Dr. Susmita De
Director, Calicut University Computer Centre
The Calicut University Computer Centre (CUCC) functions as the Digital Service Hub of the University. With the implementation of various Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) based e-Governance initiatives, the Centre has earned a unique position to serve the University regarding all its ICT needs.
The operations of the CUCC are categorized into 5 verticals consisting of Administration, Finance & Payroll, Academic & Admission, Examination Automation & Management and Digital Infrastructure & Networking. The in-house software development and technical support team of the CUCC is committed to deliver quality services for the development and maintenance of the software services including the Moodle based Learning Management System (Learn Space) and to provide necessary technical support for Data Centre Management, Server Administration and Security Services , maintenance of Campus Network & Biometric Punching System, Smart Class Rooms connected to CU Knowledge Network and other digital infrastructure facilities as and when required.
The CUCC is now in the process of identifying new requirements in terms of changes in the existing software system, recommendations on process reengineering and new software and digital infrastructure through various Clusters formed within the University. All University Departments/Branches/Sections are grouped into 31 different Clusters based on the similarity in their natures of work. Each Cluster has a Chairman (Member Syndicate), a Convenor (Faculty member/Branch Head), and Members which include a Faculty member, an Engineer, a Programmer and Administrative officers concerned.
As a new initiative the CUCC is supporting the University to build a unified software system named University – Academic Resource Management System (U-ARMS) by integrating the existing software modules to ensure the interoperability wherever possible. The major modules of the U-ARMS include Centralized Admission Process, Functionalities of the General & Academic Branch, College/Department Portal, Students’ Portal, Research Portal etc. to cater the entire Student Life Cycle Management. It also provides necessary software support for the Centre for Examination Automation and Management (CEAM) that aims to automate the end-to- end Examination System.
The CUCC is maintaining a dedicated Data Centre facility with the state-of-the- art infrastructure and an on-premises cloud facility running on Hyper Converged Infrastructure (HCI) fully powered through Solar Energy to make itself greener. The CUCC is also supporting the ongoing Campus LAN project in which the building-to- building connectivity would be established through underground OFC and the structured LAN Cabling, Revamping of Campus Wi-Fi and Security Surveillance System.
The CUCC has a successful history of making use of the technology that works for the benefits of the entire academic fraternity, and all its activities are totally in line with the IT/ICT/e-Governance Policy 2021 of the University which ensures the effective use of digital infrastructure and services by safeguarding the security and privacy of the personal and confidential data.
Yet for the implementation of the proposed Digital Master Plan to be fully successful, we as a team look forward to the support and creative suggestions from all stakeholders and well-wishers of the University. I’m sure that its success will be measured in how well we would be able to provide the benefits to the end users.
Hence, let us uphold and shape the sustainable digital future of the University as every bit of it would serve the academia in particular, and the society at large.