St.George's College, Aruvithura, affiliated to Mahathma Gandhi University, is located in a backward, tribal belt of Kottayam District and caters for the educational needs of a largely poor and lower middle agricultural community. It is a Christian minority college, set up by the Catholic Forane Church of Aruvithura in 1965 as a junior college and upgraded to a degree college in 1978.
We see in the institution a fine model of the much commended college-community linkage. The college is closely knit into the community around and draws its strength and support from it. A rich and vibrant corporate life has been built up, with the parish, the local panchayat, with a predominantly Muslim population, parents and alumni making a big contribution to the blossoming of the institution.. The dream of the college, as explained by the Principal, is to become a resource centre for the community, serving all its developmental needs.
The college has set a vision for itself. Apart from curricular aspirations, it aims at an all round development and character formation of the students. Many of the co-curricular, enrichment and value education programmes offered attempt the actualisation of the vision. The impressive distinctions won in the field of sports also contribute to the same objective.
The college is the product of the generosity and commitment of the Management, parish and the community. The entire development needs of the college were met by contributions made by the above till 1994, when the college came in for U.G.C recognition under 2F and 12B of the U.G.C. Act. The flow of support continues till today, when a beautiful auditorium at an estimate of Rs. 80,00,000 is coming up and the Community Telecasting Centre with an investment of Rs. 15,00,000 has been set up. The Management has many more plans for progressive implementation.
The college offers 8 UG, 1 PG and 3 certificate programmes and a number of other enrichment, skill development and value education courses. It has, a couple of days ago, received the govt. order to start M.Sc. physics in the current academic year. The college has been applying for a number of courses every year but meets with disappointment due to state policies. B.Sc. Food Science and Quality Control, a partly self -financing course, was started in 1996 and a vocational B.Com. programme in 1998. Women students are four times the number of men students; in the PG chemistry programme, for instance, there are 19 women to a lone male student. The absence of hostel facilities in the campus till now, has meant hardship for women students, who have to commute long distances every day. The drawback is currently, being overcome as a hostel, funded by UGC, is coming up.
The greatest strength of the college is its teachers, dedicated , focussed, unsparing in their efforts to build up the college into a centre of all round excellence. Their concern for the students has created closeness between teachers and students, which is a vanishing virtue on today's campuses. It is the most important factor contributing to a peaceful and well adjusted campus that has remained free of strikes in the past few years. The principal, Rev Fr. A.A. Sebastian, has played a key role in motivating and inspiring teachers and students to aspire and achieve; in forging organic links with the community; in building a harmonious corporate life in the campus and in providing a vision and a sense of mission to the institution.
The mission of the college is reflected in the motto wisdom, love & service, and it has set a goal for itself to realize this mission in the character formation and personality development of the students. This is a college in the affiliating system, under the overall academic governance of M.G. University Kottayam and the administrative control of the Government of Kerala. Therefore, it may be difficult for it, to reflect its mission and goals through a college designed curriculum management. Nevertheless curriculum change may be attempted along the lines of mission by other strategies such as supplementation or enrichment on the college’s own initiative.
The college offers U.G. Programmes in chemistry, economics, political science, botany, physics and mathematics. history, and zoology are offered as subsidiaries and English, Hindi and Malayalam as languages. It has a P.G Programme in chemistry and recently the government has sanctioned a P.G. Programme in physics also. B.com with computer applications, and food science and quality control are the job oriented programmes available. The college also offers certificate programmes in computer application, embroidery & interior decoration and flower arrangement.
As internal assessment is part of the educational programme credit related system is in existence. Though total flexibility is not available, the college tries its best in value addition to the existing courses by conducting moral and spiritual classes, very effective remedial classes, and functional tutorial programme. The faculty plays a very important role in not only transmitting knowledge but is admirably sensitive to the needs, and aspirations of the community in and around it. The college has established a good industrial linkage to carry on hands-on training for the B.Sc food science programme with institutions like Modern Food Industries, Ernakulam, Meat Products of India, Koothattukulam, MILMA and Toory Haris Sea Food, Cochin. Almost all the departments have maintained placement records of their alumni and it is seen, as per the records, that many have occupied good positions.
Criterion II: Teaching- Learning and Evaluation
Most of the students are from a rural and tribal background and form a heterogeneous group. As the college follows the admission policy regulated by the university and the state, it has no option to judge the students' knowledge and aptitude at the entry level before admission. What is noteworthy is the appreciable academic progression in the output level .
To quote an example,
Entry Year 1995-96 Final Year 97-98
| Sl.No | Subject | Minimum % of Marks for Qualifying | Results | ||||
| | | Examinations on Admission | I | II | III | Rank | Total Pass |
| 1. | Mathematics | 47.6% | 15 | 1 | 7 | Nil | 88% |
| 2. | Physics | 40.4% | 5 | - | - | Nil | 50% |
| 3. | Chemistry | 45.1% | 10 | 7 | 2 | Nil | 90% |
| 4. | Economics | 38.5% | 6 | 16 | 16 | Nil | 80% |
| 5. | Political Science | 38.3% | 29 | 12 | 2 | II to VIII | 100% |
One student who had just a first class while joining the first year degree became the university's topper in economics- BA. These are the indicators of effective remedial courses and enrichment courses functioning.
At the beginning of the academic year, every department prepares a general teaching plan with enough time allotted for revision, seminars, assignments and tests. These teaching plans are displayed in the departments concerned. Though the syllabus is given by the university, it is divided into three units with a terminal exam at the end of each unit. Instruments like OHPs, models charts, TV, VCP etc are extensively used as teaching aids. Most of the departments have produced manuscript journals and the documentation of the achievements of each department needs special mention. The departments of chemistry, political science, economics, botany, mathematics and food sciences have done appreciable work in focussing on to syllabus related project work.
The Management has very little say in the recruitment policy, as it is an aided college; but teachers are professionally competent and subject themselves to student assessment, apart from self-appraisal. The Management appoints substitute teachers even when a vacancy arises for a short period. It is noticed that teachers work in each department as a team. Work satisfaction seems to be high. It is seen that sixteen teachers have participated in the national seminars and many of them have strong interdisciplinary inclinations.
Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension
Research is encouraged, though not at a very high level. One teacher is a research guide. The college has undertaken four minor projects supported by UGC, with the total outlay of Rs. 1,46,000. 25 teachers are engaged in research and 6 hold Phd degrees and 11 M.Phil. M.Sc students in chemistry are required to do research project work under the guidance of teachers.
Within the available resources, the faculty are sensitized to using their expertise in their consultancy work, by conducting training programmes for the teachers of high schools and higher secondary schools and by involving the government sponsored People's Planning. The college is strong in extension programme, trying to fulfil the needs of the community and enriching the learning experience of the students. N.S.S acted as government nodal agency for implementing and monitoring construction of houses for the economically backward. The college provides drinking water to about 50 families living near the college. The college contributed Rs 20 lakhs for the construction of a bridge across the Meenachil river, in collaboration with the Government of Kerala. The Women’s' Cell and the Youth Red Cross Cell are active in community development work. The recently established Community Telecasting Centre is an innovative experiment. The college hopes to get further integrated into the community through programmes planned in this center- programmes related to social commitments and community empowerment. In the limited frame work available to an affiliated college, this college has done noteworthy extension activities trying to integrate curriculum with them.
The campus is very vast, spread over 17.5 acres of land. The buildings of the college are well constructed with spacious classrooms and have adequate seating capacity. They have buildings with about 11,400Sq.feet built-up area. They have a master plan for the campus with projections for future growth.
At present, the classroom and other facilities are put to optimal use. The infrastructure facilities are shared by more than one department. For example the computer facilities are being shared.
The campus is situated near Meenachil river and has greenery all around. The college through massive effort have contributed Rs. 20 lakhs for constructing a bridge across the river.
Sports and physical education facilities are well taken care of by the college. It has well equipped gymnasium, two volleyball courts, a basket ball court, facilities for boxing and a football ground. The students of the college have represented the university, junior, state and national teams and won prizes at all levels.
The college has an advisory committee for the library. It has a book bank. The library is not yet computerised The library needs to acquire more books and journals. In general, it needs to be modernized and upgraded, particularly in the light of the great promise the institution has. The computer center needs upgradation, both in terms of hardware and software. There is no annual maintenance contract. There is a women's hostel which accommodates about 100 students. A women's hostel has been sanctioned by the UGC. Some students are given fee concession but loan scholarships are not available.
The canteen, at present, is located in a hall, which the college is planning to shift to new premises. The canteen is reasonably good. It is used mostly by boys.
The institution has a good grievance redressal mechanism, which involves the staff, the Manager and the P.T.A. The parents have stated that hardly any problem reached them, as all of them are resolved by the Principal and staff .
The only problem faced by students was regarding transport which was resolved by the intervention of the Principal and community leaders.
The admission to the college is strictly made according to the guidelines of the government and the university. It has 15% reservation for SC, 5% for ST, 20% for management quota, 10% community reservation and the rest are open, merit based admissions.
The area is predominantly tribal and some tribal students get in by merit, and some under reservation and if some are left out they are accommodated under the Management quota.
The academic calendar is prepared and printed well in advance and given to the students.
The syllabus and prospectus are supplied to the students at the time of admission. Through these the students are informed about the various facilities available to them in the college, including financial aids, the book banks etc.
The faculty and students are involved in making plans and surveys for community development in the surrounding panchayats. Sometimes, these activities are carried out at the request of the local government and with their active involvement.
There is significant improvement among those who join as below average students and pass out at much higher levels of attainment. To mention a few, for example, the Political Science students have achieved first and third ranks during 1994-97, II to X ranks during 1995-98 and 10 first classes including University I, II and III ranks during 1996-99. A student from economics obtained I rank during 1996-99. In addition, the students of this college have obtained I rank in botany, chemistry and food science and quality control over the years. This is true with almost all subjects. There are a number of alumni occupying prominent positions in the government, business, and academics as well as in foreign countries. Evidence is available on record with regard to their interaction with the college – their correspondence, their visits etc.
The alumni association actively interacts with the college. There is evidence of their active support including financial, to the college.
There is a well-established feedback mechanism. There is clear evidence on record about the student evaluation of teachers. The college consolidates these feedback reports and whenever necessary the Principal advises the teacher, where improvements are required.
Counselling is done by teachers in the departments. The services of a professional, United States trained counsellor are also available. One teacher has been sent for long term counselling and psychotherapy training. These persons are engaged in taking care of the problems of students and sometimes families, too.
Career Guidance is offered to students but no trained career counselor is available in the college. This needs to be looked into.
Entrepreneur advice is given to the students but no specific cell for this is created.
The institution's main objectives include holistic development of the students. There is a regular value education class each day engaged by the Manager, Principal etc. They also give lectures and impart training for personality development. In addition, they have a strong physical education culture in the college, where women students, particularly, have excelled in sports like judo, wrestling, power lifting apart from volley ball and kho-kho.
The students are encouraged to do creative activity both in curricular and co-curricular areas. There is ample evidence that the students have been really creative in producing manuscripts and magazines in each department, conducting surveys, undertaking community oriented work, handicrafts etc.
The college is run by St. George College Trust, which is the governing body, consisting of the Manager, the Principal of the college, two representatives of the parish council and one nominee of the patron. The Manager is the executive arm of the Council.
There is also a College Council consisting of heads of departments and two members elected from among the other teaching staff, as per the university norms. The council meets periodically and takes decisions regarding academic and other matters.
Apart from the above, teachers hold department wise meetings and discuss issues in depth.
Meetings of teaching and non-teaching staff are held periodically by the Principal to discuss larger issues.
The Parent Teachers Association is an active body. The parents came in large numbers for the meeting with the peer group. The discussion revealed their total involvement and loyalty to the institution. They are aware of the functioning and progress of the institution, its discipline, results, needs etc. Every member felt that it is his own institution.
The management holds Governing Body meetings 4 to 6 times a year. It takes stock of the progress of the institution, reviews the development work and has access to the students' evaluation of teachers.
Criterion VII: Healthy Practices
1) Strong programmes of remedial teaching in every department meant to help weak students come up to better levels of performance. That it is very effective is seen in the high percentages of passes and first classes achieved in almost all the departments and the number of university ranks won in some departments. The effort is all the more commendable, when an input-output comparison is made. A sizeable number of students, who entered the institution with minimal marks, have performed creditably while completing their programme from the college. It is a clear testimony to the concern and commitment of the teachers to the welfare of the students.
2) Enrichment courses offered by a few dedicated teachers free of cost on Saturdays or in the evenings.
- Spoken English offered on Saturdays for I & II year degree students and during vacations for Final year students;
- Coaching for Civil Service Examinations conducted in the evenings on all working days
3) Departmental PTA meetings after terminal examinations, conducted since last year. These seem to evoke very good response from parents; both mothers and fathers attend these meetings, where the progress of the ward is discussed.
4) Student assessment of teachers adopted since last year. Long considered essential for improving the effectiveness and accountability of teachers, student assessment of teachers has remained an unrealised objective due to resistance from teachers and teacher associations. Such a practice has been quietly introduced in this remote institution, with full teacher cooperation and is proving to be an effective feedback mechanism. A format suggested by NAAC is used for the purpose. A perusal of the records shows that there is considerable variation in the scores given to teachers, testifying to the genuineness of assessment. The Principal discusses the assessment results with each individual teacher, maintaining strict confidentiality. The successful introduction of this measure must be given adequate publicity for emulation all over the country.
5) Participation of the institution in People’s Plan and developmental works of the panchayat. Most departments are involved in work with the community:
- Prof. Lopus Mathew, physics, is the state level resource person of the People’s Planning and is also a member of the district panchayat.
- Prof. V.V Joseph is co-coordinator of People’s Planning implementation in Thidanadu panchayat.
- Political Science department has been awarded a project by Erattupetta panchayat block to conduct a survey on People’s Plan implementation in the grama panchayat of the block.
- The college Planning Forum has carried out a survey on the implementation of I.R.D.P. schemes in Erattupetta development block.
- The department of economics has conducted a study of Malanadu Development Society and published the report.
6) The unique Community Telecasting Centre: The Community Telecasting Centre is the first of its kind in the country, where a cable system has been set up in a college to telecast to and network the community around. The college has its own channels and can telecast to the radius of 10 kilometers. It has exciting potential to play a vital role in the development of the community. The college proposes the following through the centre:
· On-line courses, including remedial teaching and mass communication.
· Telecasting of community news and development schemes.
· Making the society around computer literate.
· Serving as a telecasting centre for multimedia distant education programmes to carry the classrooms to every home within its reach.
7) Book bank built up in each department by voluntary contribution from students and teachers.
8) The services of a professional, US trained guidance counselor made available to students.
The college, tucked away at the foothills of the Ghats and nestling in a predominantly tribal area, nevertheless has an impressive record of achievements in curricular, co-curricular, sports and extension activities.
The college has considerable strength in the following areas:
1) a concerned, committed , focussed, industrious faculty, that has its antenna attuned to the outside world .
2) a dedicated , generous and a far -sighted Management
3) the organic linking of the college with the community through involvement in a large number of developmental programmes
The college could direct its attention to further improvements in the following areas :
1) Strengthening its library and the computer center
2) Encouraging culture and fine arts related development of students
It is a college for the community, nurtured within its caring and protecting arms, revitalizing the community, in turn by many involvements with it. Such models of symbiosis need to be recognized and cherished.
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