to Campus Facilities: The Institute will provide free access to its facilities, including libraries, computer labs, and meeting spaces, for community members and local organizations.
• Special Coaching Programs: Organize coaching sessions for higher secondary students, focusing on subjects requested by local schools, conducted in both on-site and online formats.

4.2 Workshops and Training Programs

• Vocational Training Events: Conduct workshops on relevant topics, such as technology, legal awareness, and design, to enhance practical skills and knowledge in the community.
• Collaborative Learning: Encourage partnerships with local schools and organizations to facilitate educational outreach and skill development initiatives.

4.3 Online Resources and Open Access

• Digital Learning Materials: Provide open access to educational materials, including video lectures, course notes, and research papers, to promote self-directed learning.
• Online Courses: Develop and offer online courses that cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring accessibility for all learners.

4.4 Community Engagement Initiatives

• Educational Outreach Activities: Organize events and competitions for local school children, fostering a connection between higher education and the community while promoting early learning.
• Legal Aid and Awareness Programs: Offer legal education and resources to community members, ensuring access to justice and legal knowledge.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

The effectiveness of the lifelong learning measures will be regularly assessed through participant feedback and community engagement metrics. Adjustments will be made based on evaluations to improve the policy’s impact continuously.

This revised policy document reflects the commitment of B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology to promote lifelong learning and educational equity. By implementing these measures, the Institute aims to empower individuals and communities, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and social welfare.

4.3.5 – POLICY DOCUMENT AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION.pdf

Implementing Lifelong Learning Policy at B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology

Introduction

The B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology (BSACIST) is committed to fostering an inclusive educational environment that promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. This commitment aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), emphasising quality education and lifelong learning. The implementation of the lifelong learning policy is reflected through various activities, events, and programs designed to enhance access to education and empower the community. This write-up synthesises the initiatives outlined in the relevant documents to illustrate how BSACIST effectively implements its lifelong learning policy.

Public Resources for Lifelong Learning

Free Access to Educational Resources

One of the cornerstones of BSACIST’s lifelong learning policy is the provision of free access to educational resources. The institution has established several initiatives to ensure that individuals not enrolled at the university can benefit from its offerings. For instance, the Crescent Legal Aid Cell operates under the Crescent School of Law, providing local community members with free legal assistance and resources. This initiative fosters legal awareness and promotes access to justice, demonstrating the university’s role as a community hub.

Additionally, BSACIST has made significant strides in providing open access to educational materials. The university offers a wealth of resources available to the public, including video lectures, course materials, and digital libraries. This initiative ensures that anyone interested in learning can benefit from the university’s educational content, thereby enhancing lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Special Coaching Programs

In February 2023, BSACIST organised a Special Coaching Program aimed at higher secondary school students, providing them with free access to educational resources. This program, which ran from February 13 to 20, involved participation from several local schools, including Crescent Boys Higher Secondary School and Nagore Crescent Matriculation Girls Higher Secondary School. The coaching sessions were tailored to the specific subjects and topics requested by the schools. They were conducted in a hybrid format, combining on-site and online classes to accommodate students from various locations.

This initiative exemplifies the university’s commitment to ensuring that students from diverse backgrounds have access to quality educational support. By offering specialised coaching, BSACIST enhances students’ academic performance and fosters a culture of continuous learning within the community.

Vocational Training Events

Workshops on Corrosion Management

The Department of Civil Engineering at BSACIST hosted a two-day workshop on electrochemical corrosion techniques on March 17-18, 2023. This workshop aimed to educate participants, including postgraduate students and industry professionals, about the critical issue of corrosion, which poses significant economic challenges globally. The hands-on training provided participants with practical skills and knowledge, further promoting lifelong learning within the community.

The workshop served as a platform for participants to engage with modern instruments and learn practical data acquisition techniques. By addressing a pressing issue like corrosion, the department not only enhances the skill sets of individuals but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable development.

Miniature Model Workshop

The Miniature Model Workshop, hosted by the Crescent School of Architecture, aimed to promote hands-on skills and creativity among higher secondary school students. Participants engaged in practical learning experiences, gaining insights into design principles and construction methods while fostering teamwork and collaboration. This workshop exemplifies the university’s commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement by providing valuable educational resources to the public. the workshop received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the hands-on approach and instructor guidance. Key learning outcomes included technical skills development, enhanced soft skills, and insights into potential architectural career paths.

Luminaire Design Workshop

Another significant initiative was the Luminaire Design Workshop, which focused on innovative lighting solutions for higher secondary school students. Participants gained hands-on experience in lighting design principles and utilised advanced tools like laser-cutting machines to bring their ideas to life. This workshop further illustrates the university’s dedication to lifelong learning and community engagement by providing accessible educational opportunities.

Participants’ feedback highlighted the workshop’s effectiveness in enriching their educational experience. The hands-on approach allowed students to learn by doing, which is often more effective than traditional classroom learning. The collaborative environment fostered creativity and critical thinking, preparing students for future academic and career pursuits.

Educational Outreach Activities

Community Engagement Initiatives

BSACIST actively engages with the local community through various outreach activities. The university organises awareness programs for local community members regarding the importance of school education and higher education. These initiatives aim to inspire individuals to pursue educational opportunities and recognise the value of lifelong learning.

Moreover, the university has established partnerships with local schools and community organisations to conduct educational outreach activities. These activities include tailored lectures, demonstrations, and skill-enhancement training programs for women and marginalised groups. By reaching out to the community, BSACIST ensures that its educational resources are accessible to all, regardless of their background.

NavDisha Management Development Program

The NavDisha Management Development Program, launched by the Crescent School of Business, aims to empower local Indane distributors in the Chennai, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu, and Kancheepuram regions of Tamil Nadu. Conducted in five batches between December 2022 and February 2023, the program equipped 204 distributors with essential tools and strategies to navigate competitive business landscapes.

The curriculum covered various topics, including sales enhancement, value addition, and strategic management, facilitated by industry experts through interactive sessions. Feedback from participants indicated that the program effectively improved their business strategies and provided practical applications of learned concepts. This initiative reinforces the university’s commitment to lifelong learning and community empowerment.

Conclusion

The various activities, events, and programs conducted by B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology reflect a robust commitment to implementing its lifelong learning policy. By providing free access to educational resources, organising vocational training events, and actively engaging with the community, the university is fulfilling its mission and contributing to the broader goal of educational equity and social welfare.

Through initiatives such as the Special Coaching Program, workshops on corrosion management, and community outreach activities, BSACIST demonstrates its dedication to fostering an inclusive educational environment that supports continuous learning. The university’s efforts align with the principles of SDG 4, ensuring that quality education is accessible to all and empowering individuals to pursue lifelong learning opportunities. As BSACIST continues to expand its initiatives, it remains committed to serving society and promoting knowledge for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or disability.

Table IV – 1: Promotion / Implementation/ Evidence of Policy