IQAC

Criterion-wise Summary
Criterion 1 – Curricular Aspects
Our college fosters an environment to nurture individuals academically, socially, and emotionally so that they are equipped to tackle academic challenges and become productive members of society. Our college is a co-education institution which quenches the higher education thirst of downtrodden community. Realizing the contemporary scenario of complex and competitive academic environment in higher education, we hold best practices as catalysts for quality improvements in the system as a whole. The quality of practices adopted in the academic delivery process would make a quantum difference in the quality of graduates who build the society and country as well.

Our college is a multi-faculty institution offering 12 UG Programmes, 10 PG Programmes, 7 M.Phil. and 6 Ph.D., Programmes under shift-I. In addition, 8 UG Programmes are also offered under shift-II mode so as to cater the needs of higher education raised from under privileged segments. Our college is affiliated to Annamalai University, Chidambaram which is known for its quality, high NAAC grade and NIRF ranking. All the programmes are offered under Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). Our curriculum has been designed by the Annamalai University to fulfil the diverse needs of the students according to their learning ability and pace of learning.

Our curriculum offers academic flexibility in Part-I Languages, Core-Based Electives and Non-Major Electives in all the programmes. In order to improve the employability skills of the students, the college offers certificate course on “Computer Literacy Programme (CLP)” to all enrolled students in first semester. Certificate course on Effective English offered by Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation in association with Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Microsoft Essentials is conducted under Naan Mudhalvan scheme. In addition, certificate courses like Healthcare and Logistics are also offered under RUSA and Naan Mudhalvan schemes respectively. Courses that would enrich research aptitude are included in many PG and all M.Phil., Programmes. The project work, included in the curriculum of PG students, helps them to learn the research techniques, trends and methodologies which would motivate them to pursue further research.

Comments and suggestions received from the students, course teachers, alumni and industrial experts facilitate us to deliver curriculum effectively. Subject experts from various origin, scholars and resource persons are involved by the college on various occasions to share their expertise among faculty and students.

Various extension activities are made mandatory under NSS, NCC and YRC for students to promote community service, social responsibility, interaction for integration and problem-solving skills. The CBCS pattern, periodically upgraded curriculum, comprehensive academic delivery process, democracy in administration, college council, practicing social harmony, effective alumni, feedback system and quality enhancement measures undertaken by the college are the distinguished features under curricular aspects.

Criteria 2- Teaching- Learning and Evaluation

We motivate our students for a rapidly changing world by instilling in them critical thinking skills, a global perspective, and a respect for core values of honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and compassion. Students will have success for today and be prepared for tomorrow. Teaching-Learning & Evaluation is the key to produce classy graduates who would translate into diligent citizens, reputed professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs and ambassadorial alumni. Ever since from the establishment, the principle of social transformation through social justice has been the guiding principle of our college. Higher proportions of the admitted students are either first generation or opportunity-starved, needing heightened efforts on pedagogical inputs. A variety of appropriate measures are in place in order to meet the diverse needs of the students who are raised from socially and economically backward sections of society. So, the college not only uplift and empower them, but also make them fit for employment at global level.

Quality teaching is ensured by the college in all the departments with the help of qualified and dedicated teachers who are appointed through Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), Government of Tamil Nadu. Every department prepares comprehensive academic delivery process comprising teaching plan and learning outcome. Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) and terminal examinations are the couple of processes to evaluate the academic performance of students. The schedule for CIA tests and terminal examinations are printed in the College Calendar and distributed to students in the beginning of every academic year. This helps the students to plan and prepare well in advance for tests effectively.

The CIA components include tests, assignments and attendance at the UG level and also presentation as seminars at the PG level. 75 % of attendance is mandatory for appearing terminal examinations. Our student enrolment has progressed continuously and constantly. Now the enrolment is reached to 3723. The college maintains good results in the semester examinations. The pass percentage of the students is consistent and progressive.

Scholarships and other Government schemes made the drop-out rate low. The college ensures technology-enabled teaching and learning processes, organizing guest lectures for academic enrichment of students, industrial visits, project work, internship and exposure to practical field work at the PG level, preparation of teaching plan and monitoring its execution, etc. Sports and yoga training are also given equal importance along with the academic delivery process.

Criteria 3- Research, Innovations and Extension

Out of the 12 departments 7 departments are elevated as research departments by M.Phil., and Ph.D., programs. Our college possess adequate infrastructure in terms of laboratory, library, class rooms, drinking water, sanitation and other required basic amenities. Out of the 172 approved teaching positions, 109 positions are earmarked for Shift-I and 63 positions are marked out for Shift-II. Of the total approved positions, 26 positions are occupied by TRB appointed teachers, 22 positions are filled by the teachers deputed from Annamalai University and 120 positions are engaged by Guest Lecturers appointed by Directorate of Collegiate Education, Government of Tamil Nadu. 95% of teachers possess Ph.D., degree of which many of them were approved as Research Supervisors by our affiliating Annamalai University. Those approved research supervisors are guiding research scholars leading to Ph.D., degree. So far 07 research scholars were awarded Ph.D., degree. As of now 28 research scholars doing their Ph.D., program in our campus and 04 scholars applied and cleared their entrance examination to join Ph.D., program.

Our teachers continuously writing research articles and publish it in international journals enlisted under UGC CARE. College council constituted a Research Committee headed by the senior most teacher of the college. This committee exclusively address the issues raised from scholar’s end. This committee also encourage teachers to get approval as Research Supervisor. Guest Lecturers and passed out post-graduate students are motivated to join Ph.D., program and take research as career.

As far as extension activities are concerned, our college has been at the forefront and carried out a number of extension activities through its service units. Our college has 3 NSS units with 100 volunteers in each unit. NSS volunteers have distinguished themselves in various extension activities including green campus, voters day awareness campaign, blood donation camp, literacy awareness camp etc., Apart from this the college has NCC Armed Squadron and Infantry wings. Our NCC Cadets have performed well at National level and our NCC cadets participated in the Republic Day Parade held at New Delhi.

The YRC unit also carry out awareness and health related activities by students that fall outside the realm of the normal curriculum of university education. The college promotes active participation of the students and the faculty in extension activities of NSS, YRC and other NGOs. In addition, Fine Arts and Cultural Club also periodically conduct events like debate, elocution, painting etc., These activities are focused and planned so as to create students’ awareness on social problems, enhance communication skills, team building and to mould the students, socially acclimatize human resource.

Criterion 4 – Infrastructure and Learning Resources

Our college ensures adequate availability of physical infra-structure and Learning resources to deliver a good teaching-learning environment. Each department is housed in a separate block / floor with all essential amenities. The college is located in a sprawling campus spread over 31 acres. The existing physical infrastructure best suits varying needs of the learners, meeting the norms of regulating bodies and also satisfies functional needs. Our college has 86 class rooms, 31 staff rooms, 12 Laboratories, 03 Smart classrooms, 01 Language Lab and 01 seminar hall. All blocks have toilets and there is a separate refreshment cum rest room for girl students. Optimum utilization of available resources and infrastructure is ensured through comprehensive strategy, time-tables and technology enabled communication system. Classrooms and laboratories are equipped delivering academic contents at the highest standard. Laboratory equipment and other accessories are available according to the demand of the syllabus. Sufficient numbers of computers are made available and we have our own computer maintenance system with the help of two hardware experts. Toilets are maintained hygienically with special monitoring system. During the last five years, the college has been expanding the physical infrastructure as per the needs of its academic growth. A new building comprising 6 laboratories in three floors is under construction.

In order to spread research fragrance, physical facilities are extended enabling the students to accomplish their curriculum-based projects and research activities. The central library is functioning in separate building located in the centre place of the campus so as to ensure easy access to the students of all blocks. The Central library is built-up into 4000 sq.ft with seating capacity of 50 members at a time. Every department has library of their own and it was maintained by the teachers. This department library also equipped with a range of reference and text books. Every year new books and recent editions are purchased to all department libraries. Department library with an extensive collection of books and journals relevant to the programmes offered fulfil the academic thirst of the students and teachers as well. All the other supporting facilities such as playground, gymnasium combined with dispensary are available in the campus. Security system is also available in campus maintained through full-time staff members appointed by the Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) as well as by alumni / well-wishers.

The sports activities are carried out round the year by providing large playgrounds. The Physical Education Department is functioning in a separate hall and is fully equipped with all necessary facilities to equip the physical fitness of the students.
IQAC, NSS, NCC, CLP and Certificate programs such as Effective English offered by Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation in association with Cambridge University Press & Assessment implemented under Naan Mudhalvan scheme are functioning in separate rooms. The campus is capable of supplying required volume of potable water by erecting RO water unit. Every staff room is provided with RO filter unit. The CCTV surveillance system provides a safe and disciplined environment.

Communal wise welfare hostels run by State Government, separately for boys and girls, are available at the door step of the college campus. Welfare hostels provide accommodation and food at free of cost for the eligible students of respective communities.

Criterion 5- Student Support and Progression

Our college follows rules of reservation as prescribed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in admission, scholarships, welfare hostel scheme, daily transport etc., Higher ratio of students are from the downtrodden section of society and also first-generation learners. Hence the heterogeneous nature of the student intake necessitates the institution in providing excellent support service to facilitate the overall transformation of the students.

The value-based academic delivery process sensitizes our students socially responsible citizens and human resource as well. The tutorial scheme followed by all the department provides mentoring and guidance to all the students of both UG and PG. Each student is taken care by the tutor concerned in all the departments. Counselling and Guidance on academic, placement and career selection are given by the tutor to mould the character and personality of the students.

Necessary formats, discipline guidelines, schemes available, teachers details and all other essential information are comprised in the college calendar and it is provided to all the faculty and students in the beginning of every academic year. Students come to know about all the basic details and facilities, available to them in the college. Coaching classes and skill development programmes are conducted periodically so as to enable students to apply for the State Government jobs through TNPSC.

Each department has its Departmental Association in which all the students and teachers are members. Principal and HoD will act as President and Vice-president respectively. Students are given opportunities to function as office bearers. In the team of office bearers two students from each year and medium will represent. They organize knowledge and skill-oriented programs like science exhibition, invited lectures, quiz, essay writing etc., The student exhibits hidden talents by contributing in talent-oriented activities such as articles, sketches, drawings and essays on a variety of socially relevant topics. The student organizers acquire leadership skills and the participants develop their personality.

The students have been given opportunities to participate in various state-level and University level sports meet regularly. Participation in a number of extension activities provides our students a sense of civic responsibilities for Community Development. Grievance Appeal, Anti ragging and other welfare committees of our college functions well for the benefit of our students.

Welfare hostels are available for socially deprived students in the proximity of our college. Communal wise scholarships are provided to students so as to prevent them from discontinuing from the studies in the middle. Apart from the scholarships, Tamil medium fund, Pudhumai Pen scheme, free transport facilities and farmers scholarships are also provided. College recommends eligible students to avail scholarships from registered NGO’s.

The Career Guidance and Placement cell provides Guidance and Counselling for various competitive examinations and arranges for the campus interviews with various companies for planning their career successfully. Students are trained to attend interviews by conducting programmes in Spoken English, Communication Skills, Personality Development, Time Management and Human Relations through the Placement Cell. The library subscribed several employment magazines and journals to help the students develop their knowledge.

The differently abled students (physically handicapped students) are given reservation along with comfortable environment. Scribes are arranged for visually challenged students to write their internal and terminal examinations.
Registered Endowment awards and prizes are given to meritorious students on the College Day function every year.

Criterion 6- Governance, Leadership and Management

To educate all students to the highest levels of academic achievement, to enable them to reach and expand their potential, and to prepare them to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society. The Governance system of the college provides strategic directions for sustained development in tune with the Vision and Mission of the college. The Governing body of the college is termed as College Council, it is the entity headed by the Principal, and all the heads of departments including library and sports are members of this entity. College Governance and its day-to-day functioning depends on the decisions taken in the College Council. The college council is an ethical leadership which is visible in the consensus–oriented, participatory style of Governance.

Government of Tamil Nadu has given set of functioning principles for College Council, upon which College Council takes participatory decisions. The democratic leadership practiced by the Principal and College Council are well portrayed at various spheres and are obeying with the Vision and Mission of the College. The College Council convenes regular meetings for setting strategies for the effective implementation of various components of academic delivery process. The College Council frequently meets and monitor the ongoing academic activities. Corrective and preventive measures are taken democratically if any deviation found from the executed academic delivery process.

Under the College Council several sub committees are formed to ensure smooth functioning of the college. Committees like 1. College Council, 2. Academic Council, 3. IQAC, 4. Admission Committee 5. Exam Cell 6. Building Committee, 7. Committee for SC/ST 8. Sports Committee, 9. Grievance Redressal Committee for Women, 10. Internal Complaint Committee, 11. Anti-ragging Committee, 12. OBC Cell, 13. Minority Cell, 14. Career Guidance and Placement Cell, 15. Library Committee, 16. Magazine Committee, 17. Fine Arts and Cultural Committee, 18. Academic Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes Committee (AIEDP), 19. RUSA Cell 20. Naan Mudhalvan Cell, 21. Pudhumai Pen Cell, 22. Soft skill training cell, 23. Scholarship Committee, 24. Electoral Literacy Club (ELC), and 25. Research Cell are potential sub committees headed by teachers. These cells ensure effective, democratic and participatory Governance, Leadership and Management. The IQAC conducts meeting regularly to initiate various academic activities and provide productive suggestions to be implemented so as to enhance standards in academic delivery. Faculty members are encouraged to explore the new thrust areas in research and enrich their knowledge by participating in conferences, workshops, orientation programme, short-term and refresher courses. They are permitted to attend MOOCS courses through SWAYAM and other UGC’s approved portals. Faculty members are permitted under on duty mode for participating in university valuation. Off late 12 number of teachers trained under Naan Mudhalvan Scheme.

Most of our faculty members are elevated as research supervisors and are guiding research scholars. They provide with adequate infrastructural facilities. To felicitate holistic development of students and faculty members, our college practice participatory, democratic and strategic Governance, Leadership and Management system.

Criterion 7-Institutional Values and Best Practices

Institutional Values

Our college strives to support the learning environment by building a more inclusive curriculum, addressing a range of learning styles, offering a wide array of diversity efforts and programs, and by participating in the wider community. We empower all students to continuous learning, achieve their personal best and build their emotional, social and physical well-being. We administrate in such a way that the following core values are inculcated to students.

Excellence

The College stands for excellence in terms knowledge, skills, values, morality, ethics and social commitment. We practice these qualities in our day-to-day activities.

Integrity

Being honesty is the best policy. We educate our students to practice at all times. The College urge stakeholders to nurture this quality at inner and social spheres.

Woman‐Centeredness

The College is committed to the holistic empowerment of women in terms of knowledge, freedom of speech, right to react, facing challenges and sensitizing legal system that governs Women empowerment.

Inclusiveness

The College is an inclusive community along with participatory administration and ensures dignity irrespective of caste, creed, religion, region, or linguistic origin.

Social Commitment

The College reflects social commitment of its founding fathers. We expect the students to grow up in the sense of commitment and in the awareness of what we owe to the less fortunate and marginalized segments of society.

Best Practices

Social Harmony

We practice and preach our students to understand the significances of social harmony. In order to inculcate this quality to our students we are following uniform dress code which upscale the unity in diversity. We educate our students to practice and spread social harmony in their life span.

Continuous Internal Assessment system

Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) system could provide early indications of the performance of students. It provides students with a constant stream of opportunities to prove their knowledge and improve further. We have separate Examination Cell to conduct CIA tests periodically. At the end of every CIA test performance analysis will be carried out. Corrective and preventive actions will be taken accordingly.

Green Environment

Our Campus maintains green environment with the help of periodical environmental audit. We ensure sustainable development in terms of clean, green and pollution free environment.

Additional Information (about the Institution other than ones already stated)

Our college strives to uplift the life style of first-generation learners by providing impeccable education. We channelize resources effectively to enhance quality in terms of knowledge, skills and placement. Due to the steep increase in demand for higher education, we have decided to increase students’ intake from 2023-24 academic year onwards. Proposal has been sent to Annamalai University to raise seats to 50 for science branches and 70 for arts & commerce branches. Government of Tamil Nadu introduced two schemes namely Pudhumai Pen and Naan Mudhalvan which motivates the youth to get into higher education. All the eligible girl students studying in our college are given Rs.1000 per month under Pudhumai Pen scheme. Under Naan Mudhalvan scheme various job-oriented courses are being taught after college hours so as to enhance their placement opportunities. Realizing the advancement in technology, we have initiated various activities to motivate our students to handle technical tools in term of communication and documentation.

Our college celebrates seasoned festivals of different faiths so as to revere the social and cultural diversity. These festivals help strengthen the bonds of social harmony through which we ensure strong and unified nation. Women’s Day, Voters’ Day, Ex Leaders’ death & birth anniversaries are also being celebrated to realize its relevance to the present.

The Principal, IQAC and the teaching staff play a crucial role in the planning and execution of its policies in academic and administrative activities.  IQAC has a well-developed process to ensure quality benchmarks of academic and administrative activities. IQAC formulates a set of activities to be implemented by taking inputs from all stakeholders. The Institution’s policy believes in the involvement of all staff in decision making. To streamline the same, various committees at the college level are formed which look after academic and administrative activities which lead to the realization of the vision and mission of the college. The formal mechanism in the college to consolidate the academic and administrative planning and implementation reflects back to achieving its vision and mission.  

Conclusion

We provide inclusive education by making it accessible to all the sections of society. We are focused to maintain and promote quality, transparency, compliance and sustainability in governance. We handle higher education in the path of democratic front and provide value-based education throughout the degree course to escalate one’s life style. We understand that one’s college life is considered a bridge in our lives between our school days and career. We intend to prepare one’s life with the finest academics and platform to generate dreams into realities. College acts as a transition to prepare our students to be more independent. Students become independent in college regarding studying, thinking, decision-making, and career selection.

Our college is a student-centred organization delivering excellence in education. We aspire to be known for its excellence in teaching-learning, knowledge, skills, effective public service and community engagement. We shape youths to become diverse and competitive graduates for building our democratic society and Nation as well. We empower students to meet current and future challenges and also to develop social awareness, civic responsibility, and personal growth.
Due to the demand in the field of technology, frequently changing socio-cultural weather, customized placement platforms, contemporary ICT system, and the need for the 21st century skills necessitate us to take periodical reforms in the teaching-learning mechanism. We adopt contemporary pedagogy by integrating innovative practices to deliver holistic teaching-learning at the highest standard. Adapting to the changing climate in educational forum, we can create platform for students for exploring their creative potential and nurturing the spirit of entrepreneurship and critical thinking. Committed citizens are the pillars of any country so we instil a strong belief in hard work and core values of gender equality, human rights and ecology in the mind of our students in order to make them socially responsible citizens. We have started to expand the role of Career Guidance & Placement Cell according to the emerging trends in the career prospects of our students so that they can become adepts in their respective disciplines.