Assessment Report on
Institutional Accreditation of
St. Berchmans’ College
Changanacherry, Kerala
St Berchmans’ College, Changanacherry established in 1922 by the Bishop of Changanacherry under the University of Madras as an Intermediate college, now functioning with undergraduate, post graduate and MBA programmes affiliated to the Mahathma Gandhi University has volunteered to be assessed and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. The Council constituted a Peer team with Prof. K. Aludiapillai as Chairperson and Prof. Geetha Bali and Prof. M. Srinivas Mohan as members to visit the college for validating the self study report prepared by the college and to interact with various stake holders involved in the functioning of the institution. The team commenced its work on 14th November 1999 and visited the college on 15th, 16th and 17th November 1999.
The motto of St Berchmans’ College in Latin “ Caritas Vera Nobilitas ” meaning that ‘Charity to or love of ones fellowmen is true nobility’ symbolises the vision of the saint after whom it is named. ‘Set great store on little things’ was the distinctive spiritual doctrine of St John Berchmans. Striving towards perfection, the college seeks to build up young men and women who will pursue the goal of excellence in every field of life and activity. It works hard to develop the spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic powers of its students so that they may be good citizens useful to their fellowmen. With a cosmopolitan outlook, the founding fathers offered their services to the members of all religious castes and communities and encouraged the weaker and socially and economically backward sections of society to pursue higher education.
Starting with Intermediate Class the college became a first grade institution in 1927 with degree courses in botany and zoology. Later mathematics, economics, physics and chemistry courses were added. In 1957 M A Economics and in 1960 M.A Malayalam were introduced. Between 1963 and 1994, post graduate courses in physics & botany, M. Sc. chemistry, B.A. English, M.Sc. mathematics, M. Sc. zoology, M A. English, M.Com and M.Sc. analytical chemistry were started. M.B.A was started in 1995. In 1986, English, physics, botany and zoology departments were made research centres. Later, research centres in Malayalam and chemistry were established.
Having celebrated its Platinum Jubilee in 1997 with a national seminar and an eight day arts festival which included a Shakespeare play, the college takes legitimate pride in having made an impact on the cultural life of Kerala. It has organized a number of large-scale industrial and science exhibitions and produced full length Shakespeare plays. With well-established hostel facilities to students and reputation for discipline, it has maintained a high tempo of activities in such diverse areas as amateur dramatics, literary debates, athletics and games. It has had on its staff giants in the teaching profession. No wonder the Government of Kerala chose this college for the prestigious “ R. Sankar Award ” for best special grade private arts and science college in the State during 1994-1995 and 1995-1996 on the basis of their performance in curricular and extra- curricular activities.
The assessment by the Peer Team in respect of the criteria prescribed is summed up in the paragraphs hereunder.
Section 2: Criterion-wise Analysis
Criterion I: Curricular Aspects
As an institution started in the twenties of the twentieth century, the then existing scenario should have influenced the founders while deciding about the courses to be offered - starting with basic sciences and adding the social science economics to the under graduate offerings. During the second half of the century, quick expansion took place and today this college has as many post graduate courses as the number of under graduate courses- ten each and also the MBA course. Several additional opportunity courses such as Diploma courses imparting specific skills have been made available.
Notwithstanding the constraints and rigidities of the affiliating system, this college has developed its own genius to weave into its academic fabric, a whole gamut of activities intended not only to reach high academic standards but also to make the youth strive for excellence and to shape them as good citizens by developing their spiritual, moral, intellectual, physical and aesthetic powers.
Over the years courses with career orientation have been started at the under graduate and the post graduate levels. The BA Communicative English Course offers classes in English, French, library science, entrepreneurship, computer studies, journalism, translation and on the job training. Post graduate courses in Physics and analytical Chemistry give exposure to non-conventional energy production and maintenance and instrumental methods of analysis respectively. The B.Com and M.Com courses have a practical bias in that students pick-up skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, financial management, security evaluation and taxation.
To help the students to take-up a career, the college offers coaching through its Career-Orientation Centre for CA Foundation, U.G.C NET, BSRB, GMAT and MBA entrance test.
Through the parent teacher association, Alumni Association and Benefactors Club, feedback is received on the teaching programs and new courses introduced.
As many as nineteen associations of students are functioning to nurture their creative talents and develop leadership qualities. Nine memorial lectures in honour of eminent teachers and scholars are arranged annually.
Criterion II: Teaching, Learning and Evaluation
As per university rules students are admitted to MBA course through an aptitude test, group discussion and interview whereas for other courses admission is based on marks in the qualifying examination.
After admission, students’ capabilities are evaluated and remedial courses conducted for backward students.
Teaching plans are prepared and executed by the teachers with a built-in monitoring system. From 1998-99, 20% of the total marks has been set apart for internal assessment.
A centralized media facility facilitates preparation of audio visuals and teaching aids. Two Photostat machines and thirty computer terminals are available.
For 1998-99 the college worked for 197 days of which 180 were teaching days. Students were assessed through periodical tests, terminal examinations, assignments, seminars and project works.
A system approved by the Government is followed in teacher recruitment. Fifteen teachers were appointed during the last two years.
Eighteen teachers attended seminars as participants and resource persons. The college has an informal mechanism for evaluating faculty performance, in addition to self-appraisal. Confidential reports on staff performance is maintained by the principal.
National Seminars, workshops and memorial lectures have been conducted by various departments. The Physics department of the college conducted refresher course for teachers in 1996-97.
Two teachers were chosen for AIACHE Awards in teaching.
It is heartening to note that full length plays of Shakespeare are enacted by the Arts Club and debates are conducted by the Malayalam department. Many departments conduct quiz competitions and the English department conducts essay competitions and classes in spoken English.
Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension
The college provides the right ambience for research through its curricular and supportive programs. Project work has been made a compulsory feature for all post graduate students and the teachers who guide them. The teachers are granted study leave for pursuing M Phil and Ph D courses. Five ongoing research projects in various departments indicate the involvement of teachers in research. As many as 35 out of 156 teachers are engaged in active research.
Research grants to the tune of Rs 5.61 lakhs from funding agencies like UGC, Kerala State Council for Science and Technology have been availed of by physics, chemistry, botany and English departments.
For the six departments of the college recognized by the university as research centres, the college has a beautiful three storied building. Fifteen of the faculty are approved research guides. For an institution which is basically teaching at the pre-degree, undergraduate and post graduate levels, the quantum and quality of research are commendable.
Taking the fruits of research to the general public is very much talked about. The Peer Team is happy to note that the department of botany has taken up tissue culture as an activity to help the entrepreneurs.
Extension activities are undertaken through the NSS, NCC and voluntary organizations like the Vincent de Paul Society and the Catholic Students Movement. The services rendered, cover areas like health and hygiene, adult education and literacy, social work, medical camp, blood donation, environment studies and hepatitis-B preventive injections. Constructive activities undertaken by the NSS unit include assistance in the construction of 75 houses for the poor.
The good work done by the NSS units has been commended by the university and one of the students was adjudged the best NSS volunteer in the state. The naval and army wings of the NCC have been very active and not a year has passed without a couple of cadets being commissioned in the Defence services.
The Centre for Durrel studies and Ulahannan Mappillai Centre for Oriental studies and the centre for Kamala Das studies are unique facilities promoting research in the college. As PG courses are being taught, further strengthening of research is very desirable. While the college has deputed some staff members to work in institutions abroad, the overall atmosphere and work schedule could be made more conducive to the promotion of quality research. It would be more beneficial for the growth and development of the college to strive to better exposure of its faculty to scientific/academic communities in the country and also encourage more publications in reputed national/international journals.
The quality of education imparted in an institution of higher education has a lot to do with the infrastructure available therein. St. Berchmans’ College situated in a 25 acre campus in the heart of Changanacherry with five main blocks and about 18 other buildings, provides the right ambience for quality education.
A massive auditorium with a capacity for 3000 is an impressive facility. Similarly the indoor stadium, gymnasium and assembly hall are some of the well utilised infrastructure facilities. Residential facilities for staff are available in Jubilee Staff Hostel and Staff Lodge.
About 700 students are accommodated in the 6 hostels of the college. Of this number, 400 are UG, PG and research students. A guest house with three suites is located in the campus.
A well-equipped workshop is at the service of the departments and the college.
The Non Resident Student Centre and cafeteria facilitate the day scholars to have lunch and rest. Greenery covers the entire campus. Trees have been planted in all possible places and are well cared for. Apart from a botanical garden under the charge of the botany department wherein rare species of plants are reared, there are gardens in each of the hostels and a beautiful garden in front of the college tower.
The college library is housed in a five storied building. More than 1,00,000 books are available in the library. During the last two years, over Rs 7 lakhs have been spent to provide books and periodicals. Computerisation of library is in progress. A media centre is attached to the library.
A full fledged computer centre with 35 terminals is available for the use of staff and students. Practically all students of the college have access to the computer facility. In addition, the college office and the departments of mathematics, physics, chemistry and management have computers. Every year 160 students undergo short term computer courses.
Sports persons are given weightage during admissions and are provided free accommodation, food, track suit, etc.
The policy and procedures relating to admission are clearly spelt out in the college calendar. The prospectus contains details of courses offered, fee structure and the facilities available in the college. The various scholarships available are listed in the calendar. In 1996-97, 495 students received financial assistance. The next year, 451 received scholarships awarded by different agencies.
The dropout rate at the undergraduate level is 43%. This is said to be due to students migrating to professional courses after admission to undergraduate courses. The percentage of U G students pursuing PG after passing their examination is 53. After passing PG, 10% take up research. The percentage of students securing employment after their UG is 40 and after PG 90.
The students of the college have been obtaining university ranks in all disciplines for quite some decades now. This is indeed a commendable achievement.
The galaxy of distinguished alumni of the college include the present Minister of Education, Kerala, former Governors and Ministers, Members of Parliament past and present, IAS, IPS officers, scientists, judges, film personalities, bishops, Vice Chancellors and leaders of business and industry.
One of the very commendable features of the college is that it has a very active Alumni Association with Chapters in USA, Germany, Austria, UK, France and the Middle East. They render financial assistance to the college for various activities. They have donated the internet facility to the college. The Kuwait chapter has instituted the Best College Teacher Award.
Through a full-fledged Career Orientation Centre, facilities in counselling and career guidance to students are made available. 25 PG students secured jobs through the centre. The centre also helped 65 students to clear UGC-CSIR NET examinations, 200 GATE, 2 IAS, 15 TOEFL and 38 GMAT examinations.
To encourage academic excellence 25 medals, prizes and 26 scholarships had been instituted by benefactors and staff.
The development of the personality of students is ensured through their participation in games, activities of subject associations and clubs, production of magazine, cultural programs, essay competition etc.
The range of activities and the institutional arrangements for guidance and support are commendable.
The management of the college is vested in the Management Board consisting of 11members- nominated and elected- with the Vicar General of the Archdiocese as President and the Principal as Secretary and Convener. The functions and powers of the board and various functionaries are spelt out in detail in the revised constitution of the board, effective from 1st April 1982.
To assist the Principal in academic matters there is a College Council consisting of the Principal, Vice-Principals, Bursar, Heads of Departments and Representatives of the Staff.
Periodic meetings are held to transact business and frequent meetings are held by the Heads of Departments with faculty members to ensure smooth functioning of the college.
The work of Non-Teaching Staff is monitored by the Principal and Vice-Principals.
Principal maintains confidential reports on each staff member and appreciates good work and gives necessary advice for improved performance. Self-appraisal by teachers is considered while promotion is taken up. A number of committees have been set up to assist the Principal in various activities.
The college operates on a budget of nearly of Rs 255/- Lakhs per annum. The percentage of expenditure on academic service is 77.78, on administration 18.47 and student welfare 3.75. The deficit in the budget is made good by the Management. A sum of Rs 30/- Lakhs was raised in 1997-98 to meet developmental expenditure.
Various types of loans are made available to staff through the Staff Co-operative Society, HDFC, Scheduled Banks etc.
It is heartening to note that the financial management is very deftly handled and sizeable funds are raised through the Parent Teacher Association, various chapters of the Alumni Association operating in countries outside India and in India and self-financing courses.
With regular monitoring of students’ performance through test papers, assignments, seminars and terminal examinations, their learning process is evaluated. Teachers attend refresher courses, seminars, workshops, symposiums, extension lectures and use library in a big way to update their knowledge. Modern educational technology is used in the teaching process. There is a genuine effort to improve quality at all levels.
A number of need-based, career oriented courses are run on a self financing basis. The most important of them are the PGDCA, Hospital Management, Diploma in Management and coaching programs for CA foundation, CSIR-UGC NET, GMAT, TOEFL and BSRB examinations.
Life guidance program is offered for senior PG students.
To facilitate studies in-depth and research, special centres such as Centre for Durrell studies and Ulahannan Mappillai centre for oriental studies have been set up.
With Rs 5 Lakh assistance from the Government of India, an Energy Park has been set up.
With the experience of managing a large number of educational institutions ranging from primary schools to colleges numbering 104, the management is able to continuously enhance the quality of functioning of the college.
Two of the teachers have won awards from AIACHE for innovative teaching.
With extraordinary determination the college has kept politics out of the campus in a State wherein student involvement in politics has been rather close and affecting campus work.
The college has many firsts to its credit and has been a pace-setter in many activities. The principal has an unusual combination of expertise in English language and the basketball game. As an international referee, he has a vast amount of experience to pass on to the lucky students keenly interested in basketball and as an experienced teacher of English he is able to serve the student community in bringing Shakespeare characters alive on the stage and assisting the community to speak English the right way with the help of the language laboratory.
Section 3: Overall Analysis
Perspective plans for the new millenium.
A seventy seven year old educational institution, having many firsts to its credit, carving a niche for itself in the sphere of higher education in Kerala has most naturally been a leading light in the academic horizon. The distinguished galaxy of academics, who have served on the faculty and the affectionate alumni have contributed towards academic excellence and campus discipline. With the air of liberalization blowing all around, the policies relating to the opening of new courses and grant of autonomy to colleges should undergo a change. In such a situation, this college is bound to open new courses, adopt innovative and flexible teaching programs and establish many more disciplines. The shedding of the pre-degree courses is likely to accelerate the process of change.
The academic excellence of the college can be further enhanced by gaining autonomous status by the college from the UGC. This will enable the college to offer a highly flexible and a much broader range of subjects for the students to choose from. Having volunteered to be accredited by NAAC, the college should now strive for autonomy to encourage innovative academic reforms.
The outstanding performance of the students in inter-collegiate, inter-university and state level and national sports events indicate the immense potential the college has in shaping the youth to reach Asian and Olympic standards. With the support and assistance from the government and university, and of course from the ever willing alumnus, this college is bound to scale great heights in sports.
It is a matter of pride for the college to maintain the tradition of presenting full length plays of Shakespeare since 1937. It is not surprising that the histrionic and artistic talents developed in the college eventually lead to distinguished careers in films for some.
With the many sided splendour that this college has earned for itself over the years, the next millenium is bound to witness even more remarkable and unique achievements, thanks to the band of devoted and committed faculty, staff, principal, Management and disciplined students.
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