Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM), Gurugram, a leading business school in India has resumed on-campus classes for the students of its One Year (PGPM) and Two Year (PGDM) programs, strictly adhering to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the Government of Haryana & UGC for the reopening of the institutes of higher education in the state. While the PGPM students rejoined the campus in early February, the PGDM students came to the campus on February 21.

When students came to the campus, they were required to present RT-PCR negative test reports (taken no more than three days ago) and to stay in the mandatory 14 days quarantine. A basic health screening has been arranged every day for the students – and the staff – for fever, cough and breathlessness. To facilitate the adherence of physical distancing and other guidelines, GLIM has adopted flexible timings for different classes. The PGPM students are attending the classes on rotation or on alternate days, in line with the guidelines.

GLIM has conducted training programs for its admin and teaching staff on SOP to ensure its effective implementation. It has added resources for frequent cleaning and sanitization of the classrooms, and commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs and latches, desks, chairs, computers, printers, laptops, tablets and other teaching and sports materials. Hand washing at regular intervals has been made mandatory for all students and staff. Alcohol-based hand sanitisers are placed at prominent places. 

The institute is adopting contactless processes for attendance, classroom participation, assessment and learning for both students and staff members, whenever possible. It has reorganized its seating and has displayed posters and signages at several places to remind students about maintaining physical distancing.

GLIM has also taken some extra cautious measures like the insertion of plexiglass partitions in the classrooms to ensure a safe distance between professors and students. A bio bubble has also been created for students by restricting contact with outsiders. There is 24/7 medical assistance available at the institute for the students. The students are tested for their temperature and oxygen levels multiple times a day. Food, stationary and all basic amenities are provided to the students in their rooms themselves.

Commenting on the reopening, Dr Debashis Sanyal, Director, Great Lakes Institute of Management, Gurugram, said, “We welcome the state government’s decision to permit colleges and universities to reopen in a staggered phase. We want to reassure the families of students that Great Lakes has everything in place to make the campus a safe place to stay and learn. Though online learning is here to stay, we are keen to ensure a smooth transition for our students from online to physical in-class learning.”

Emphasizing the need for monitoring the emotional wellbeing of the students, Dr Sanyal said that the institute will be sensitizing all students about Covid-19 as well as the myths, social stigma, and fears surrounding the infection. It would take note of any symptoms of stress in the students and take appropriate action in collaboration with their parents. GLIM has also made arrangements for regular visits of counsellors for the students.