CRITERION I: CURRICULAR ASPECTS How are the institutional vision / mission reflected in the academic programmes of the College?

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1 CRITERION I: CURRICULAR ASPECTS 1.1 Curriculum Design and Development How are the institutional vision / mission reflected in the academic programmes of the College? Vision Empowerment of rural women to be the agents of social change and liberation of women, with special reference to the poor, the marginalized and the destitute, from all forms of shackles in life, through quality and value based education. Mission Holistic formation of students by developing intellectual, emotional, physical, social, cultural and spiritual dimensions of their personalities, to make them competent, self-reliant, employable and service oriented with love and faith and with the futuristic perspective of social transformation, ecological, national and global consciousness. The academic programmes, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are designed meticulously so as to reflect the vision and mission of the college, focusing on the empowerment of women and the first generation learners. (Figure 1.1) The academic and other activities shown in the figure aim at maintaining high academic standards to provide appropriate knowledge and skills to the students to meet the fast changing needs of the society making the students embrace new technologies and compete at the global level imparting socially relevant quality education to develop the holistic personality of the students bringing out the inherent and latent talents and skills. It is visualized that the women students then could become intellectually resourceful, morally upright, socially committed and spiritually inspired with the consciousness of the dignity of womanhood and their rightful place in the society sufficiently empowered to encounter the challenges of the present day society. J. A. College 23 NAAC - SSR

2 Circular Aspects Figure 1.1. Academic Programmes of the College J. A. College 24 NAAC - SSR

3 1.1.2 Describe the mechanism used in the design and development of the curriculum? Give details on the process. (Need Assessment, Feedback, etc) Curriculum of all courses are updated once in 3 years and made relevant to cater to the local, diverse needs and emerging trends. In the process of curriculum development, the Curriculum Committee plans the basic structure of the course with CBCS, keeping in mind / incorporating the objectives stated in the vision statement with the scope for revision and improvement. The Committee would specify the nature, various categories and weightage of the course, allotments of hours and credits to each subject in accordance with the recommendations of the UGC and TANSCHE. While framing the curriculum, due emphasis is given to the other components like interdisciplinary approach, provision for experiential learning, multi-skill development, ICT enabled learning, development of creativity and originality, requirements of today s job market, personality attributes (traits), values and social consciousness. Necessary changes are ascertained and incorporated in the curriculum for the qualitative enhancement of the courses, based on the following mechanisms. Feedback of the students in a structured questionnaire Feedback from the parents, alumni, subject experts on the BoS and Academic Council, interaction with the resource persons and the peer groups in various academic forums Suggestions of the Academic Audit team Reference to the syllabi prescribed at other educational institutions, familiarizing with the national and international policies for higher education Availability and creation of infrastructure facilities in the college Drawing the new trends in various subjects by accessing website The expectations of the stakeholders, the demands for employment and the requirements for life The curriculum so designed by the faculty members is discussed in the departments and in the BoS meeting. The alterations, modifications, deletions and omissions suggested by the subject experts in BoS are carried out before it is placed before the Academic Council for final approval. J. A. College 25 NAAC - SSR

4 1.1.3 How does the College involve industry, research bodies, and civil society in the curriculum design and development process? How did the College benefit through the involvement of the stakeholders? The College is associated with various industries, research bodies and civil society and stakeholders whose valid suggestions and feedback help in designing the curriculum relevant to the present scenario. Role of Industries Industry experts are nominated as members of BoS of all departments. One industry expert is included as a member of Academic Council. Industry experts participate as resource persons and guest lecturers in the meetings / seminars and conferences organized by the Departments of Commerce and Management Studies. The students and the staff have discussions regarding the emerging trends with the industrialists when they go for industrial visits, internships and on-job training for their projects. This helps in identifying new areas of knowledge that could be incorporated in the curriculum. Research bodies The staff and students interact with researchers while visiting Research Institutes and attending seminars / conferences / workshops / Orientation Programmes / Refresher Courses. Veteran Research Scholars are appointed as University Nominees for BoS / Academic Council. All departments are linked with Researchers / Scientists / Educationists of one or other renowned Research Bodies and Research Centres in Universities and colleges like IISc., Bengaluru; Hi-Tech Arai Limited, Madurai; Entomology Research Centre, Loyola College, Chennai; LaCones, Hyderabad; JNU, New Delhi; SACON, Coimbatore etc. Civil Society Professionals like lawyers, physicians, industry experts etc., are also included as members of Academic Council. Feedback regarding the curriculum, performance of the students and all the academic and extension programmes is obtained from the parents of the current students so that relevant changes could be effected in the present curriculum. J. A. College 26 NAAC - SSR

5 The curriculum is designed with society relevant subjects like Human Rights and Duties Education, Environmental Studies etc., and updated based on the new trends and social needs which will enrich the knowledge of the students and equip them with the required skills. Benefits The views and suggestions of Industry experts, Research scholars, Professionals and People s representatives in the society are incorporated in the curriculum of all disciplines to make it locally and globally relevant and to promote employability. The involvement of stakeholders has paved way for the introduction of various new programmes like B.Com.(C.A.), M.Sc. Chemistry and M.Com. during this assessment period. Many certificate courses have also been introduced. A Career Oriented Course namely Certificate / Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Communicative Skills and Functional English is introduced. Project for all the III UG and II PG students has been made mandatory. These courses will enable the students to plan interdisciplinary academic pursuit, research and also find placement easily. The institution organizes seminars / conferences / workshops on recent trends and motivates students for projects based on social needs and thereby promotes research How are the following aspects ensured through curriculum design and development? *Employability * Innovation *Research Employability, innovation and research are the important criteria considered in the design and development of curriculum to ensure promotion of competency, technocracy and active research activities. Employability Curriculum is designed in such a way as to ensure the potential for employment with most of the traits required in the job market. Interdisciplinary SBE courses for UG and NME courses for UG and PG, Fundamentals of Computer and Office Automation I & II in the curriculum enhance the prospects of employability. Besides core subjects such as B. Com. (C.A.), job oriented courses like Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Courses in Communicative Skills and Functional English. Certificate, Diploma and PG Diploma courses in Computer Applications, Certificate Courses in Tourism and Travel Management, Printing Technology etc., J. A. College 27 NAAC - SSR

6 are conducted to widen the scope of employment and entrepreneurial ventures. Industry based projects of the final year UG and PG students equip them with necessary knowledge and skills for jobs. Developing communication skills through Spoken English Training Programme in Language Laboratories and English Enhancement Course through EVERONN has opened up new avenues of job opportunities. Curriculum is framed for UG, PG and M.Phil. keeping in mind the requirements of the SET / NET examinations so that the students can adequately be enriched in their respective subjects to face these examinations with confidence. Innovation Innovation is the charm and spice of the curriculum. Modern teaching techniques, like use of Interactive Board and E-learning, make studies innovative and rewarding. In framing the curriculum, subjects of current importance and need such as Programming in C, Software Testing at UG level in Physics and Computer Science programme respectively and Thin Film Characterization Techniques at PG level in Physics programme have been introduced as Self Study Courses. Courses in emerging areas like Fuzzy Sets and Fuzzy Numbers, Financial Mathematics, Forensic Biology, Nano Science, Microprocessors and Micro Controllers, Nano Chemistry, Bio-physics, Nano Biology, VB Script, Cloud Computing, Mobile Computing, Emerging Trends in Computing, Software Testing and Digital Image Processing and Tourism Development are introduced in order to enable the students to update their knowledge and expand the avenues for placements. Community service is promoted through the integrated nature of the curriculum. Web based assignments to both UG and PG in Physics and Computer Science are innovative. College Bazaar is organized in collaboration with Self Help Groups to inculcate entrepreneurial skills. J. A. College 28 NAAC - SSR

7 Research Curriculum is framed in such a way as to inspire and motivate the students to undertake research programmes. Projects involving experiments and study in the laboratories / library / fields for UG / PG / M.Phil. programmes are research initiatives. Exposure to the talks and discussion with scientists and researchers provides opportunities to the staff and students to explore the prospective areas of research. Attending Research Oriented Summer Camps and Training Programmes enhance research skills of the staff and students. The findings of PG / M.Phil. Project / Dissertation are presented in seminars / conferences / workshops and published in renowned journals How does College ensure that the curriculum developed addresses the needs of the society and have relevance to the regional / national Developmental needs? Any academic exercise must have social relevance and keeping this in view, the curriculum is designed. The conventional subjects are restructured to meet the local, regional and the national needs. Socially relevant aspects are incorporated in the curriculum of the core subjects like Women Entrepreneurship, Company Law, Food Preservation, Health and Chemistry, Medical Physics and Instrumentation, Clinical Laboratory Technology etc. Exclusive courses and programmes under Part IV and Part V at UG level and NME courses, Assignments, Case study etc., at PG level, oriented towards achieving the regional and national development needs have been introduced. The students of science disciplines follow the Lab to Land principle by imparting knowledge and skill in the preparation of washing powder, face powder, phenoyl, ink, candle, mushroom and vermicompost etc., in the adopted villages during the special camps of NSS and JACEP, which help the community people to do micro-enterprises. Environmental Studies with field visits promotes environmental consciousness and conservation of nature. Certificate Courses in Gandhian Thought, Human Rights and Duties Education, and Basic Counsellor Training Programme advocate J. A. College 29 NAAC - SSR

8 simplicity, service with love, truthfulness, non-violence, self reliance, universal brotherhood, gender equality and human relations, promoting social harmony at regional and national levels. Students have the option to choose Physical Education under Part V. Participation in games, drill and Karate fosters physical, mental and spiritual health and disciplines oneself which in-turn builds a healthy society. SBE and NME courses, language proficiency and computer application courses equip the students with adequate skills for competency, employability leading to the economic growth of the students and the nation at large. Socially relevant projects and case studies are undertaken and are presented at appropriate forums. These promote social awareness among the students To what extent does the College use the guidelines of the regulatory bodies for developing or restructuring the curricula? Has the College been instrumental in leading any curricular reform which has created a national impact? The College strictly adheres to the guidelines of TANSCHE and UGC with CBCS while developing and restructuring the curricula. UGC model curriculum is referred to a great extent during revisions in and Inculcation of Gandhian values in students is of paramount importance in fostering the culture and heritage of India, the Certificate Course in Gandhian Thought has been made mandatory in the curriculum for the outgoing UG students. 1.2 Academic Flexibility Give details on the following provisions with reference to academic flexibility a. Core / Elective options b. Enrichment courses c. Courses offered in modular form d. Credit Transfer and accumulation facility e. Lateral and vertical mobility within and across programmes and courses i. Core / Elective options Students have the freedom to choose the core optional course in all the departments; Department of History has the flexibility for option in the medium of study either in Tamil or English. J. A. College 30 NAAC - SSR

9 The students avail the flexibility to opt for the supportive courses out of two or three courses provided for NME and SBE courses for UG and NME Courses for PG. In the I and II Semesters, a paper on Office Automation has been streamlined for the students of different programmes. ii. Enrichment Courses 14 Certificate Courses are offered outside the class hours for the UG students. A student can opt any two courses per year for scoring extra credits. UGC sponsored three year Career Oriented Course in Communicative Skills and Functional English at Certificate / Diploma / Advanced Diploma levels earns an additional degree. A one year Diploma Course in Computer Applications for UG students and a one year PG Diploma Course in Computer Applications for PG students earn extra credits of those who opt for them. Certificate Course in Gandhian Thought is mandatory for all III UG students. Certificate Course in Basic Counsellor Training Programme conducted by Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences, Dindigul provides an extra credit. An online course on English Enhancement offered by Everonn was open to all UG students. Self-study courses offered in Departments of Physics and Computer Science boost up the credits of the advanced learners. iii. Credit transfer and accumulation facility Credit transfer is possible in the present CBCS introduced by TANSCHE. For example, the credits earned in Part-I Tamil, Part-II English, Major subjects etc., can be transferred to any other college in Tamil Nadu. Students can be readmitted after a break of study and carry over the earned credits with the same syllabus and pattern within 6 years of discontinuation and with the current syllabus and pattern after 6 years. UG students can accumulate their credits by studying Certificate / Diploma / Advanced Diploma courses / Self-study courses and PG students can study PG Diploma course in Computer Applications. J. A. College 31 NAAC - SSR

10 iv. Lateral and vertical mobility within and across programmes and courses Lateral Mobility During under graduation, an Arts student can move to Science and vice-versa, via SBE and NME courses. A PG student from any Science / Humanities department can study NME in any Science / Humanities department respectively under CBCS Programme Have any courses been developed specially targeting international students? If, so how successful have they been? If no, explain the impediments. The courses offered are of international relevance, though they are not specially framed for students from other countries. The institution has planned to attract international students by creating linkage with Liverpool Hope University, U.K. International Relations A.D A.D., Tourism Products of India, International Business, Modern Governments, Nano Science, Engineering Chemistry and Nano Chemistry are some courses that enhance employment opportunities and higher studies at International level Does the College offer dual degree and twinning programmes? If yes, give details. Yes. Honours degree can be obtained by those who pursue UGC sponsored Career Oriented Course in Communicative Skills and Functional English at three levels (Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) along with the UG degree. Certificate Course in Basic Counsellor Training Programme offered by Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences, Dindigul is a twinning programme Does the College offer self-financing programmes? If yes, list them and indicate if policies regarding admission, fee structure, teacher qualification and salary are at par with the aided programmes? Yes, the College offers the following self-financing programmes. J. A. College 32 NAAC - SSR

11 Admission Table 1.1. Details of Self-financing programmes Programme Subjects B.Sc. Physics B.Sc. Zoology UG B.Sc. Computer Science B.Com. (C.A.) B.B.A M.A. Tamil M.A. English PG M.Sc. Physics M.Sc. Chemistry M.Sc. CS & IT M.Com. M.Phil. History Zoology Fee Structure : Admission to the self-finance programmes is as per the Government norms with special preference to the first generation learners, the differently-abled, the marginalized and the destitute. : Fee structure is nominal Teacher Qualification : As per the UGC norms Salary : As fixed by the management Has the College adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)? If yes, how many programmes are covered under the system? Yes, the Institution follows the guidelines of TANSCHE that insists on CBCS with semester pattern for all the programmes What percentage of programmes offered by the College follows: *Annual System *Semester System *Trimester System Annual System: 26% of programmes, (8 Certificate, 2 Diploma and 1 Advanced Diploma Course (11/43) *100 = 25.58) follow annual system. Semester System: 74% of courses, (14 UG, 9 PG, 2 M.Phil. programmes, 6 Certificate Courses and PG Diploma in Computer Applications (32/43)*100 = 74.42) follow semester system. Trimester System: It is not in practice. J. A. College 33 NAAC - SSR

12 1.2.7 What is the policy of the College to promote inter-disciplinary programmes? Name the programmes and what is the outcome? Policy To impart interdisciplinary knowledge as may be necessary for the allround development of students thereby making them capable of being better employable with knowledge and skill as required in the highly competitive job markets and to provide ample scope for research, Interdisciplinary programmes / courses are introduced in the college. Programmes B.Com. (C.A.) was introduced in Departments of Tamil, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Zoology offer interdisciplinary core courses. All UG departments offer SBE, NME courses and all PG departments offer NME courses which enable the arts students to learn science and vice-versa. Department Table 1.2. Skill Based Electives Skill Based Electives Tamil Vealai Vazhikaatti - I Vealai Vazhikaatti - II English Spoken English Written English History Principles of Tourism Tourism Products Mathematics Vocational Mathematics Vocational Mathematics Physics Digital Photography Mobile Technology Chemistry Food Preservation Everyday Chemistry Zoology Ornamental Fish Culture Apiculture Commerce Basics of Accounting E-Commerce Commerce C.A. Service Marketing Fundamentals of Securities Market Business Administration Salesmanship Interview Techniques Computer Science Flash Java Script J. A. College 34 NAAC - SSR

13 Table 1.3. Non Major Electives Department UG PG Tamil Cheyilum Ilakkanamum Nadahakalai English English for Competitive Examination Functional English History Banking - 1 Indian Constitution Noakku Noolgal English for Communication Freedom Movement in India (A.D A.D.) Mathematics Physics Chemistry Zoology Commerce Commerce C.A. Business Administration Discrete Mathematics Fundamentals of Management Techniques Home Electronics Astrophysics Health and Chemistry Applied Chemistry Food and Nutrition Family Health Care Advertising and Media Insurance Management Mathematical Modeling Medical Physics and Instrumentation Medicinal Chemistry Health Science Financial Accounting for Managers Introduction to Income Tax --- Global Marketing Fundamentals of Management --- Leadership Styles Computer Science Web Designing Visual Basic Script Multimedia with Flash Interdisciplinary certificate courses in Computer Maintenance and Hardware and Human Rights and Duties Education are also offered. Outcome The increase in the demand for B.Com. (C.A.) is a clear proof for the need for interdisciplinary programme that turns out graduates employable. Students with B.Com.(C.A.) can pursue M.Com., MBA and MCA programmes. The interdisciplinary courses offered in all the departments widen the scope for interdisciplinary research and employment and enable them to compete in the competitive examinations with confidence. J. A. College 35 NAAC - SSR

14 1.3 Curriculum Enrichment How often is the curriculum of the College reviewed for making it socially relevant and / or job oriented / knowledge intensive and meeting the emerging needs of students and other stakeholders? The curriculum is reviewed once in 3 years to ensure relevance and global competency, keeping in view the goals, objectives, vision and mission of the institution; ratifications in the syllabus are done on the basis of feedback from stakeholders. SBE and NME courses were introduced with local relevance, national trends and developmental needs. In , the modified curriculum was structured on the guidelines of TANSCHE. In , the curriculum structure was revised incorporating the views and suggestions of the stakeholders How many new programmes have been introduced at UG and PG level during the last five years? Mention details. *Interdisciplinary *Programmes in emerging areas The following new programmes have been introduced at all levels during the last five years. Table 1.4. Details of New Programmes Year of No Programme Course Introduction. UG B.Com. (C.A.) PG M.Sc. Chemistry 3 Certificate Library and Information Science Certificate Photo Designing Graphics Designing 3 Open Source Programming PG M.Com Human Rights and Duties Education Certificate Communicative Skills and Functional 3 English Certificate Clinical Laboratory Technology Communicative Skills and Functional Diploma English 2 Certificate Printing Technology Basic Counsellor Training Programme Advanced Communicative Skills and Functional 3 Diploma English Total 14 J. A. College 36 NAAC - SSR

15 Interdisciplinary The new interdisciplinary programmes introduced during the assessment period are B.Com.(C.A.) Career Oriented Certificate, Diploma and Advanced Diploma Courses in Communicative Skills and Functional English Certificate course in Human Rights and Duties Education Programmes in emerging areas Specific units or papers from emerging areas are included in the curriculum on revision. B.Com.(C.A.), the interdisciplinary programme and M.Com. includes courses on modern trends What are the strategies adopted for revision of the existing programmes? What percentage of courses underwent a major syllabus revision? The institution adopts the following strategies to revise and update the curriculum in the existing programmes. Discussion among the faculty members of the particular discipline Consultation with subject experts in BoS and Academic Council Collection of feedback from students, alumni and parents Identification of the requirements for competitive and qualifying examinations for jobs Search for research areas with the help of research guides and scholars Analysis of national / global trend Percentage of courses with major syllabus revision Table 1.5. Percentage of courses with major syllabus revision Year UG PG J. A. College 37 NAAC - SSR

16 1.3.4 What are the value-added courses offered by the College and how does the College ensure that all students have access to them? Value Added Courses Certificate Courses Table 1.6. List of Certificate Courses 1. Tourism and Travel Management 2. Communicative English 3. Computer Maintenance and Hardware 4. Desk Top Publishing 5. Clinical Laboratory Technology 6. Graphics Designing 7. Photo Designing 8. Library and Information Science 9. Gandhian Thought 10. Open Source Programming 11. Communicative Skills and Functional English 12. Human Rights and Duties Education 13. Printing Technology Diploma in Computer Applications Diploma in Communicative Skills and Functional English Advanced Diploma in Communicative Skills and Functional English PG Diploma in Computer Applications Certificate Course in Basic Counsellor Training Programme in collaboration with Anugraha Institute of Social Sciences, Dindigul Any UG student can opt for a Diploma Course; any PG student, a PG Diploma Course and all the students can select any two of the Certificate Courses in a year. Diploma and Certificate Courses are scheduled outside the college hours and hence feasible for the students to pursue them besides their regular programmes. 1.4 Feedback System Does the College have a formal mechanism to obtain feedback from students regarding the curriculum and how is it made use of? Yes, the institution encourages students to give their feedback on curriculum with structured format. J. A. College 38 NAAC - SSR

17 The course teacher gets informal feedback on the syllabus at the end of each semester. Consolidated feedback is discussed in the department staff meetings and the suggestions are incorporated when the syllabi are modified or the new courses on emerging areas are introduced Does the College elicit feedback on the curriculum from national and international faculty? If yes, specify a few methods adopted to do the same - (conducting webinar, workshop, online forum discussion etc.). Give details of the impact on such feedback. Yes. Discussions are carried out with the national level invitees from various universities / states / research centres for national seminars / conferences / workshops and feedback on curriculum is received informally. During Academic Audit and the review of the syllabus by the members of BoS, the faculty members in the departments receive feedback from the external members. This feedback has a significant role in re-designing and modifying the existing curriculum to foster national / global competency. There is no online forum discussion for feedback at present Specify the mechanism through which alumni, employers, industry experts and community give feedback on curriculum enrichment and the extent to which it is made use of. Alumni An alumna is included as a member of BoS. Alumni meeting is conducted on the graduation day regularly and on special days arranged by Old Students Association. Feedback is obtained from the alumni in a standard format prepared by IQAC. During their occasional visits to the department, comments on the curriculum are obtained by the faculty member in-charge of Old Students Association. Employers / Industry experts BoS has an industry expert as its member. Academic Council includes an industry expert. During industrial visits, discussion regarding the relevance of curriculum is carried out for effecting appropriate changes in the curriculum. J. A. College 39 NAAC - SSR

18 When companies conduct campus drives in the college, suggestions received from Human Resource Officers are duly taken note of and are incorporated into the curriculum. Computer skills may be provided to History students - In SBE course, Computer based papers are included for them under Stream-C. More knowledge on MS Excel may be provided to Commerce students - In SBE course, they are given special papers under Stream-B along with students of Business Administration. Community Parents of outgoing students give their feedback in a structured format and during Parent-Teacher meet. Feedback is received from the people of the locale, where students undertake community development programmes. The feedback received from alumni, employers, industry experts and community are discussed in department / BoS meetings and are utilized to bring changes in the curriculum of existing courses and to design the curriculum of new courses to be introduced. HOPE Club is introduced to develop communicative skills and thereby prepare students for global competence. Research oriented projects / courses / topics are introduced. Soft Skill and Communicative Skill training programmes are organized to make the students employable What are the quality sustenance and quality enhancement measures undertaken by the institution in ensuring effective development of the curricula? Revising the curricula periodically Conducting Academic Audit by academicians from other reputed Institutions / Universities Training the faculty through hands-on training to equip them with the skills on application of new software Updating the knowledge of the faculty by their participation / presentation in seminars / conferences / workshops / publications / Training / Orientation and Refresher Courses Encouraging faculty members to serve as subject experts in BoS and as resource persons for other institutions J. A. College 40 NAAC - SSR

19 Including the feedback given by the University Nominees and the Subject Experts on the curriculum at the BoS meetings. Any additional information regarding, which the institution would like to include. 1. New Courses / Programmes introduced Departments of Zoology and History are recognized as Research Centres by MTWU, Kodaikanal. UGC sponsored Career Oriented Course in Communicative Skills and Functional English has been conducted since UGC sponsored Certificate Course in Human Rights and Duties Education has been conducted since Certificate Course in Office Automation is sanctioned by UGC to the Department of Commerce in Certificate Courses approved by affiliating University Gandhian Thought, Tourism and Travel Management, Communicative English, Computer Maintenance and Hardware, DTP, Open Source Programming, DCA and PGDCA. 3. Member of Board of Environmental Studies The College is one of the five colleges to prepare booklet on Environmental Education, which is to be approved by UBCHEA. 4. Appreciations from HR officers during Campus Drives Students are equipped with more technical skills. More than 90% of the students complete atleast two certificate courses at UG level. J. A. College 41 NAAC - SSR