Assessment Report on
Institutional Accreditation of
Government Arts College
Karur, Tamil Nadu
The
Government Arts College, Karur affiliated to Bharathidasan University was
established in 1966 to promote higher education and also to cater for the
educational requirements of the local population. Karur, a semi urban district
is in the heart of Tamil Nadu with flourishing handloom textile and other
industries.
The college has its own
campus of 24 acres, situated at Thanthonimalai area. Over the years, the
college has grown into a fairly big institution with a cluster of buildings,
housing administrative office, library and various departments. While all the
departments offer undergraduate courses, the department of botany and
mathematics offer post-graduate programmes. Computer applications, a vocational
B.Com degree course, is sponsored by the UGC. The institution plays a vital
role to provide higher education in the
semi urban setting with many students hailing from low income families. The college caters for the educational needs
of many first generation learners of this region. It provides co-education to
497 women and 865 men.
The Peer Team consisting of
three experts and NAAC officials visited the college on 18, 19 & 20
January, 2000 to assess the institution for accreditation. The Peer Team
consisted of Dr. M. Muniyamma, formerly
VC, Gulbarga University, Karnataka as Chairperson, Prof. K. G. Narayana Pillai,
Director, College Development Council, MG University, Kerala and Dr. D. Shrijay
Devraj Urs, Professor of Development Studies, University of Mysore, Karnataka
as members and they were ably assisted by Dr. Antony Stella and Mr. N.
Devakanth of NAAC. During the visit, the Peer Team examined all the relevant
documents, visited departments and facilities. The Team interacted with the
College Council, the Principal, faculty, parents, alumni, staff and
students. Based on the above exercise
and keeping in mind the seven criteria identified by the NAAC. It has assessed
the institution.
An
analysis of the student population reveals that a majority of them are from
rural and semi-urban background mostly from the immediate surroundings. This
college does not attract students from outside, as there are educational
facilities available in other areas. It caters for the needs of the first
generation learners with a low socio-economic profile. To that extent serves
the educational cause of the poor thus realizing the objectives for which this
institution was established.
The
curricular contents are based on the broad structure formulated by the
Bharathidasan University as it is an affiliated college. Many of the courses
offered are conventional in nature. In view of the importance of information
technology the commerce department has introduced vocational course in Computer
applications. The college does not incorporate many aspects in the curricula
like educational aspirations and requirements of students, academic skills
development, regional and social needs and employability concerns. Whatever the
accomplishments made by the college in the last 35 years has to be viewed in the context of the
constraints within which it operates.
There are
not many course options to students because of faculty constraints and also
because the college was not permitted to start self-financing courses in the
earlier years. In spite of these constraints
the college has been able to meet the objectives of imparting higher education
to various classes of students, thereby achieving the objective of social
equity. Now that the state favours introduction of self-financing courses, the
college should seize the opportunity to introduce several need based, relevant
professional courses like M.Com, MBA, MCA and textile technology courses etc.
The city has considerable scope for initiating these courses. The Team was
informed that nearly. Rs. 1000 crores worth of textile is exported and the city
has a large industrial and commercial base.
The
college offers parallel streams (i.e. both
English and Tamil media) to enable students who intend to pursue Tamil
medium courses and it is offered in all the UG programmes excepting commerce
and computer science. The temporal plan of the programme is semester scheme. It
is observed by the Team that project work and field experience should be
incorporated in many of the courses as that would help in strengthening programmes.
The
college has not been able to interact with other institutions. But it is
necessary to explore the possibilities of inviting experts occasionally and to
arrange lectures and other programmes to provide better exposure to students
and faculty.
It would
be appropriate and relevant to introduce value based and community oriented
curricula to meet present requirements. All these are possible only when
institution attains autonomy. The college should make a beginning without
waiting for other formalities.
Restructuation
of curriculum in the light of opportunities available in the local industrial
context and in the interest of the aspirations of modern youth is an immediate
need to enhance quality and relevance. A corporate exercise by the college
community with external consultants is recommended.
Criterion II: Teaching –
Learning and Evaluation
The
college has qualified, experienced and adequate number of teaching staff to
manage the programmes and the additional demands are met by employing guest
(part time) teachers out of the resources of the Parents-Teachers
Association(PTA) and with government aid. Only 10 percent of teachers have
completed Ph.D programmes which is rather low and it is desirable and also
imperative that the remaining teachers should be motivated to pursue research
interests. It would be possible to start many post-graduate courses only after
demonstrating evidence of research culture. However it is gratifying to note
that a majority of the teachers have already obtained their M.Phil. degree.
Only nine teachers have been actively engaged in publishing their research
output in journals. It is desirable that other teachers also get involved in
pursuing not only their research interests but also in publication of their
research results whenever it is possible. Seven teachers have published
books/guides for undergraduate students.
Admission
is made in accordance with the policy of reservation of the Government of Tamil
Nadu. The college adheres to this policy strictly which is appreciated by the
community particularly the transparency in selection. There is no provision for
assessing the knowledge of students or aptitude for a particular programme but
they are helped by the teachers as and when it is required. This college has adopted
the Tutorial System wherein 30 students are allotted to a teacher who monitors
the progress of the candidates. This has been a good practice as it helps the
teachers in establishing rapport with students. The Tutorial System needs to be
strengthened and effectively implemented. There is no evidence of any
dissatisfaction among teachers or students.
The
conventional lecture method is practised in teaching. Pedagogical methods need
to be modernized. Teaching innovations will have to be introduced and encouraged.
There is no mechanism to get the feedback from students about teaching and
other academic details and it is desirable if some initiatives are taken in
this regard.
Recruitment
of faculty is made by the government and most of the teachers have been serving
the college for several years. This advantage of being associated with the
institution for a considerable period of time should have helped them in
committing themselves to the development of the institution as they have added
social responsibility. The Peer Team feels that the faculty needs to be
encouraged and motivated to take additional academic initiatives. The Principal
and other authorities need to take note of this.
The
faculty should be encouraged to avail themselves of faculty development
programmes as it is not adequate at present. Teachers should also explore
possibilities of seeking additional resources from funding agencies and enlarge
their academic activities. Faculty appraisal is regularly followed and
confidential reports are maintained. This process needs to be computerized and
continuously monitored.
Students
are assessed by conducting periodic unit tests and model examinations. Even
though there is no sessional assessment (Internal Assessment) these tests help
them to prepare for the final examination. The Peer Team appreciates the
efforts made by several departments in obtaining some ranks. The Peer Team
suggests that the English language component should be further strengthened as
that has been the main handicap for students in communication. It is necessary
that communicative English is offered in addition to remedial courses.
Nearly 20
teachers are given training in computers by the Computer Science department. It
is desirable that this facility is extended not only to teachers but also to
non-computer students. The accessibility needs to be further improved. The
computer infrastructure available should be optimally utilized for imparting
computer literacy and for offering diploma & certificate courses.
The Peer
Team appreciates the importance attached to discipline and the harmony
maintained. The college should further strengthen the liaison between teachers
and parents so that some amount of responsibility is shouldered by parents who
need to be involved at this stage. Teachers should be involved in the
preparation of teaching plans. All these initiatives would help in
strengthening teaching-learning processes. Use of educational technology in a
learner-centred teaching programme, continuous formative internal assessment, professional
appraisal of teachers performance and quality research of formally constitute
strategies of quality. A corporate
exercise by the college community strongly recommended.
Criterion III: Research,
Consultancy and Extension
The
percentage of faculty involved in research is rather low. The Peer Team feels
that all the teaching staff should involve vigorously in promoting research
culture at various levels and it is all the more necessary in the departments
offering post-graduate courses.
Even though
freedom exists for publications the contribution made by the faculty is not
significant. Some individuals have published papers as it could be seen in some
departments like geography, zoology, botany, chemistry etc. It should be
encouraged in other departments too. Faculty could explore the possibilities of
establishing collaboration with local industry and business communities, as
there are innumerable opportunities for consultancy and extension work. The
faculty should take active part in organising some short-term training
programmes for the benefit of the community and for their better participation.
The Peer Team was informed that large quantities of industrial effluents are
discharged into the Amaravati river which flows through the city. This pollutes
the environment. The college should undertake an inter-disciplinary research
project to analyse the environmental implications as an instance of meeting
local demands.
The
college has been promoting extension actives through NSS units. Eight different
activities have been identified and schemes are evolved. Students are assessed
for awarding grades like distinction based on their participation, involvement,
performance and behavior. There are four NSS units and a few programmes carried
out include tree planting, blood donation, awareness programmes, pulse polio
programme etc. One unit of NCC functions in the college and it is appreciable
that cadets actively participate in many programmes including 15 cadets
participating in the Republic Day programme. It is interesting to note that 125
cadets have been serving in the armed forces and about 45 have joined the
police force. To that extent NCC units help students in making their career.
These activities need to be supported and further encouraged.
The
college is situated in the centre of Karur town in a 24 acre campus. The neatly
maintained cluster of buildings accommodate various departments, library and
administrative office. The existing facilities are used by running the regular
college and an under graduate evening programme accommodating 147 students.
The library has 33053 books. There is a full-fledged qualified librarian. Student book ratio is 1: 22. The book bank facility is available in certain departments. The stacks, the reading and the reference sections are accommodated in a hall. Fifteen magazines and three dailies are subscribed for in the library. There is a Library Committee. The budget allotment to the library is meagre ( 51,500 under plan 40,000 under non-plan and Rs. 70,000 by UGC) when compared to the need. Additional resources should be made available for strengthening the library holdings. Steps have to be taken to modernize the library by adopting open access system and computerisation. The expertise of the Computer Science department and INFLIBNET system have to be utilized in modernizing the library. The library functions only during the college hours and it is desirable that the timings be extended. The possibility of providing video and audio cassettes, internet facilities, CD ROM facilities etc., in the library have to be explored. Centralised audio-visual aids may be provided for the use of all departments. Setting up a listening/viewing corner in the library for career information may serve students better.
Proposal for the
construction of a modern library has been submitted to the government for
clearance. Local citizens are accommodated in the reference section on request,
which will strengthen the college-society linkage. Maintenance of the college
is done by PWD/technical education department. About 13 Lakhs of rupees
sanctioned has been utilised for the above purpose in the current year.
The Computer Science
department has 24 terminals, 2 printers, E-mail and Fax facility which are
networked through LAN and Internet. The departmental students and teachers have
better access to the computer centre and that should be extended to other
departments also. The department is conducting part-time computer science
courses for staff and non-computer students. The department also assists
commerce students in vocational papers. Pay roll, staff and students data,
admission procedure and NCC activities have been computerized. Computer service
can be more effectively rendered only by increasing the hardware and procuring
more software. Optimum use of the computer lab can be effected only by
extending the timings.
Facilities for training in
athletics, ball badminton, cricket, volley ball, chess, khokho and kabaddi are
available. The college team is represented at the university level in khabadi
and khokho and state level in cricket. Good linkage has been developed between
the college and the local clubs in competition matches and in sharing of facilities.
Authorities are aware of limitations
of infrastructure facilities like outdoor and indoor stadium, track etc.
Efforts may be made to provide good facilities in the field of sports and games
in the college. Provision for a sports hostel may also be looked into.
There is an immediate need
to provide separate toilet facilities, as there are a large number of girl
students. It is surprising that this has not been looked into, as this is a
basic facility. Similarly toilet facilities for boys are to be improved.
Staff and students co-operative
store is housed in the campus. The Team appreciates the way it has been managed
and it is gratifying to note that the government has awarded this as the best
cooperative store continuously for the last two years. Textbooks and stationery
materials are sold at fair prices. Photocopying facility is available in the
store at a reasonable rate. A public telephone booth is proposed by the store.
A branch of the thrift society with its head office at EVR College, Trichy
functions in the college, which caters for the urgent financial needs of staff.
There is no hostel owned by
the college. However, separate accommodation for boys and girls, is available
in the hostels run by the Welfare Department. Possibility of requisitioning
special assistance for ladies’ hostel from the UGC may be explored.
Thousands of students from this institution have contributed their mite to the development of the society. To that extent, the college has made significant contributions in harnessing the human resources of this region.
Informative and updated prospectus and calendar are published every year both in Tamil and in English and supplied to students at the beginning of the academic year.
The admission policy is
guided by both the Bharathidasan University and the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The State policy of reservation is followed for admission. Financial aids of
the university and Government are made available to students and they are
benefited from these schemes. The college is taking efforts to develop the
overall personality of students through associations, club activities, Campus
Diversity Initiative (CDI) programmes and youth Red Cross activities.
The College has a
satisfactory academic record. Over the years, the pass percentage seems to be
gradually improving. The dropout rate is below 5% at the PG level. There
is good interaction between faculty and
students, however there is no formal academic counselling. Bridge and remedial
coaching is informal; it may be formalized.
The
college functions under the direct control of the Government of Tamil Nadu. All
policy decisions are taken by the Tamil Nadu State Government. There is a
statutory College Council with the Principal as Chairman and all Heads of
Departments as members. The council has only advisory powers and meets as and
when required. The College Council assists the Principal in administering the
institution. Various committees are constituted which co-ordinate and monitor
the functioning of the college. The fee structure is as per the guidelines of
the government and the university.
The college accounts are
audited by the Accountant General and DCE. UGC accounts are properly maintained
and audited by a Chartered Accountant.
An Alumni Association has
been started recently. It has positive suggestions for the development of the
college. The activities and involvement of alumni and parents have to be
further strengthened.
Welfare schemes of the state
government are implemented to the benefit of students, faculty and other staff
members.
Institution of a career
guidance cell, placement cell, college-industry linkage, and schemes of
entrepreneurial development are to be initiated. Facilities such as
non-residential student centre, canteen, stadium (both indoor and outdoor) and
good track have to be provided. Greening of the vast campus with student
participation will beautify the campus. Office staff need to be trained in
office automation and accountancy.
The Peer
Team identified certain features in the college, which enhance the academic
environment of the institution.
(a)
‘Pro-poor’
action programs and meeting the academic needs of the rural groups and also
people belonging to lower sections of the society.
(b)
Unit
tests and model examinations conducted periodically
(c)
Tutorial
system which has helped in better interaction between faculty and students.
(d)
Discipline
maintained and harmony created.
(e)
Efforts
made by some departments like the English Department in extending school
outreach programmes
(f)
Parent
Teachers Association which has contributed significantly to the development of
the college infrastructure
(g)
Introduction
of vocational courses
(h)
Maintenance
of departmental libraries and accessibility to students.
(i)
A
clean campus and good ambience. Greening efforts made by departments like
physics are appreciated by the collaborating agency.
(j)
The
commitment shown by members of the teaching staff to the academic and personal
well-being of their students
This
institution has been successful in meeting objectives of providing an
opportunity to rural and underprivileged groups to acquire higher
education. The Team appreciated the
efforts made so far by the college to the extent possible in introducing some
of the healthy practices indicated above.
The Peer
Team feels that there are several areas of concern which the college may
consider in order to impart quality higher education. The Team would like to
bring to the attention of the Principal and faculty of the college some of the
following, which deserve immediate attention. The Peer Team feels that phased
and speedy implementation of these suggestions would help in providing the
support needed for the growth of the institution which has all the potential.
The Team would suggest the following:
·
The college should take initiative for introducing need
based, self-financing courses
·
A few diploma and certificate courses may be offered for
the benefit of the local community and also to utilise the available
infrastructure optimally
·
Alumni association should be involved in the development of
the college
·
Co-curricular activities need to be initiated
·
A placement cell must be established
·
Remedial and bridge courses may be introduced and
effectively implemente
·
Departments may be encouraged to carry out outreach
activities and enlarge their extension
programmes
·
Library collections will may be improved and it is to be
housed in a separate building and also it requires modernization
·
Industry – institution linkage may be established
·
Entrapreneurship development training programmes may be
organised
·
Modern educational technology may be widely adopted
The Peer
Team hopes that by initiating some of the suggestions made above will help the
college to catch up with other institutions and widen its support to the local
community. It is hoped that the faculty and the authorities would take
necessary initiatives and shoulder additional responsibilities in this
endeavor.
The Peer
Team takes this opportunity to thank NAAC particularly Prof. A. Gnanam, for
giving the members an occasion to participate in this assessment process. The
Peer Team appreciates the assistance provided by Dr. Antony Stella and Mr. N.
Devakanth in the preparation of this work. The Team acknowledges the assistance
and support extended by the Principal and faculty in carrying out this exercise
and wishes to record the appreciation of all those who were involved.