Yes, KISS Deemed to be University provides mentoring/ counselling/ peer support programmes to support students, staff, faculty from underrepresented groups.

1. Mentoring Programmes:
   1. Mentor Mentee Policy: The Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University is focused and committed to enable learners to access student support mechanisms to meet their academic and psycho-social needs. The Mentoring Policy is very inclusive and applies to all mentors and mentees who take part in the programme. The Policy ensures that the mentees can work and discuss on academic, social, and personal issues hence collectively working towards holistic development of the mentee. Thus, a personal relationship is created for better understanding of the mentee’s aspiration, strengths and weaknesses. The University is committed to regularly review the effectiveness, applicability of the Mentor-Mentee Policy and procedures and make amendments wherever necessary based on the evolving needs of the mentees involved. Policy available: https://university.kiss.ac.in/3d-flip-book/mentor-mentee-policy/
   2. Remedial/ Additional Learning Support (RALS): Remedial/Additional Learning Support (RALS) is a programme that helps students overcome academic challenges by providing targeted instruction, including remedial classes, tutorials, and personalized coaching sessions, aiming to improve students’ knowledge and skills, boost their confidence, and enhance their academic progress.
      1. Bridge Courses/ classes: Bridge courses are preparatory courses designed to help students transition smoothly into higher education by covering essential concepts not adequately addressed in their prior academic experiences. They are beneficial for students entering new fields, changing academic tracks, or needing reinforcement in prerequisite subjects, preparing them for successful engagement with advanced coursework.
      2. Slow Learners: Slow Learners are students who may take longer to grasp academic concepts compared to their peers due to various factors such as learning difficulties, language barriers, or a lack of foundational knowledge. Slow learners receive personalized support, including tailored learning plans, remedial sessions, and continuous mentoring, to help them achieve academic success at their own pace.
      3. Advanced Learners: Advanced learners are students who excel in academic tasks, demonstrate strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and are capable of independent They are provided with enrichment opportunities like advanced courses, research projects, leadership roles, and participation in competitions and seminars to nurture their talents. https://university.kiss.ac.in/3d-flip-book/special-academic-support-policy-for-students/

2. Counselling Programmes:
   1. Career Counselling: Career Counselling by Training and Placement Cell https://university.kiss.ac.in/campus-life/tnpcell/
   2. Psychological Counselling: The KISS Wellness Centre provides counseling to help students with emotional, social, and academic issues, aiming to promote holistic development and happiness. https://university.kiss.ac.in/campus-life/wellness/ , https://university.kiss.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/KISS-Wellness-Center.pdf
3. Peer Support Programmes:
   1. Peer Group Learning Support is a collaborative learning method where students work in small groups to understand course content, solve problems, and enhance their academic skills through peer-to-peer interactions, group discussions, study sessions, and collective problem-solving activities. https://university.kiss.ac.in/3d-flip-book/special-academic-support-policy-for-students/

Programmes/ Activities conducted:

1. International Distinguished Invited Lecture on Suicide Prevention : Professor Robin Edward Gearing from the University of Houston delivered a distinguished invited lecture on “Informing suicide Prevention Pathways: Targeting ideation and Behaviour” on 7th November 2024. This lecture was organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell and School of Tribal Culture, Philosophy and Eco-spiritualism, in collaboration with Centre for Indigenous Cultural Heritage and Diversity and KISS Wellness Centre.   https://university.kiss.ac.in/posts/international-distinguished-invited-lecture-on-suicide-prevention-and-special-session-on-writing-projects-and-grants-applications-held-at-kiss-du/
   
2. University Level Seminar Marks World Suicide Prevention Day: https://university.kiss.ac.in/posts/university-level-seminar-marks-world-suicide-prevention-day-at-kiss-du/ The Psychology Program of the School of Tribal Heritage and Tribal Indology (STHTI) at KISS Deemed to be University (KISS-DU), in collaboration with the KISS Wellness Centre, organized an awareness seminar on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day on 10^th September 2024. The event, based on the theme “Suicide and Its Prevention”, aimed at raising awareness among students, faculty, and staff about mental health issues and promoting strategies for suicide prevention.
   

3. Mentoring session on “Converting Innovation into a Startup” : https://university.kiss.ac.in/posts/mentoring-session-on-converting-innovation-into-a-startup/ The School of Comparative Indic Studies and Tribal Science, in collaboration with the Centre for Indigenous Science and Technology at KISS-DU, Bhubaneswar, organized an engaging session on “Converting Innovation into a Startup” under the banner of Innovation Institution Council (IIC), Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. The session aimed to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and strategies required to transform innovative ideas into viable startups. The expert speaker for the session was Dr. Bhaskar Das, Manager of Bio-Innovation at KIIT-TBI, who shared his insights and expertise on the entrepreneurial journey.
   
4. Mentoring Session on “Angel Investment/VC Funding Opportunity for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs” https://university.kiss.ac.in/posts/mentoring-session-on-angel-investment-vc-funding-opportunity-for-early-stage-entrepreneurs/The School of Comparative Indic Studies and Tribal Science, in collaboration with the Centre for Indigenous Science and Technology, Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Deemed to be University (KISS-DU), Bhubaneswar, organized a session on “Angel Investment/VC Funding Opportunity for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs” under the banner of Institution Innovation Council (IIC), Ministry of Education (MoE) . The session was led by Dr. Vimal Kumar Pandey, Associate Professor and Co-ordinator of Start-Up Activities, IIC at KISS-DU, who shared valuable insights on funding opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs.
   

5. Pattathon 2024: Pattathon is a Mini Marathon conducted for Women wearing traditional sarees, empowering women, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and step out of their routine roles.  Over 6000 female staff members from KIIT (Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology), KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) and KIMS (Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences) took part in the Pattathon Mini-Marathon held in Bhubaneswar today—a day dedicated to their joy and celebration. Organised with the themes of “Women Empowerment” and “Education for All,” the Pattathon featured women employees of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, along with women from various parts of the state. The participants ran from the Shikharchandi Temple Square to the KISS Athletics Stadium. https://university.kiss.ac.in/posts/mini-marathon-by-kiit-and-kiss-6000-women-run-in-sarees-at-pattathon/ 
   https://kalingatv.com/odisha/over-6000-female-staff-members-from-kiit-kiss-and-kims-take-part-in-pattathon-mini-marathon/
   

6. Art of Giving: The 11th chapter of the ‘Art of Giving’, conceptualized and founded by Dr Achyuta Samanta, is being celebrated across the world on 17th June 2024. According to Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, every small act of kindness can make a significant impact. Art of Giving is all about creating an unconditional and sustainable abundance of love, peace and happiness and contentment for others through gestures of kindness and generosity. https://kalingatv.com/features/art-of-giving-day-2024-being-celebrated-worldwide-today/ ‘Art of Giving’ is being celebrated in different parts of Odisha, in different States of India and in a number of countries including Canada, UK, Germany, USA, Japan, Australia, Africa, Qatar, South Korea, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Congo, Kenya, Bhutan, United Arab Emirates, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh as well as in India. In the country, Art of Giving was celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Odisha. https://kalingatv.com/features/art-of-giving-day-2024-being-celebrated-worldwide-today/
   https://news.kiit.ac.in/aog/art-of-giving-celebrated-in-25000-places-worldwide/
   https://artofgiving.in.net/aog-2024