New Initiatives

After upgradation of century-old Ravenshaw College into Ravenshaw University on November 15, 2006, the first Vice-Chancellor Mr. Devdas Chhotray with the support of all Ravenshawvians, well-wishers of the Institution, the Government and public in general has taken some new initiatives to enhance the glory of this historic Institution.

A Second Campus for the University (R2)
The existing heritage building with its 86.4 acres of land and more than 500 rooms originally built-up for 500 students is now inadequate to accommodate its 7000 students and 25 departments. The Government of Orissa on the request of Vice Chancellor has allotted 150 acres of land at Bidanasi, Cuttack for its second campus.

Renovation of Heritage Building and Lecture Halls
Renovation of Lecture Theatres, Classrooms and the heritage building to its original look has been taken up.

Development of Lawns
In order to enhance the aesthetic value of the campus, a new lawn has been created to add to the panorama. The lawn in the quadrangle between heritage building and Kanika Library has been put to its original beauty with coloured flowerbeds on both sides of the paths. Construction of quadrangle path on the periphery of the lawn adjacent to the building on four sides is under consideration for movement of students without affecting the lawn.

Launching of website
A website namely www.ravenshawuniversity.ac.in has been launched for providing all information about the university. Students, guardians, faculties as well as the general public will be benefited by getting information regarding infrastructure, admission, courses, examination scheduling, results, academic and cultural activities, scholarships/endowments/awards, research activities, placements and many other matters.

Campus Networking
Steps have been taken up for total networking of the campus by connecting the entire infrastructure i.e. departments, library and office. In the second step, hostels will be covered under the facility. Initially it has been planned to have 1:10 computers in the campus for 7,000 students. Ravenshavians and NRIs are extending their generous support and goodwill to make the historic institution a world class university.

Restoration of old historic prizes and awards
Due to paucity of funds, some of the historic prizes and awards could not be given in past years. Steps have been taken to restore the same by arranging funds. One such is the prestigious 'Borasambar Debate'.

Academic Activities
Steps have been taken to conduct semester system of examination in all U.G and P.G courses of the University with effect from 2007-08 admission batch. Admission procedure for the session 2007-08 is being notified in April and May, 2007.

Introduction of Ravenshaw Memorial Lecture
Since the inception of the Ravenshaw College, no effort was made for a Memorial Lecture in honour of Mr. T.E. Ravenshaw. For the first time steps have been initiated to introduce 'Ravenshaw Memorial Lecture' in Ravenshaw University with effect from the session 2006-07. Prof. Jean Dreze from Delhi School of Economics gave the inaugural lecture on February 15, 2007 on the topic 'From Famine to Right to Food'.

Renovation of Original Open Air Auditorium
The old and historic open-air auditorium was abandoned for the last 30 years. To restore the original open-air auditorium with 1,500 sitting capacity in place, a new Auditorium with 5000 capacity is in the planning process with an architectural glance to the renovated open air auditorium.

Introduction of Ravenshaw Radio (CRS)
Steps have been taken to launch one community radio station (CRS) namely Ravenshaw Radio to provide platform for students to showcase their talent and creativity.

Extra-curricular Activities
Ravenshaw College always had many forums for extra curricular activities. Some of them have become defunct and some others are now dormant. After the formation of Ravenshaw University in November 2006 suggestions were invited from the staff members and students, for creation of new forums for nurturing unexplored, unrealized and hidden talents of the students. The societies are formed for the qualitative and all round development of the students which is not possible in a classroom interaction. Such interaction will give much needed interface with students outside the classroom, enhancing their motivation and creativity.

Based on these suggestions the following societies are functioning: 

It has been decided in principle that each faculty member as well as each student will associate themselves with at least three such forums. The students’ participation in such extra curricular activities will count towards their internal assessment examination.