ACADEMIC YEAR 2025-26
STUDENT INVOLVENTS / ACTIVITIES
Apart from the academics, the students at the XIM University are encouraged to participate in extra and co-curricular activities as well for promoting a holistic learning experience. There are opportunities for the students to showcase their talents and build on them through various student-initiated events and activities as well as events hosted by colleges and organizations across the country and beyond.
EVENTS
Department of Psychology Organized Freshers’ Celebration
The School of Liberal Arts hosted a lively Freshers’ Celebration to warmly welcome new students, where the seniors organised engaging activities while faculties instilled confidence, creativity, and love for literature.
An Orientation Programme For B.Sc (Psy) First Year Students
The School of Liberal Arts conducted an orientation programme for first-year students on 21 July 2025 to welcome the new batch and familiarise them with university life. The session introduced the academic framework, including course structure, credit system, and evaluation methods. Faculty members were presented along with their areas of expertise, helping students understand available mentorship and academic support. The programme also highlighted diverse career pathways such as research, higher education, public policy, corporate roles, and creative fields. Students were informed about institutional resources, extracurricular opportunities, and support services to ensure a smooth and confident transition into their academic journey.
Department of Psychology Celebrated Ethnic day
On the 16th of February 2026, the School of Liberal Arts at XIM University celebrated Desi Vogue X–Ethnic Day 4.0. Students came dressed in traditional attire, proudly showcasing their cultures and celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity.
ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY
Celebrating World Suicide Prevention Day
On 10 September 2025, X-Aegis, the outreach committee of the Department of Psychology, conducted a walkathon and screening of a short film to mark World Suicide Prevention Day under the supervision of Prof. Vidya Pujari. The event was organized to spread awareness about suicide prevention, to have a conversation about mental health, and to encourage empathy, collective responsibility, and seeking help among the students and the community at large. The walkathon represented solidarity and hope, and the short film screening provided an opportunity to understand the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of suicidal behavior. The event also focused on the early identification of warning signs, reducing stigma related to mental health issues, and peer support networks on the campus
Celebrated World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day On 10 October 2025, X-Aegis, the outreach committee of the Department of Psychology, marked the occasion of World Mental Health Day with a keynote address by Dr. Biswa Ranjan Mishra, Professor and Head of Psychiatry, AIIMS Bhubaneswar. His talk ranged from trauma, resilience, psychological first aid, and the sociocultural aspects of mental health, emphasizing the need for early intervention, reducing stigma, and enhancing support systems in the family and institutional settings. The talk was very effective in bridging theory with practical knowledge and experience. It ended with an interactive session involving the students, where they debated the current issues in mental health, making the event both knowledge-enriching and socially significant.
Celebrated National Forensic Sciences Day
On 21 January 2026, the Department of Psychology at the college celebrated National Forensic Sciences Day through an interesting and academically enriching event organized around a demonstration of a mock homicide case and an enlightening speech by Ms. Sunima N.M. The mock homicide case, carefully planned and executed by third-year students with active participation from first- and second-year students, served as a practical learning experience for understanding crime scene observation, evidence analysis, behavioral studies, and the use of forensic psychology in the criminal justice system. The event promoted critical thinking, analytical acumen, and collaborative learning while emphasizing the scientific integrity and ethical accountability that is characteristic of forensic science. In her speech, Ms. Sunima N.M. highlighted the increasing national importance and professional relevance of forensic sciences, urging students to take up the subject with increased academic seriousness and career-oriented passion. The event was a huge success in bringing together theoretical knowledge and practical experience, motivating students to delve into the rapidly growing area of forensic psychology.
OUTREACH PROGRAMMES
Mental Health Awareness
On 15 October 2025, the Department of Psychology conducted a mental health awareness workshop at DPS Kalinga School, followed by an outreach session at Sai International School on 20 November 2025 as part of its World Mental Health Day initiatives. Both programmes were led by Prof. Vidya Pujari, encouraging dialogue on emotional well-being, coping strategies, and sustained mental health awareness.
Digital Literacy, Psychological Well-being and Psychology Beyond Classrooms
Dr. Nazia Arif conducted an outreach on 29 December 2025. She led a session on “Online Identity Management – Its Impact on Personal and Professional Life” at Nimapada Autonomous College. These sessions highlighted digital skills, cyber hygiene, responsible use of technology, and the psychological effects of online engagement. She also promoted the Psychology program at XIM University.
Dealing with examination stress and anxietY
On 16th October, 2025, the 11th and 12th grade students of Apeejay School, Bhubaneswar, were addressed on “Dealing with examination stress and anxiety “. Tips and strategies to effectively deal with exam stress and performance anxiety were shared and discussed by Prof. Neha Jha. The session was quite interactive, and students came up with lots of questions and queries regarding problems they encountered.
As part of departmental outreach initiatives, Prof. P. V. Padma, along with Prof. Vidya Pujari, Prof. Nazia Arif, Prof. Neha Jha and Prof. Abdul Karim, guided final-year B.Sc. Psychology students in conducting mental health awareness sessions across schools in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, promoting community engagement and awareness.
XUNOIA 2025- Cultural Fest
Conducted by Prof. Neha Jha on the 23rd and 24th of October, Xunoia, the cultural fest of the Department of Psychology, was a vibrant event celebrating creativity, collaboration, and student engagement. Through diverse cultural activities and shared experiences, Xunoia highlighted the importance of creative expression in strengthening community bonds and complementing academic life, reflecting the department’s commitment to holistic development and experiential learning
International Activities
Ananya Kar, a second-year undergraduate student from the Department of Psychology, has gone for an international exchange in Orebro University, Sweden, for the spring semester 2026.