Since the beginning of 2020, the world has been threatened with the fatal impact of COVID-19. Across the globe more than 190 countries are affected as of now. This new variant of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-;2) has put the society and economy at halt. Education sector is not an exceptional. As of 23 March 2020, over 1.3 billion learners were out of school due to school closures in response to COVID-19. According to UNESCO monitoring, over 100 countries have implemented nationwide closures, impacting over half of world’s student population.
With reference to the advisory provided by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) dated 13th March 2020 regarding the pandemic Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) the institution like Calcutta Business School (CBS) was requested to take necessary precautions in prevention/reduction of the transmission of the virus. In line with the requirement and call of the hour, CBS has taken few initiatives:
Firstly, CBS has put major emphasis on the well-being of its students and employees. CBS has distributed standard preventive masks to all students, teachers, staffs, security guards and housekeeping persons in the 1st week of March 2020 to prevent the spread of Corona Virus. The school has also given notices to all its stakeholders to take necessary preventive measures (in line with the guidelines given by the Central Govt. and State Govt.) to fight the deadly corona virus (COVID-19). CBS has circulated necessary information using digital media as well as printed documents among its stakeholders repeatedly with an intention to create awareness about personal hygiene. CBS has adopted a strict (zero tolerance) measure for keeping its students inside. Apart from some essential activities all other functions have been closed. Employees are instructed to work from home using the digital platform.
Secondly, CBS has taken alternative strategy to continue the educational process. CBS has always been focused on imparting quality education. In order to continue the academic delivery process, it has already circulated reading materials for the remaining classes among the students and arranged for one to one clarification sessions over the skype. Assignments are being distributed using the digital media. In this regard, assignments are designed to examine the understanding of the subjects by the students and their problem-solving skills. Situational analysis based tests are being conducted using the digital platform.
Thirdly, as the summer internships for the first year students and final placement of the outgoing batch are in the process, CBS is in continuous conversation with the recruiters for ensuring continuity. In this context, all correspondences are presently done by using the digital Media.
Finally, in order to ensure the continuity of the admission process for the upcoming batch, every activities are now being carried out using internet, telephonic calls, Whatsapp video chat and skype calls. Electronic exchange of documents are being adopted.
CBS cares for its students and employees and is keen to ensure the continuity of the education.
