St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous)
Palayamkottai, Tamilnadu
Section 1. Preface
St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai was established in the year 1923, much before Independence, on a modest scale with 25 students. It grew out of the philosophy and vision of the Rev. Fr. Caussanel S.J. who conceived the idea of starting a college for the benefit of the backward communities in the area and for promoting leadership among weaker sections, with a special concern for first generation learners. The college was started despite the prolonged opposition of the then Collector. The college was recognised as a degree awarding institution by Madras University in mathematics and history. During its 75 years of long journey, it has evolved into a premier institution, and achieved a niche in higher education in the region.
St. Xavier's College has established a high tradition of academic excellence in the field of higher education and has several accomplishments to its credit, both in the past and in recent years. The college is affiliated to Manonmaniarn Sundaranar University and was accorded autonomous status in 1987 after the state government, the university and the UGC were satisfied with its performance and infrastructure. Today, the college stands as a center of higher learning, cherishing the goals set by a galaxy of Fathers from the Society of Jesus. The College offers 11 UG and 7 PG programmes in addition to extensive research in four departments - Tamil, Zoology, Botany, and Folklore. Members of different faculties supervise the work of scholars engaged in research leading to M.Phil. and Ph.D. in several areas of knowledge.
The college volunteered to be assessed by National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore, and accordingly submitted the self study report. The NAAC constituted the Peer Team for visiting the institution consisting of Prof. M. Malla Reddy, former Vice-chancellor of Osmania University as Chairman; and Prof K.M.Kaveriappa, Chairman, Department of Applied Botany, Mangalore University and Fr.Sebastian Thekkedathu, Principal, Christ College Bangalore as members. After an in-depth analysis of the various dimensions of the institution which the Peer Team presents this report. It visited the college on 13th, 14th, and 15th of March, 2000. The interaction with the Principal, Management, faculty, students, alumni and parents and review of the various teaching facilities provided necessary inputs for the following report prepared as per the guidelines laid by NAAC.
Section 2. Criterion-wise Analysis
Criterion I: Curricular Aspects
By virtue of its autonomous status and academic freedom St. Xavier's College has been able to design its own curriculum and maintain a tradition of academic excellence. The college offers 36 academic programmes ranging from certificate courses UG diplomas, PG diplomas and UG and PG courses to M. Phil. and Ph. D The college has also created several complementary learning opportunities for promoting general and transferable skills among the students. In view of emerging trends in higher education in the present century, a large number of students are provided access to computer training and the college proposes to make the training an integral part of the regular curriculum from next academic year. The college has also designed a Foundation Course for imparting value oriented education and religious training.
Initiation, review and redesigning of courses could be institutionalised and made an on going process Interaction with academic peers, although present to a certain extent, could be augmented and directed towards employment and placement opportunities. Potential employers could be identified and brought to the campus to receive the feedback about the curriculum, paving way for future placement. Though some departments are doing extremely well in research, attaining globally comparable standards, it could be tried by more and more departments. Goal orientation , curricula structuring, updating of syllabai, interfacing curriculam with extension and vocationalisation are not orient in the present set up. These may be attempted through a corporate exercise which may be periodically undertaken by the whole college community.
Criterion II: Teaching-learning and Evaluation
The institution has taken a great amount of care and concern in making teaching-learning activities very effective. Almost all the members of the faculty possess either M. Phil or Ph.D. to their credit, with a few exceptions. In view of the rich academic background and professional competence the faculty members are able to create a stimulating teaching-research environment in the institution.
The academic year of the college is divided into two semesters with 90 working days per semester. Students are selected for various courses on the basis of academic merit assessed with a combination of various procedures which include entrance tests, interview and the academic background of students. 50% of students are given admission under the discretionary quota reserved for Catholics and the other 50% of the seats are allotted to students under open quota following the rule of reservation according to the norm prescribed by the government. Although 50% of admissions are made with discretion of the Management, a large number of non-catholic students from the SC and ST categories are given preference in admission in the interest of social justice As a result, more than 60% of students from weaker sections receive higher education. An instance of the true spirit of the philosophy of positive discrimination. The college also organizes workshops, field trips, education trips, seminars, etc., in addition to classroom instruction.
In the interest of the academically disadvantaged students, the college offers bridge / remedial courses - a compensatory learning process. By virtue of its academic freedom the college has introduced many innovative approaches in the evaluation of student performances. Periodical tests, assignments, practical tests, written paper and project evaluation form an important component of continuous internal evaluation. In addition to this internal evaluation, students also take the end semester examination and they are assessed by external examiners
With regard to double valuation, moderation and revaluation, it is to be noted that upto 8% of marks are added by the moderation committee, in the case of PG students and a revaluation advantage is permitted to the UG students, provided the students apply within the prescribed time after the announcement of the results.
As stated earlier nearly 90 per cent of the faculty hold research degrees - either M.Phil. or Ph.D. and keep abreast with recent developments in the subject areas by participating in the refresher courses, seminars, symposia and through research and publications. During the academic year 1997-98 and 1998-99 nearly 42 teachers have participated in various seminars and 8 faculty members were involved as resource persons. The college encourages the faculty members to acquire skills in computer education and they are permitted to join the courses offered by the computer department on a part time basis. For purposes of career advancement every teacher prepares a self appraisal report, which becomes the basis for their promotion.
The college has developed many national and international linkages which help the faculty in their teaching and research activities. Several teachers especially of botany, zoology, folklore, mathematics, entomology and economics have participated in the international seminars held in their respective areas across the country and outside the country, which is worth recording. It is important to note that some teachers have brought laurels to this institution through their professional contributions and honours conferred on them such as awards and certificates of national significance.
Autonomy has helped the institution in several ways especially in maintaining their rich traditions and also in adopting many innovative approaches in curriculum and instruction technology. By virtue of autonomy it has been possible to adopt an internal assessment and semester system. The college is able to help students to complete the programme in the prescribed duration by permitting them to retake the examinations in which they fail. The college has adopted an institutional mechanism to process the grievances of students with special reference to malpractice in the examination and also the redressal of their grievances connected with examination results.
Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension
Commendable research is being promoted in areas like Tamil, botany, zoology, folklore, entomology. biotechnology and aquaculture. The Herbarium has global acceptance with forty thousand fern specimens and fifty thousand flowering plants. aquaculture, aquatic biodiversity, entomology, poultry, fishery etc. are some areas on which the zoology department works on. Mathematics, chemistry, physics, economics etc are the departments with high potentials for research. STAND, CDI etc have been created for undertaking extension services. Various projects in the college are funded by national and international agencies. Members of the faculties publish books and articles in academic journals.
The college has constituted a research cell consisting of seven faculty members to monitor research activities. The committee is empowered to evaluate research undertaken by various departments - examine the research proposals and make appropriate recommendations for the financial support. The college is one of the leading centres of research in higher education in this region and can boast of its outstanding research in tissue culture, zoology, biodiversity, folklore and Tamil. The faculty has published in all 377 papers both in international and national journals and 32 books. 16 students working for Ph.D. programme have successfully completed and awarded degrees. At present 39 students are working on full time basis and 33 on part time basis for the award of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Three full time research scholars have been receiving JRF fellowships. It is very significant to note that 4 faculty members of this institution were conferred with Young Scientist Award by DST in addition to one faculty member who has been recognised as Fellow of Indian Fern Society, another teacher received Career Award from UGC and one more faculty member was awarded the degree of Doctor of Science from Madurai Kamaraj University.
A large members of different faculties offer consultancy services especially in the fields of aquaculture, entomology, biodiversity, tissue culture, and folk arts - the thrust areas of the institution. The college is equally strong in extension programmes. These programmes are organised under the guidance of a full time co-ordinator who is the Director of STAND (Students Training and Action for Neighbourhood Development) During the last five years STAND has organised several extension activities, for rural upliftment, for promoting social and gender justice, tree planting programmes, blood donation camps, creating environmental awareness, organising medical and veterinary camps and cultural activities. STAND has adopted 14 villages so far and has been actively involved in promoting developmental activities in the villages. In addition to the programmes undertaken by the STAND the college has carried out many outreach programmes with the support of AICUF (All India Catholic University Federation), Red Cross Society, Environmental Club, Blood Donors Club which are noteworthy. Students are encouraged to participate in the extension activities right from the beginning of their academic career in the institution and their participation is recognised with awarding merit certificates and cash awards. Some of the NGOs in the region are also support STAND like Nehru Yuva Kendra, Ford Foundation, Field Publicity Office, TSSS, Panchayat Unions, Govt Hospital and Veterinary department. The young student scientist programme is sponsored by TNSCST (Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology), Chennai as a residential programme for duration of one month each in three consecutive summer vacations. The philosophy of the programme is to impart knowledge and scientific skills to a group of 50 students studying in VIII standard in Tirunelveli District with a view to develop scientific curiosity and aptitude in the students. In this programme St.Xaviers College takes active interest specially guiding the project which is an important aspect of the programme. The programme is funded by the government at a cost of Rs.1 lakh during 1998 and .1,37,000 in 1999 and the final phase of the programme is scheduled for May, 2000. The HOD of physics is in charge of the programme who acts as the coordinator between the institution and the government.
The research work of FRRC is an outstanding contribution in the field of folklore undertaken by diverse social groups, professionals and institutions. This department is receives impressive grants from organisations like the Ford Foundation and has built a high quality audio visual archives costing nearly 1.75 crores. The department publishes a journal of high standard 'South Indian Folklorist' twice a year. It has already published five books and another ten books are under preparation for publication This department is engaged in many socially relevant activities like study of conflict in the southern districts of Tamilnadu, the study of local health traditions, Bangalore, the study and propagation of folk medicine, practice of the Kanikaran tribes.
The department of zoology has undertaken extensive researches on aquaculture. It has established a centre of Aquaculture Research and Extension - CARE. The CARE is financed by several organisations like UGC, CSIR, ICAR, TNSCST and DOE to the tune of Rs.5O lakhs. Several students are working for Ph.D programmes in this area and 11 have been awarded the PhD. degree. Entomology Research Unit another very important centre for research activities in the college receives substantial financial assistance from UGC, CSIR, DOE and AIACHE. This unit is working in many areas of scientific importance in the field. It has published 167 research papers, 2 books and produced 14 M.Phil scholars and 11 Ph.D scholars which is commendable. The centre is provided with an exclusive library for the benefit of research scholars. This research unit is well known in the country for its contribution to new knowledge in these areas
The Aquatic Biodiversity Centre, Integrated Poultry and Fish Culture Unit are two other centres of national importance in higher education in the college. The Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology is a contribution of the department of botany and R&D efforts of the centre have received national recognition. The centre has produced 9 Ph.D scholars and currently 8 scholars are working for their Ph.D. degree.
The department of Tamil has done commendable research work and is recognised as a special centre 'Veeramamunivar Aaivu Mantram". The faculty of this department have contributed four outstanding books in the Tamil language. The thrust areas in the department are: Tamil novels, Tamil journals, modern literature in Tamil, Christian literature in Tamil
While the college takes pride in their contribution to advancement of new knowledge in higher education, R&D at the national level, it also encourages the other departments like English, maths, computer science and STAND in extension.
Criterion IV : Infrastructure and Learning Resources
The college is built in an area of fifty eight acres, located at the heart of the city The various academic programmes, teaching, research and administrative activities are conducted in 7 different blocks with sufficient accommodation - Main building of 6695 sq.m, PG Block of 2988 sq.m, Library block of 1997 sq.m., Bank block of 700 sq.m, Platinum Jubilee Block of 1368 sq.m, Biodiversity and Biotechnology Block of 526 sq.m, Block for Aquaculture research of 357 sq.m., and An exclusive block for Extension and Entomology Research of 325 sq.m.
Almost all the UG departments and some post graduate class rooms, the Vice Principal’s room, Conference Hall and Alumni Association Office are located in the main building In the PG block besides PG departments, accommodation is provided for the Vice Principal’s, the Controller's Office, the archives and the canteen. The library block, is provided with exclusive stack rooms for UG and PG students and for an auditorium. NSS, NCC and the office of the Director of Physical Education also function from this block. The bank building has the SBI extension counter and fine arts room. The administration offices including the chambers of the Principal and the Dean are located in the Platinum Jubilee building. There are other buildings for specialised activities such as biodiversity, biotechnology, aquaculture research and entomology research The existing infrastructure especially the building accommodation is adequate for the ongoing academic programmes and activities. However, the Management has undertaken the construction of a few more buildings on the campus by mobilising sufficient financial resources for the purpose. Despite the fact that some of the buildings are very old, they are well maintained by the Management. The buildings are put to optimum use on account of various academic programmes organised in the institution which include teaching, research and extension - three dimensions of higher education.
Several other organisations like NGOs, ICWA and government institutions use the campus and a part of the infrastructure with the permission of the Management for various purposes. The college has a centralised library in addition to departmental library facilities. The library contains about 66056 volumes and there are adequate for the present strength of students pursuing various programmes at UG, PG, research level. The library is run by an advisory committee which monitors the working of the library and the books for the Library are purchased on their recommendations The library works between 8 a.m. and o 4 p.m. on all working days. It is being computerised by investing a sum of Rs.5 lakhs for its efficient functioning and modernisation. The library has computer and audio and video facilities and proposes to provide CD-ROM and internet. At present the college subscribes for 20 Journals in different subjects. The college now proposes to establish a central computer facility. However, at present each department has been provided with the required number of computers. In all there are 129 computers in the college which are utilised by different departments depending on the needs of the department. It is worth noting that the commerce department which has also introduced job oriented programme is provided with 32 computers. Computers are used for training, research and documentation, cataloging and administrative purposes. Motivation of the staff to undergo computer training is imperative for the optimum utilisation of the computers available in various departments. The modern computer facilities like internet, e-mail and fax are available in the college.
Health care facilities are provided by the college to all the students with the help of nearby nursing homes. The college has also provided facilities in sports and games for the benefit of students. Students participating in sports and games at the state and regional levels are given financial assistance. Several other incentives are also provided to encourage students to participate in games.
It is significant to note that during 1998-2000, more than 100 students have participated in hockey, volleyball, basketball at the regional level and 26 were selected to participate in football and volleyball. Out of 26 students who participated in the above sports and games at the state level, two were declared as winners at state level tournaments and one in the basketball tournament. At the national level one student represented the college at youth state volleyball competition.
The college is able to provide hostel facilities to a large number of students and nearly 50% of the students stay in the residential halls consisting of 320 rooms. The expenditure incurred on mess is shared by students equally under the dividing system. The Hostel Managing Committee consisting of the Director, Deputy Director and five Asst. Directors supervises the hostels. The hostel is indeed an additional centre of learning with a number of facilities and learning resources. It is worth recording that the Management has spent 40 lakhs of rupees during the last three years to improve modem communication facilities like e-mail, Internet etc. in the institution.
Criterion V: Student Support and Progression
It is noted from the interaction with parents, alumni, association, faculty and students that there is a heavy demand for admissions into this college. In the opinion of the parents and alumni the institution is one of the leading colleges in this region. Therefore many students aspiring to pursue higher education apply to this college. There are 14 students who have come from other states and 1348 students from the region i.e. within the state of Tamilnadu. The college does not maintain any account of the achievements of its alumni for obvious constraints. The college publishes a prospectus containing information about the history of the college, aims, objectives and its academic philosophy, courses offered, fee structure, financial support and opportunities to participate in the extra curricular activities.
The college has instituted a career counselling centre which organises seminars on career guidance and job opportunities. A qualified full time counsellor attends to the emotional and psychological problems of students. The state government extends financial support to SC, ST and BC students by subsidising their education. In addition, the state government also offers merit scholarships to others. Endowment scholarships are awarded by the college . During the last two academic years 41 students were awarded merit scholarships and more than 1500 students, (which is almost 50% of the total number of students) have received other forms of financial aid.
There is no regular employment and placement cell in the college but, as already mentioned, the college provides academic and personal counselling. Students are encouraged to seek self employment through career counseling programmes.
There is an alumni association which plays an active role in the growth of its alma mater. They have instituted a number of prizes and scholarships. They also offers remedial courses for weak students. The Alumni Association conducts enrichment programmes for students who prepare for competitive examinations like NIBA and MCA.
St. Xavier’s College is known for its wide range of co-curricular and extra curricular activities. The life in the college is exciting. Special lectures, competitions, demonstrations arranged by the college contribute to its intellectual climate. Many students of the college appear to be gifted artists and have won many prizes in art and music competitions. Fine Arts Association, Folk Artists Group, Campus Diversity initiative (CDI), All India Catholic University Federation (MCUF), National Social Service (NSS), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Environmental Club, Institute of Type and Shorthand, Counselling and Campus Ministry, Platinum Tournaments are some of the activities of the college which indirectly contribute to student progression.
The Impact of the "nonformal institutional association" with the community, bears special significance. It is particularly contributes to develop the holistic personality of the student. Many ex-students of this college who have risen to occupy important positions in public life acknowledged their debt to their alma mater, while they were interacting with the Peer Team.
The CDI is a unique programme of the institution funded by the Ford Foundation based on the academic philosophy of the institution and its commitment to national solidarity and unity.
Criterion VI: Organisation and Management
Being a multipurpose Christian minority autonomous institution it is governed by a complex organisational structure. The college is administered by Governing Body which is responsible for policy making. Its structure follows the norms of UGC the Board of Management implements the policies made by the Governing Body. In addition to these statutory bodies there is Academic Council which is responsible for academic decisions. Being an autonomous institution the curriculum of the college is designed and implemented by the Board of Studies within the college. In addition to these bodies, there is an Admission Committee which deals with admission and academic matters. The Finance Committee administers its finances.
While the Provincial is the ex-officio Chairman of the Governing Body and the ultimate appellate authority, the Rector is the ex-officio Vice-Chairman of the Governing Body and the local authority of appeal. The Secretary of the Management Committee is the Director of the College. The Principal looks after the overall administration with the support of three Vice-Principals. Administration includes other issues such as general discipline, attendance, exams, etc.
A full time Controller of Examinations looks after the conduct examinations and publication of results. The Deans of the College act as liaison officers between the college and the UGC, dealing with issues related to autonomy, research grants, etc. Each department has a Head who is in charge of teaching, research and administration with respect to that department.
The Principal of the college with the help of the Deans and senior staff prepares the academic calendar of the college which is implemented without any deviation. The institution follows a transparent admission policy. A special committee processes admission every year and ensures implementation of the state reservation policy.
The college also provides an opportunity to the administrative staff to develop their skills and performance. They are given the opportunity to acquire computer skills and handling internet and e-mailing for ensuring efficient administrative support.
The Board of Management is responsible for the overall governance of the institution and for the preparation of a perspective plan for the fixture development of the college. The institution is managed by the Jesuits of Madurai Province who own the college. However, in the recent years they have been encouraging and ensuring faculty participation in conformity with the latest management philosophies.
Criterion VII: Healthy Practices
The Peer Team noticed many notable features in the institution with reference to the following healthy practices;
1 The research departments of the college, are linked to TNSCST, DST, ICAR, MEF and CM (Switzerland) which form an extraordinary academic tradition of promoting excellence in the institution
2. In the case of some departments like Computer Science and Commerce, industry-
institutional linkages have been established.
3. The college, by virtue of its academic freedom and autonomy is contemplating introduction of the credit system - an innovation in evaluation.
4. The college offers Foundation Courses for imparting moral education and value oriented education.
5. The creation of STAND for organising extension activities by adopting villages in the rural areas.
6. The college is devoted to the cause of upliftment of the poor, the disadvantaged and the oppressed and no capitation fee is charged whatever the financial constraints - a great tradition, true to its philosophy.
7 The Management and faculty work together with team spirit
8 Celebration of religious festivals and discourses on their significance organised by the college at indeed very significant.
9. The organisation of the orientation course is an annual feature. This is conceived to help the college Student Council members such as the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, the Secretary and the class representatives. This helps the leaders to relate not only with the teachers but also those whom they represent.
10 The enrichment programmes are arranged for preparing students for MBA, MCA and SLET by the Alumni Association.
1. The successful conduct of the University Youth Festival to demonstrate the
organizing capability of the faculty and students is a major achievement.
Section 3. Overall Analysis
St. Xavier's College was established in the year 1923, much against the wishes of the mighty British Government and the then Collector of Tirunelveli District - going through an epic fight by the Jesuits of Madurai Province, with the support of local people The philosophy of the institution is directed towards educating the weaker sections of society and for creating socio-cultural awareness through a process of conscientisation. To this end Jesuits have dedicated 53 acres of valuable land located in the heart of Tirunelveli city and have built spacious and imposing buildings consisting of 7 separate blocks with a well conceived layout. The institution has residential and non-residential, rural and urban men & women students. The college endeavors to look at the problems of these students form the perspective of their social background and conducts a diverse range of programmes, teaching and research directed towards their overall development and social justice. The college works in close collaboration with the community through several outreach programmes and extension activities.
Commendations:
· The college is trying to promote teaching and research through an interdisciplinary approach with vibrant curriculum within the broad ambit of sciences, social sciences and humanities.
· The college by virtue of its autonomy exercises its academic freedom in restructuring its courses, programmes under R&D and encourages faculty for undertaking counselling, extension activities, publications, study of community issues through special research projects.
· The faculty includes some eminent academicians of national reputation and several other highly accomplished teachers who are professionally competent. They make significant contributions to the development of the backward region in the state.
· The faculty are involved in interdisciplinary research programmes that seek solutions to current issues of social and scientific importance.
· In the disciplines like botany, zoology, folklore and Tamil, the college offers several distinct Ph.D. programmes by enrolling competent students who have a sound academic and scientific training. Students are well prepared for research programmes at the interface of physical, biological, social and technical disciplines. The college places major emphasis on teaching at the UG and PG levels but has also afforded the opportunity to participate at the cutting edge of researches during their doctoral programme.
· The college is a vibrant community of faculty and students committed to excellence in higher education. It has received financial aid from national and international organisations for outstanding research in the departments of botany, zoology, Tamil and folklore. These agencies have been further assisting the sustainable development of these departments.
· Faculty from this college act as important resource persons in international seminars, symposia etc. which are of practical and social importance.
· St. Xavier's College does not collect any capitation fee from students even in the case of self financed courses. As a consequence, the institution, for its altruistic philosophy, is held in high esteem not only by students but also by the community at large.
· Quality is the major concern of the institution which it ensures through a high standard of discipline and motivation. Within its framework of philosophy, the college organises programmes for intellectual growth and personality development with The Foundation courses
· The college emphasises promotion of general transferable skills to students to
enable them to address emerging problems in socio-technical issues.
· In the departments of economics and commerce job oriented courses are offered
as an additional option with computer training.
· The institutional linkage or tie ups with industries and other centres of excellence
in the country the special features of some departments.
Thus, the college contributes to holistic education - cognitive expansion, development of the affective sphere through value orientation programmes and community development with the help of STAND.
Recommendations:
1. The Department of botany has developed excellent facilities for biotechnology and tissue culture. The existing facility is largely used for micro propagation Neridophytes. They have a well-developed herbarium, green house and a database of plant diversity of the region. These facilities could be extended for a programme cum taking in floriculture which can help in placement of students in private firms dealing with floriculture.
2. In the 100 acres of land available in Kodailianal an Arboretum of rare, endangered and threatened plants of Western and Eastern ghats could be established This will be a unique ex situ conservation measure, for which special funding from the Department of Environment, Government of India could be explored.
3 Post graduate programmes like biochemistry and microbiology can be introduced in the departments of botany and chemistry owing to the high potential of these courses for employment During the interaction with students some have advocated the need for staring PG courses in their respective disciplines. Keeping in view the optimum utlisation of the existing resources, the college may introduce PG courses wherever there is a demand. The proposal of the institution for starting new courses like MCA and MBA should be pursued on priority basis.
4 Even though there are 129 computers available in the institution, the facility is not centralised. A college of national reputation, St. Xavier's College should modernise its activities by providing computer skills to all students at the cutting edge of modern technology and science.
5. The college is has a reasonably good library. It is the opinion of the Peer Team that the institution must provide the latest text books for reference materials and the facilities must be provided through open access to all students.
6. While the college is very strong in research and extension, in the case of UG curriculum no significant changes are noticed by the Peer Team. The conventional "disciplinary structures" need to be integrated at least partially in the interest of transdisciplinary teaching and research purposes.
7. In the area of extension, the concept of STAND is a very significant step. We propose that the extension activities should be all pervading encompassing various departments and involving the entire faculty.
8. Despite St. Xavier's reputation as a centre of excellence in teaching, research and extension the college has not initiated any steps to promote inter institutional relations with other centres of excellence for sharing research facilities including scientific equipment and library.
We express our sincere sense of gratitude for the warm welcome, the affectionate treatment and cooperation extended by the Management, the Principal, faculty, staff and students in completing this important exercise - accreditation and assessment of St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai.