Ravenshaw University.Ravenshaw is the oldest institution of higher education in the state of Odisha and one of the oldest institutions of higher education in India.

The Ravenshaw University Equal Opportunity Cell (EOC) has been constituted as per UGC and the Government of Odisha guidelines and regulation. The cell set up to aid and advise to the students belonging to marginalized sections including the Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Communities, Minority Communities, Persons with Differently Abled, etc. pursuing various programs of studies at the University. It was formed in order to create a fair, unbiased and equitable study environment for the students. Since higher education is a tool for social and economic equality, Ravenshaw University has been addressing concerns of access, equality, while ensuring the standard of quality and relevance of education by implementing policies of the Government of India as well as Government of Odisha and promoting several schemes and programmes for the disadvantaged groups that would help in eliminating social disparities. The main objective of the Equal Opportunity Cell is to help and empower students belonging to marginalized sections and fully participation in the academic, intellectual, social and cultural life of University on an equal basis.

Aims and objectives

To create an ambience of equal opportunity by understanding the needs and wants of the student body.
To oversee the effective implementation of policies and programmes for disadvantaged groups,
To provide guidance and counselling with respect to academic, financial, social and other matters and to enhance the diversity within the campus.
To accelerate the need for an equal and fair environment for all by organizing activities and events that raise awareness about a fair and just society.
To engage the students in outreach activities in order to sensitise them towards the downtrodden.

Role & Responsibilities

To work out suitable programs/schemes, including Remedial Courses, for improving performance of students from marginalized sections or to monitor the implementation of such programs/ schemes;
To provide information and act as a counseling-cum-guidance for students belonging to the marginalized sections, especially with regard to academic, financial and other matters;
To establish co-ordination with government and other funding agencies (including Public Sector Undertakings/ Public Sector Banks) with a view to mobilizing financial and other resources required for educational empowerment of the students from marginalized sections;
To help create a socially conducive atmosphere for the growth of healthy inter-personal relations among students from marginalized sections and from various social backgrounds;
To help develop cordial inter-personal relationships between teachers and the students from marginalized sections for academic interaction and extra-curricular activities;
To extend help/ support to the students from marginalized sections to overcome problems and barriers emanating from discrimination at any level within its mandate;
To organize or conduct seminars/ symposia/ workshops/ conferences/ exhibitions, etc. from time-to-time on issues of contemporary significance.