Student Support Services

Introduction

In accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission and the quality standards promoted by National Assessment and Accreditation Council, St. Ann’s College for Women has constituted a Grievance Redressal Committee / Cell to ensure a fair, transparent, and student-friendly mechanism for addressing grievances of students and staff.

The Committee is committed to promoting a safe, respectful, inclusive, and harmonious academic environment by resolving grievances promptly and impartially.

Objectives of the Grievance Redressal Committee

The Grievance Redressal Committee aims to:

• Create awareness among students and staff regarding grievance redressal procedures.
• Prevent harassment, discrimination, and unfair practices within the institution.
• Provide a supportive platform for students and staff to express grievances freely and safely.
• Receive and register complaints in a confidential manner.
• Examine and investigate grievances fairly, transparently, and impartially.
• Take appropriate remedial measures for prompt resolution of issues.
• Counsel students and staff to resolve issues amicably wherever possible.
• Maintain proper records and reports of grievances received and actions taken.
• Promote discipline, mutual respect, and ethical practices on the campus.

Functions of the Committee

The Committee shall:

• Address academic, administrative, personal, and campus-related grievances.
• Ensure that complaints are handled with sensitivity and confidentiality.
• Recommend suitable corrective and preventive measures to the institution.
• Encourage a healthy and grievance-free campus environment.
• Submit periodic reports to the college administration and IQAC for quality improvement.

Grievance Redressal Procedure

1. 1Students or staff may submit grievances in writing to the Committee.
2. 2Complaints may also be submitted through the designated grievance mechanism provided by the institution.
3. 3The Committee shall review the complaint and conduct necessary enquiry.
4. 4Both parties involved shall be given an opportunity to present their views.
5. 5The Committee shall recommend suitable action for redressal within a reasonable time.
6. 6Confidentiality and fairness shall be maintained throughout the process.

Composition of the Grievance Redressal Committee

Activities of the Grievance Redressal Committee

The Grievance Redressal Committee regularly undertakes the following activities to ensure a safe, supportive, and student-friendly campus environment:

• Organizing orientation programmes to create awareness about grievance redressal mechanisms and student rights.
• Conducting awareness sessions on discipline, ethical behaviour, gender sensitivity, and institutional values.
• Providing counselling and guidance to students facing academic, personal, emotional, or social difficulties.
• Addressing grievances related to academics, examinations, attendance, infrastructure, administration, and student services.
• Encouraging students to express concerns without fear through a confidential and transparent grievance system.
• Coordinating with Anti-Ragging Cell, Women Empowerment Cell, Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), Mentoring System, and Student Counselling Committee for holistic student support.
• Conducting meetings periodically to review grievances received and monitor corrective actions.
• Promoting harmonious relationships among students, faculty, and staff through mediation and counselling.
• Maintaining grievance records, resolutions, meeting minutes, and action-taken reports for institutional documentation and NAAC compliance.
• Suggesting preventive and corrective measures to the management for improving student welfare and campus environment.
• Supporting the institution in maintaining an atmosphere of equality, dignity, safety, and mutual respect for women students.
• Encouraging a culture of open communication, emotional well-being, and inclusive education within the campus.

Annual / Regular Activities Conducted

The Committee may organize:

• Awareness Programmes on Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Orientation on Grievance Redressal Mechanism
• Counselling Sessions for Students
• Interactive Meetings with Student Representatives
• Programmes on Stress Management and Emotional Well-being
• Workshops on Gender Sensitization and Women Safety
• Sessions on Cyber Safety and Responsible Use of Social Media
• Value Education and Personality Development Programmes
• Feedback Collection and Student Support Initiatives

Expected Outcomes

Through the effective functioning of the Grievance Redressal Committee, the institution aims to:

• Ensure timely and fair resolution of grievances.
• Promote a peaceful and student-friendly campus environment.
• Enhance student confidence and emotional well-being.
• Strengthen transparency, accountability, and institutional trust.
• Encourage mutual respect, discipline, and ethical conduct.
• Support holistic development and welfare of women students.

Commitment of the Institution

St. Ann’s College for Women is committed to maintaining a campus atmosphere based on dignity, equality, discipline, and mutual respect. The Grievance Redressal Committee functions as an important support system to safeguard the interests and well-being of students and staff and to strengthen institutional transparency and accountability.