Assessment Report on
Institutional Accreditation of
Bharathi Women’s College (Autonomous)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Bharathi
Women’s College, Chennai established in June 1964 has been named after the
great Tamil Poet laureate Bharathi who emphatically advocated the emancipation
and empowerment of women in his various verses and writings. It is a government college (Autonomous) and
is affiliated to the University of Madras.
The institution is catering for the needs of economically and socially
weaker sections of the society, especially the first generation of women
learners. It covers a radius of 30 square kilometers in the northern part of
Chennai. The institution believes in
imparting quality education and making sincere efforts to move towards academic
excellence. The college is recognized
by the University Grants Commission under 2(f) and 12(B) of the UGC Act of
1956.
The
college volunteered to be assessed by the National Assessment and Accreditation
Council (NAAC), Bangalore and submitted a Self-study Report in early March
1999. NAAC constituted a Peer Team to
visit the institution and validate the self-study report. The Peer Team comprised Prof. M. Madaiah,
former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Mysore, Karnataka as Chairman and
Dr. Rajan Varughese, Principal, Union Christian College, Alwaye, Kerala and
Dr.(Sr.) Christine Rebello, Principal, St. Francis College for Women,
Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh as members.
The team visited Bharathi Women’s College on 29th, 30th
and 31st March 1999. Dr.
Antony Stella, Deputy Adviser and Mr .B.S. Ponmudiraj, Academic Professional of
National Assessment and Accreditation Council ably coordinated the work of the
Peer Team throughout the visit to this institution of higher learning. The Peer Team had the privilege of having
the wise counsel of Prof .A. Gnanam, Chairman, NAAC on April 30th in
Chennai.
The
Bharathi Women’s College has a beautiful campus of about 8 acres (55.78 grounds
& 175 X 120 sq.mts.) with adequate infrastructure and is located in the
northern part of Chennai. The college
started with a modest student enrollment of 196 in 1964 and today more than
3000 students are on its roll. One
hundred and forty four members are on the teaching faculty and fifty two
members are on the non-teaching staff including eighteen technical staff. The college has earned a reputation in the
surrounding area through its dedicated service offered to the people of the
neighbourhood, by providing sound education to women students. Thirteen under-graduate programmes leading
to B.A., B.Sc. and B.Com. and seven post graduate programmes, leading to M.A.
and M.Sc. are offered. In addition,
M.Phil. courses are offered in Bio-Chemistry and English. The college has the required number of
qualified teaching staff to offer and administer the innovative and diversified
academic programmes.
The
Peer Team meticulously analysed the self-study report submitted by the
institution. During the 3-day visit to
the college, the team went through all the relevant documents and visited the
departments and the facilities- academic, extra-curricular, sports and
extension, of the institution. The Peer
Team interacted with the Executive Committee, the Principal, faculty, non-teaching
staff, representatives of the students,
parents and alumnae of the college.
Based on the above exercise, the peer team has given its objective
assessment in the following pages, keeping in mind the seven criteria
identified by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council.
Section 2: Criterion-wise Analysis
Novel
curriculum design and introduction of innovative courses go a long way in
moulding the career of younger students into various walks of life in the
society. The college has done well by
offering a wide range of useful courses to students. As an affiliated institution of the University of Madras,
Bharathi Women’s College has followed meticulously the curriculum of the
university till it became autonomous in 1998.
In the choice of optional subjects, the college has been judicious in
preferring innovative and job-oriented courses like Environmental Biology,
Vocational Zoology, Applied Geography, Bio-Chemistry and Applicable Sciences
for the benefit of students. The
semester system has been introduced in this college from the academic year
1998-99. All the departments are
designing a variety of new courses with updated syllabi to be offered from the
academic year 1999-2000. Internal
assessment is being introduced under the semester system and continuous
assessment is made of student performance through periodical tests, practicals,
field work, project work etc. The
curriculum design and transaction focuses on good teaching as well as the
overall development of students.
Students are appreciative of the services of the Management and the
faculty. Feedback from students, peers
and employers is obtained and modifications in the curriculum are brought in
wherever necessary to suit the changing needs of the society.
However,
the institution may provide a competitive edge to students by exposing them to
the rapidly emerging information technology. Since career orientation is one of
the main concerns of this premier institution, the college could introduce more
vocational courses of the UGC, and innovative applied courses. This would, in turn, supplement the
traditional subjects and courses.
Criterion II: Teaching-learning and Evaluation
Teaching-learning
and Evaluation are carried on in a successful and satisfactory manner in the
college. Teachers are very enthusiastic
and dedicated, and the long-standing work culture of the college is an added
strength. These are very essential for
shaping the career of students. The
Peer Team has noticed that students perform well in the examinations and get
many ranks. Individual attention is
given by teachers to the development of students in their academic
proficiency. Teaching aids like audio
visual aids and overhead projectors are also used by some teachers to make the
teaching-learning process more effective.
Another commendable feature is that high achievers are encouraged and
slow learners are given remedial and bridge courses after the class hours
through an effective tutor-ward system.
Quiz, tests, and model examinations are given at regular intervals to
keep track of students’ academic alertness.
All the teachers in the college have adequate work load in teaching and
co-curricular activities and the teachers go to classes fully prepared. Interaction with the student representatives
reveals that students are happy with the teaching and evaluation procedures and
performance.
However,
the mechanism to obtain feedback from students for improving the
teaching-learning processes needs to be streamlined. Further, though the college has an adequate number of teachers,
only twenty two out of 140 are holding Ph.D. degrees. Therefore, there is an
urgent need for encouraging the other faculty members to acquire Ph.D. degrees
to strengthen the academic programmes of this autonomous institution. The college needs to put in conscious
efforts to increase participation of the faculty in various professional
development and career advancement programmes.
The Peer Team recommends the
college to have still better equipped audio visual facility to facilitate effective
teaching-learning processes. The
computer centre needs to be expanded with more computers and adequate number of
qualified staff to provide better access to all teachers and students. Access to more information will not only
enable the students to have a competitive edge over others but also help them
increase their self-confidence level which is essential in shaping their
career.
After
visiting all the departments, the peer team is of the view that the research
guidance at the post graduate level projects and M.Phil. programmes is quite satisfactory. Only nine per cent of the teachers guide
research scholars. One teacher has
obtained a gold medal for her Ph.D. thesis.
One member of the Zoology department is recognized as research guide by
the University of Madras. A few
departments like Botany, Geography, Bio-Chemistry, History, English, Economics
and Commerce have some publications to their credit. Almost all the departments have organized seminars or workshops
on various topics of interest. However,
there is little evidence of scholarly research in the departments. This may be partly due to lack of adequate research
facilities and funds. To make the
research programmes effective, it is necessary for the institution to start
post graduate courses and M.Phil. programmes where they are non-existent. The Ph.D. programme needs to be introduced
where M.Phil. programme is already in existence. Equipping laboratories, library and strengthening of the computer
centre would go a long way in encouraging critical research. The college authorities should approach the
government, UGC and other agencies for funding through viable research
proposals.
The
Peer Team noticed that except career guidance and some linkage with Stanley
Medical College, not much consultancy service is provided by the
institution. Proper attention may be
given to consultancy service in the coming years.
The
college has done well in the area of extension service. The NSS Units, NCC and the Rotaract Club
have been actively involved in extension activities. These include blood donation, blood grouping, health and AIDS
awareness, environmental awareness, and village adoption. Many faculty members take part with the
students in these community development programmes. However, the documentation regarding extension work needs to be
streamlined. There is much scope for
expanding extension programmes in the neighbourhood of the college where
working class and low income groups dominate the socio-economic scene. Extension programmes would not only build
the image of the institution but also help the students to have exposure to the
life and work of their less fortunate counterparts in poor surrounding.
The
college has a good master plan for improving its physical facilities. The infrastructure facilities available are
adequate. The new building which is
nearing completion will house the library and the computer laboratories. The library now functions through the
departmental library services.
Provision needs to be made for audio/video cassettes, reprographic
facilities, book bank and for computerization of library services. An open-air auditorium is under
construction. The Mathematics
department is responsible for promotion of studies in computer
applications. Many staff members have
been trained in the use of computers.
There are 21 computers in the computer centre and 3 in the departments.
There is a move in every department to introduce studies in computer
applications.
The
hostel is well maintained. There are
about 100 inmates who have adequate facilities to live together. The maintenance of the buildings and the
cleanliness of the campus are satisfactory. The campus is maintained with the
help of PWD, students and other associations.
The Peer Team was pleased to note the cleanliness of the campus. It also
appreciates the discipline of students evident in their behaviour. A botanical garden, with several medicinal plants
in it, is a noteworthy feature but needs to be improved.
Sports
facilities are adequate and achievers in sports have financial incentives and
preferential admission benefits.
Students have access to several State, Central and other scholarship schemes.
Annual health check up is provided through the services of the neighbouring
Stanely Medical College. On the whole,
good care and concern is bestowed on the students.
Optimal
use is made of the available resources and infrastructure. More furniture and better class rooms may be
provided with assistance of the UGC, the government, industries, the PTA,
alumnae and other voluntary organizations, in view of the progressive increase
in student enrollment. The canteen
needs to be upgraded.
About
40% of students proceed to higher education and seek employment. A good number of those who qualify at the UG
level take up teacher training. The low
drop-out rate and the high success rate of students are appreciated.
There
is a need for introducing a student feedback mechanism on student progression
and quality of academic life. The
alumnae association meets once a year and helps in the growth of the
institution. There is a good number of
scholarships, freeships and other financial incentives to students. The Tamil medium students are given a
stipend. Much care and attention is
bestowed on economically backward students.
The Peer Team was pleased to notice an informal yet healthy academic
counselling facility through the ward system and personal contacts. It is necessary to introduce placement
services and maintain proper records for student progression.
Criterion VI: Organisation and Management
Bharathi
Women’s College (Autonomous), is a State Government institution. Activities of the college are planned and
executed by various committees with the involvement and assistance of teaching
and non-teaching staff and the Students Union.
Some of the major functions are carried out by the College Council, the
Staff Club and the Committees for Admission, UGC matters, Sports, Magazine,
Audio Visual, Fine Arts and Calendar. The autonomy conferred on the college is
well managed with the statutory bodies- Executive Committee, Finance Committee,
Boards of Studies and the Academic Council.
Teaching
and non-teaching staff and students are informally consulted for the effective
functioning of the college. The work
efficiency of teaching and non-teaching staff are assessed by audits at
supervisory levels- Heads of Departments, the Bursar and the Principal. The College Council and the Bursar assist
the Principal in ensuring the smooth functioning of the academic and financial
activities. Staff recruitment and
posting are made by the state government.
Some
teaching and non-teaching staff members use the training facilities of the
computer centre of the college. But
there is scope for non-teaching staff members undergoing more training
programmes in leadership development, communication skills, and use of
computers. The confidential reports on
non-teaching staff are maintained and used for career advancement. A number of
welfare schemes are available both for teaching and non-teaching staff. The college has a grievance redressal mechanism
at the level of Heads of Departments, and Principal. The College Council resolves
issues referred to it. The college has recently acquired the e-mail
facility and internet connection.
Financial
management and auditing procedures are satisfactory. The main sources of funding to meet the recurring expenditure of
the college and to provide for the infrastructure development are grants from
the government of Tamil Nadu and the University Grants Commission(UGC). Revenue generated from self-financing
courses and funds from the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and alumnae are
also available. More efforts are
required to strengthen resource
mobilization through PTA, alumnae and for its effective utilization.
The
college attempts to provide quality education through various curricular and
co-curricular activities. The Monday
morning worship practiced by the college as a regular feature is to inculcate
the spirit of national integration and communal harmony. The informal financial support extended by
teachers to needy students is commendable.
The efforts of the management to computerize admission procedures and
pay bill preparation are worth mentioning.
The teachers and the Principal have won public recognition for their
commendable work in research, social service and the Scout movement. Students
have consistently performed well in sports and games, NCC, NSS and cultural
activities.
The
personal attention given by the teachers for the all round personality
development of students is laudable. The Peer Team is pleased to note the
remarkable discipline found on the campus.
The enthusiastic involvement of teachers in the curricular and
co-curricular activities of the college needs special mention.
Section 3: Overall Analysis
The
Peer Team, after a careful analysis of the self-study report and after
assessing the Bharathi Women’s College through its visit on 29th, 30th
and 31st March 1999, is pleased to note that the institution has
worked hard to fulfil the objectives for which it was established in 1964. The
college is catering for the needs of the first generation women learners who
hail from the socially, educationally and economically backward sections of the
society in North Chennai. The college has kept up its reputation by providing quality
education. Improvement in the quality of higher education and moving towards
academic excellence have been emphasized by this premier institution.
The college has good infrastructure facilities
and it continues to add new structures to meet the growing demands for its
development. The institution has sufficient number of qualified teaching and
non-teaching staff and their services are fully utilised. The Peer Team
appreciates the enthusiasm among the teaching and non-teaching staff. Another
welcome feature is the discipline of students found on the campus.
The college offers a wide range of innovative
and job-oriented courses which will help the students in shaping their
careers. The team has observed many
teachers using audio visual aids for effective teaching-learning
processes. Greater use of such
techniques is recommended. Though there
is a Computer Centre catering for the
needs of the institution, it needs to be expanded with more number of terminals
and networking of all the departments including the library, to meet the
growing demand on the use of computers in higher education. The departmental
and the central library services need to be modernised. More books and
periodicals may be added. The formal feedback mechanism may be strengthened
before redesigning the curriculum and for improving the quality of
teaching-learning.
There is transparency in the organisation and management of the institution. There is quite a large number of scholarships and freeships
available to cater for the needs of students.
Though the Peer Team could find research activity in some of the
departments, scholarly research is yet to emerge. The Peer Team strongly feels
that the institution requires considerable amount of funds to equip the
library, the laboratories and the Computer Centre. The college should approach
the State Government, the UGC and other funding agencies to meet this
additional requirement.
The Bharathi Women’s College has been rendering significant service in promoting women’s education for the weaker sections of the society at North Chennai since its inception in 1964 and has made a name among its students and the community. The Peer Team envisages a bright future for this premier institution in the coming millennium.
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