Annual Quality Assurance Report (aqar) 2013 – 14

7.4 Contribution to environmental awareness / protection

• 
  Tree saplings were planted in the campus and houses belonging to adopted village of NSS units. Vinyl banners are banned in the campus.
  
• 
  NSS units organized a demonstration class on paper art work by using waste papers on 13^th of February 2014.
  
• 
  All members of Bhoomithrasena Club visited a model farm at Puthenchira for harvesting paddy and to learn about Zero Budget Farming in December 2013.
  
• 
  Tree litter and other organic wastes are buried instead of burning.
  
• 
  Vermicompost is used for vegetable farming in the campus.
  
• 
  Star – rated electrical equipments only are purchased.
  
• 
  The Department of Economics has conducted a UGC Sponsored National Seminar on the topic ‘Gift in Green-A lyrical lament on environmental degradation’ on 3^rd & 4^th December 2013.
  
• 
  Suitably observed all national and international occasions of environmental significance like World Environment Day, Ozone Day, Gandhi Jayanthi etc.
  
• 
  NSS units launched ‘Haritha Samridhi’ (a scheme for setting backyard organic vegetable gardens in the adopted village) on 24^th of September 2013 (NSS Day). As part of the final stage of the Haritha samridhi programme, volunteers arranged vegetable gardens in 15 houses of the adopted village (Ward No. 21 of SN Puram Panchayath) on 15^th February 2014.
  

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7.5 Whether environmental audit was conducted? Yes No

7.6 Any other relevant information the institution wishes to add. (for example SWOT Analysis)

The SWOT study was completed after extensive consultations among its core team members and with various stakeholders. The core team was formed accommodating the heads of all main departments, College Managing Committee and the Principal. Copies of RUSA draft document were circulated in all departments to get a clear vision about its aims, objectives and modus operandi. The core team under the headship of the Principal met six times and had consultations/brain storming sessions in participatory mode. Core committee and sub-committees were constituted which had diverse groups from science, humanities and commerce departments, establishment section, library staff, alumni and students. This helped to figure out and determine the institutional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and accordingly action plan was drafted as per the priorities. Two meetings each of PTA and students were convened by the SWOT analysis team to derive suggestions from them. Unanimous decision arrived at was there is an urgent need to frame a vision plan which can be effective and practiced in carrying forward the activities of the institution with latest and improved national and international educational standards.

SWOT – SUMMARY
Major areas in which the institution is performing well at present (strengths), potential lacunae where it needs betterment (weaknesses), scope for improvements in future by efficient harnessing of available resources (opportunities) and limitations/factors that interfere with some of the fields of development (threats) were exposed during the analysis. Major conclusions of SWOT study have been described below. Major strengths fall in infrastructure category and major weaknesses are exposed in academic, ICT – related infrastructural and extra-curricular fields. Opportunities are available in ICT – linked areas, new courses, research and consultancy and green initiatives. Important threats revealed were found to be linked directly or indirectly to the poor financial background of rural area in which the institution is located.
Strengths: The infrastructure segment was found to be near-satisfactory. Ample land measuring 22.6 acres with constructions spread over more than twenty thousand square feet (20,000 ft.² ) with adequate infrastructure by way of well ventilated and illuminated lecture rooms, laboratories, administrative block, lavatory facilities, INFLIBNET connected library with reading room, computer centre, cafeteria, gymnasium, prayer rooms, seminar halls, auditorium, co-operative store, separate hostels for men and women, parking spaces, playground, reprographic centre etc. is reckoned as a very positive situation. The College also provides adequate opportunities to socially, educationally, economically differently-abled and marginalized sections of the society. The managing committee has sensed the pulse of the local population of the area as demonstrated by the introduction of 4 UG and 1 PG programme during the current academic year. Moreover, one add-on course (Ornamental Fish Culture) was introduced this academic year which is expected to enable the students for self-employment/better placement. The absence of a Research Centre was strongly felt and was set right by the launching of a research centre in Botany in 2013. Many of the classrooms have LCD projectors and laptops and all main departments and office building are networked via LAN. Availability of broadband connectivity during working hours facilitates the teaching and learning environment. No permanent faculty position is left vacant and the meager vacancies existing at present owe only to governmental regulations. But such posts remain filled by guest faculties of academic excellence. Faculties are following ICT enabled methods for teaching and they are in an incessant process of knowledge upgrading and dedicated teaching. NCC, NSS, Bhoomithrasena Club, Film Club, ED club, Science Forum, Nature Club etc are trying their best in imparting social service through various programmes. Student support formulae like career guidance, scholarships, tutorial system and remedial coaching are in full swing. The college exemplifies an institution of religious and gender equity and harmony with a perfect mix of men and women students from different communities. The staff clan is not an exception with respect to this. Moreover, more than seventy percent of students are women; a fact which is in tune with the declared vision and mission of the institution that reiterate education of women.
Weaknesses:

.

Inadequacies of research, extension and consultancies were felt. Lack of commendable published works from faculty seems a major let down. Absence of major research projects may be counted as an important pitfall. There is need to establish a staff quarters and recreation centre. Non-availability of adequate non-teaching staff including suitably qualified laboratory assistants is another impediment. Moreover student teacher ratio is 22:1 which again exhibits the weakness in the light of SWOT analysis. Number of smart-class rooms needs to be increased along with modernization of existing laboratories. Total automation of library and administrative office needs urgent attention. In the present scenario of availability of diverse governmental scholarship schemes, financial support to students requires more emphasis. The apparent reluctance of students to participate in arts and sports events is something worth immediate intervention. Library facilities and resources have to be improved to a greater extent.

Opportunities:

It has been found that the wired broadband and LAN more often suffers from technical snags. Setting up of a Wi-Fi hotspot will be a solution to this hindrance. Such a facility will enable an always ‘on’ environment helping in more fruitful connectivity experience. Likewise the college website needs to be more dynamic by accommodating advanced features like virtual classrooms, option for online submission of assignments and interaction platform for teachers, parents and students. Induction of MoUs with industries/other institutions/laboratories/co-operative sector and establishment of linkages with such firms could strengthen innovations and promote internal resource generation (IRG). Since the college is situated in rural coastal area, therefore service to local poor can be assured in sectors abetting the agriculture, literacy/e-literacy, fisheries, aquaculture, co-operative and energy management sectors. Preservation and promotion of indigenous art forms provide yet another opportunity. There is wide scope for entrepreneurship development in and around the area. Being an area where there is a likelihood of natural calamities like floods/tsunami, training on disaster management and coastal protection may be conducted for students and local public. Introduction of more number of innovative/value added UG/PG/Certificate courses could broaden the social commitment of the institution. The prospects of upgrading PG departments of English and Commerce into research centres may be examined. But such attempts calls for faculty improvement programmes since these departments need sufficient number of faculties holding research degrees as an important pre-requisite. PG and UG students should be encouraged to approach their project works (done in partial fulfillment of their degree programme) more seriously. Students could publish their findings in journals/periodicals with the help of teachers supervising their works. To augment the eco-friendly culture, opportunities exist for green energy, green fuel, rain water harvesting, waste minimization and green computing practices. Providing basic training in office management and accounting to all students and interested public is viewed as a promising idea.

Threats:

The locality of the college is a typical example for a rural area which hardly attracts students from distant places. Enhancement of public transport (by pressurizing governmental authorities) and induction of institutional bus service are sought. Further a sizable chunk of student community constitutes economically low income group due to which some of them abandon their studies halfway. Another section of dropouts are girl students who were forced to discontinue their education after getting married. Parental awareness programmes and initiation of earn-while-learn (accounting, technical assistance, servicing of simple electronic home appliances, computer literacy programmes etc.) might prove helpful to eliminate the issue. Extending financial supports to all deserving students could limit income-related drop-outs. It is observed that traditional subjects including Humanities, Pure Arts, Science fail to attract quality students as such courses does not guarantee employability of the pass outs. Majority of students with low input quality find it hard to follow the lessons which lead to unsatisfactory results. More rigorous remedial coaching sessions are needed to solve the problem and eliminate this threat. There seems a dire need to revise the course content continuously to check the redundancy rate of some existing subjects. Above all the mushrooming of professional colleges those offer engineering/medical courses under self-financing sector hamper students of substance from enrolling for traditional courses.

1. 
   Timely completion of ongoing construction of new buildings (Commerce block).
   
2. 
   Induction of new UG and PG programmes.
   
3. 
   Apply for PG assistance from UGC.
   
4. 
   Initiation of more add – on courses.
   
5. 
   Sustain and promote eco-consciousness among students and staff and community.
   
6. 
   Make attempt to fill up existing vacancies of teaching and non-teaching staff.
   
7. 
   Subscription of SCOPUS in library.
   
8. 
   Publishing additional multidisciplinary Academic Journal.
   
9. 
   Increase the frequency of Students’ Counsellor’s visit.
   
10. 
    Strengthening of Lecture Series by Eminent Speakers.
    
11. 
    Organising programmes to nurture folklore arts.
    
12. 
    Encourage faculty to attend skill enhancement programmes and national/international seminars, workshops and symposia.
    
13. 
    Promote extension and consultancy.
    
14. 
    Establish some MoU with suitable agencies.
    
15. 
    Apply for more seminars/conferences/symposia etc and major and minor research projects from varied funding agencies.
    
16. 
    Introduction of government sponsored computer courses.
    
17. 
    Establish an internet centre.
    
18. 
    Install a medium – scale solar power plant.
    
19. 
    Strengthening and diversification of sports activities.
    
20. 
    Construction of new toilets.
    
21. 
    Setting CCTV as a safety measure.
    
22. 
    Attempt for autonomy and RUSA funding.
    
23. 
    Organize programmes to inculcate social responsibility among students by supporting them to arrange meaningful community service activities.
    
24. 
    Restructuring of PTA executive committee by increasing parent representation.
    

8. Plans of institution for next year

Name :DR. KESAVAN K Name: DR. AJIMS P MOHAMMED

_______________________________ _______________________________

Signature of the Coordinator, IQAC Signature of the Chairperson, IQAC

_______***_______

Annexure I

Abbreviations:

CAS - Career Advanced Scheme

CAT - Common Admission Test

CBCS - Choice Based Credit System

CE - Centre for Excellence

COP - Career Oriented Programme

CPE - College with Potential for Excellence

DPE - Department with Potential for Excellence

GATE - Graduate Aptitude Test

NET - National Eligibility Test

PEI - Physical Education Institution

SAP - Special Assistance Programme

SF - Self Financing

SLET - State Level Eligibility Test

TEI - Teacher Education Institution

UPE - University with Potential Excellence

UPSC - Union Public Service Commission

***************

Annexure (ii)

Analysis of the feedback from Stakeholders

1. 
   Students: Analysis of Student feedback is probably the crucial mechanism by which academic environment is taken forward. A multi-angled feedback platform is available for student segment viz. the College Students Union, the Student Grievance Redressal Cell, and the Class – wise feedback. In the Governing Body of the College the General Secretary of the Students’ Union represent their views and opinions in relation to the curricular and co-curricular activities of the college. In addition to this, the tutorial system is available which handles student viewpoints as one of its agendas. There is a Grievance Cell for dealing with students’ problem. Grievances of women students are also handled by the cell. However there is facility for women students to convey their special needs to women faculty members who are in charge of women’s cell. Complaints received if any are settled after thorough analysis of the case and special consideration is given for urgent matters. Class wise feedback on individual teachers is registered in a foolproof format and students are allowed to maintain anonymity in the record. The format is supplied to and recollected from the students by the head of the institution directly. Verbal feedbacks are also sought if necessary. Views, opinions and assessment made by the students are carefully processed and necessary follow-up is made by the Department/Faculty/Heads in terms of teaching methodology, rapport, and support. The head of the institution has made it mandatory for all teachers to obtain the feedback made by students on them and to take necessary corrective action. Departmental meetings are conducted after getting verbal and/or semi-formal feedback from students for the improvement of infrastructural facilities, library matters and other academic activities. Whenever necessary, the matter is presented to the concerned authority with the view to cater to the needs of the students.
   

2. 
   Alumni: Frequent meetings of the Alumni Association are organised in the college and share their views and opinions with the members of different faculty. This also provides an opportunity for the present teachers to bridge the gap between the old and the new. Departmental alumni meetings are conducted by some departments which also contribute to betterment of conditions.
   

3. 
   Parents: Parent Teacher Association (PTA) functions as a face-to-face desk for feedback system. Conduct of Class-wise PTA at least once in one semester for each class is a micro level arrangement to obtain direct feedback from parents. In addition to this frequent telephonic discussions are made in necessary cases among class tutors and/or Head of Departments and guardians/parents. Executive Committee of PTA makes a minimum of six sittings per calendar year in which the representatives of parents’ wing can express any matter related to administrative, academic or infrastructural areas. Such comments if any are registered in minutes to facilitate tackling of it at the earliest. Moreover General Body of PTA is a broad platform for parents to convey their views which are taken very seriously for formulating urgent action.
   

Annexure (iii)

Best Practices of the Institution

Best Practice 1

• 
  Conduct of competence development programmes for staff in the institution.
  

Goal: Improvement of professional skill of faculty and non-teaching staff through familiarization with modern tools and approaches in teaching.
The Context:

The institution is committed towards delivering value education to students. In this context, the IQAC has realized the need for updating the knowledge base regarding the teaching methodologies and creating awareness about changing academic environs in the present situation of higher education. The accountability of college teachers is manifold today for which they should be equipped with current trends and tendencies. Acquiring of state-of-the art tools and techniques is imperative to achieve this target. Skilled administrative machinery is essential for achieving goals of the institution. Moreover administrative staff has to keep pace with advancements in office management and acquire knowledge in handling tasks with developments in information and communication technology. In addition to in-house programmes, staff are encouraged to attend such sessions outside the institution as and when they take place.

The Practice:
The institution has introduced a mechanism for improving professional skill by the way of conducting in-house workshops and trainings to teaching and non – teaching staff. Laying a foundation by way of imparting awareness about the need for skill update and providing lectures is the first step adopted. For this purpose suitable resource persons are invited and talks are delivered.
In the case of teaching staff basics of pedagogy are included in the programme as a training-based degree in education like B. Ed is not mandatory for a career in higher education sector in India. These introductory lectures are not exhaustive as many of the faculty members are trained teachers. In addition to teaching skill (including ICT tools), sessions on academic writing, research methodology and basic counselling skills are also being imparted.
During the AQAR reporting year of 2013 – 14, the institution has conducted two training programmes for faculty members of which the first one was aimed exclusively at Assistant Professors who joined service after 2010. This was a two-day’ Faculty Development Programme held on 21^st and 22^nd of June2013, sponsored by Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC). The event was co-sponsored by Muslim Educational Society (MES). The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Kadavanad Mohammed, Correspondent and Chairman, Standing Committee on MES Colleges. Seventy one Assistant Professors from various MES Colleges participated. Dr K Kesavan, IQAC Co-ordinator was the co-ordinator and Smt Bindu Jamal, Associate Professor, PG Dept. of English was the Joint Convener of the programme.
A faculty development programme was conducted on 9^th January 2014 on “Innovative Teaching Methodology” sponsored by The Kerala State Higher Education Council and organized by Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and PG Dept. of Economics. DR K. P. Suresh, Professor, School of Pedagogical Sciences, MG University, Kottayam was the resource person.
An half – day workshop session on MOODLE was organised on 18^th of June 2014. 74 teachers were benefited by the training session. This was a parallel session held in connection with NAAC sponsored national conference on “Role of ICT in Institutional Quality Enhancement – Analyzing Current Status and Exploring New Frontiers’ conducted on 17^th and 18^th of June 2014.

Training programmes for non-teaching staff are focused on computer based office management and familiarization with online file transactions. The department of computer Science of the college is actively involved in providing technical knowledge to administrative staff. The library personnel are given special attention in such sessions as the library is almost fully computerized. Service of external resource persons are also sought whenever necessary. A training programme on SPARK (Service Payroll Administrative Repository for Kerala) was organized in March 2013. SPARK is a network-based integrated Personnel Payroll and Accounts information system for all the employees in Government of Kerala. A training programme on office administration and management was conducted for office staff on 1^st February 2014. The programme was led by Mr Rasheed, Under Secretary (Retd), Kerala Public Service Commission.

Evidence of Success:

Faculty members are immensely benefited by faculty development programmes as evidenced by highly positive feedback from students and increase in number of publications. The total number of publications during the period 2012 – 13 was a meagre 18 which galloped this year to 112. Quantification has not been made regarding the feedback but a factual assessment shows an overall improvement. Similarly teachers are showing added interest in availing FIP for acquiring research degree and applying for research projects. ICT based teaching has gained a big leap recently.

All administrative staff are conversant with computerised file management. All of them are equally confident of undertaking every type of work assigned to them. After acquiring essential skills in computer-based tasks the usual system of accumulating duties is not occurring at present.

Problems encountered and Resources required:
As regards training programmes for faculty members there exist no apparent deficiencies, except the inability of the students to avail high cost of computer facility at home to harness the full utility of ICT based teaching. A great majority of them are from financially weaker families and unable to afford high end devices. Insufficiency of manpower is a major constraint in administrative sector. The Management is unable to appoint sufficient permanent non-teaching staff due to lack of sanction from State Government. In nutshell, there is no sufficient people to effect a worthy reflection of training sessions that are being imparted.

Best Practice 2

• 
  Ban on vinyl banners in the campus.
  

Goal:

To reduce plastic use by avoiding vinyl banners thereby contributing to the eco-friendliness of the campus.

The Context:

Till recently it has been a regular practice to arrange vinyl banners for all programmes taking place in the campus due to their availability at cheaper rate, quickness of printing, water – proof nature and better finish. The institution has decided to sacrifice these conveniences due to the hazardous nature of non-biodegradable flex plastic. Moreover, the disposal of vinyl banners turned out to be a challenge.