Orientation 2015, 02-08 August 2015

With the start of a new academic year, IIT Mandi welcomed a fresh batch of budding engineers and scientists. An extensive orientation program was organized by the Guidance and Counseling Service to acquaint them with the institute and to facilitate a smooth transition into new life at IIT Mandi.

The undergraduate students had a week long orientation from 2nd to 8th of August. B.Tech students from all over India arrived at Kamand campus on 2nd of August to join for B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and IIT Mandi’s first ever batch of Civil Engineering. The Director and Deans welcomed the students and interacted with parents during the Welcome function held on 3rd. The admission formalities were also completed on 3rd. Senior students and staff members provided necessary assistance to perform various formalities like registration, identity card making, bank account opening, and mobile connection.

Figure 1: Prof. T. A. Gonsalves, Director IIT Mandi, addressing the freshmen and parents during the welcome function

Figure 2: Faculty, staff, students and parents at the orientation venue.

During the orientation week the students were treated to various indoor and outdoor activities to get acquainted with IIT Mandi and its surroundings. Throughout the week English club was organized by a group of faculty members to improve their language skills. Some of the class room sessions include session on what is engineering, over view of different disciples, academic structure, essential student oriented services, and flora and fauna of Kamand campus. A workshop on “life skills” was organized for the freshmen. The workshop had sessions on communication skills, personality development, time management and stress management.

The students participated in a series of informal and outdoor activities during the afternoons and evenings. Informal activities started with ‘fresher mixer’ on 2nd evening and included activities such as, hiking, computer gaming, treasure hunt, scavenger hunt, movie screening, and board games. These events provided a fun filled and enthusiastic start for their stay at IIT Mandi. A total of 135 B.Tech students have joined IIT Mandi this year.

Figure 3: Mr. N. S. Bhandari, Librarian, introducing students to the library and its procedures.

Figure 4: B.Tech freshmen getting ready for Scavenger Hunt

Figure 5: PG and PhD freshmen relaxing during hike to a nearby village.