Assessment Report On

Institutional Accreditation Of

St. Mary's College,

Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu.

Section 1 : Preface

St Mary's College, Tuticorin, a minority institution of higher education for women, was founded in 1948 by the congregation of Mother of Sorrows, Servants of Mary, also known as the Indian Servite Sisters. The college is affiliated to Mononmaniam Sundaranar University and it offers under-graduate and post-graduate courses. The college stands recognised by the UGC in the year 1958 under 2f and 12B. It has established earned the reputation of playing a vital role in this area by catering for the educational needs of many first generation learners.

Situated in a semi-urban area on a beautiful campus spread over 16 acres, St Mary's College has a good infrastructure. The college offers 10 under-graduate, 5 post-graduate, one M.Phil and one Ph.D. programmes, in addition to diploma and certificate courses. The college which started with 21 students has now grown to a strength of 1606 students. There are 12 departments with 91 teachers, 16 technical and 40 non-teaching staff Out of the 91 teachers 56 teachers have the M.Phil degree and 14 have the Ph.D degree.

The college volunteered to be assessed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. It conducted the preliminary self-study in 1999 after which NAAC constituted a three member Peer Team to assess the college and to validate the self study report submitted by it. The team comprised Dr. M. Muniyamma, Former Vice Chancellor, Gulbarga University as the chairperson, Dr. Antony Ipapen, Principal, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram and Dr.Rajan Varughese, Principal, Union Christian College, Alwaye as members.

After analyzing the self-study report, the Peer Team visited the college to validate the same. According to schedule, the Peer Team met on 6th April 1999 for the Peer Team orientation. Then the team visited the college between the 7th and 9th April and discussed various aspects of the functioning of the institution with the Principal, Governing Body, teaching staff and non-teaching staff; students and alumnae of the institution.

Section 2: Criterion-wise Analysis

Criterion I : Curricular Aspects

The curricular programmes are focused to achieve the objectives of the college. St Mary's College follows the syllabus set by the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University. It uses the programme options available through electives and foundation courses as a means of offering value based education for the holistic development of the students. There are six science, three arts and one commerce courses available to under-graduate students. The students also get a choice of socially relevant foundation courses like Gandhian thought, consumer protection, feminism, etc. The institution also offers courses in karate, tailoring, type writing, computer literacy etc. which could open avenues for self employment Various clubs and associations extend opportunities to students to participate in co-curricular and extra curricular activities. The college has initiated steps to start job oriented certificate / diploma courses from 1999-2000 as part of the Golden Jubilee Project. A formal mechanism to obtain feedback on academic programmes from peers and employers may be considered.

Criterion II: Teaching, Learning and Evaluation

The institution has sincere and devoted teachers who complete the syllabus according to the teaching plan. Bridge and remedial courses are offered by the institution to needy students. Announcing the examination calendar at the beginning of the academic year has enabled teachers and students to plan their work effectively. The students perform well in the university examinations securing many ranks, and gold medals. This is achieved through the individual attention given to the students by the teachers. More faculty members may be encouraged to participate in designing new courses by holding workshops, discussion meetings, etc. Monitoring and rewarding new teaching methods motivate the teachers to adopt innovative methods in teaching. Introduction of new technologies will improve the teaching and learning process. Innovative evaluation methods like continuous assessment, through short tests, quiz etc. and computerization of internal examination results may be introduced. The college should fully utilize the opportunities provided by the U.G.C. and other agencies for faculty improvement.

Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension

The department of Zoology is engaged in research through the Sacred Heart Marine Research Center. The discovery of non-toxic natural anti-fouling agent 'Juncella Junellin' has brought international recognition to the Center. Other departments may also be encouraged to take active part in research, guiding M.Phil and Ph.D students, participating in seminars and symposia etc.

Promotion and sustenance of research need more attention. Steps may be taken to publish research papers. As research and publication goes hand in hand, the faculty may be encouraged to publish papers in refereed journals. Already existing projects reports, dissertation papers of M.Phil students may provide good materials for publication. This will enable faculty members to submit research proposals for necessary funding. The areas in which consultancy can be offered may be explored by the college. The faculty could interact with local industries, business establishments, banking and financial institutions, etc. for consultancy.

The Campus Diversity Initiative project funded by the Ford Foundation offers avenues for community development. The college has adopted two areas Susainagar and Therespuram with varied communal and cultural background to conduct community outreach programmes. In addition to this there are several other extension activities aimed at women empowerment, and awareness programmes on AIDS, health and hygiene. The NSS and the NCC are actively engaged in extension programmes. Leadership camps help to develop the overall personality of students. The NSS camps held in the villages have sensitized students towards the socio-economic problems, communal harmony, health and hygiene issues.

Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources

The institution has reasonably good infrastructure facilities which are well maintained The college has a spacious library with a collection of 42605 books arranged systematically. The computer in the library has CD ROM facility and the automation of the library is in progress. Most of the present and old students appreciate the facilities in the library. Subscription of more national and international journals will help to improve the quality of research and teaching.

Museums, botanical garden, herbarium, auditorium, non resident students centre, guest house, spacious class rooms and play grounds are the facilities worth mentioning. The botanical garden could be improved by growing more plant species used for class work. Endangered local plant species may be conserved The physical education department provides good training to students in various sports which is reflected m the students winning a large number of prizes and awards at the university and state level competitions. The health service available in the campus serves the immediate needs of the community. Adequate hostel facilities are available for students. The canteen needs a facelift to bring it on par with other facilities. A formal grievance redressal cell does not function, the reason, perhaps, being that there are no major grievances.

Criterion V: Student Support and Progression

Faculty members give informal career and course guidance. Students are encouraged to participate in various co-curricular activities. This develops leadership qualities and enhances self confidence in them. There is informal personal counselling by teachers. The feedback from the students reveal that the faculty takes personal care of the students boosting their morale by responding to the spiritual, social and emotional needs. Two trained counsellors among the faculty are available for students. Eligible students are awarded a number of scholarships and given other financial aid. The college has an alumnae association and the members meet annually to keep themselves informed of the activities of the college. Limited placement services are available.

Criterion VI : Organisation and Management

The governing council and the staff council helps the Principal in the management of the college. The timely financial assistance extended by the educational society which owns the institution is commendable. The human power requirement is reasonably met and the essential physical facilities are provided by the Management. The decision making processes may be made participatory by involving more teachers. Providing an internet connection to the library / computer centre will give easy access of the facility to all. Avenues for mobilization of funds may be explored by involving alumnae and parents.

Criterion VII: Healthy Practices

The project implemented under the Campus Diversity Initiative funded by the Ford Foundation is in agreement with the mission of the institution. The college offers foundation courses like Gandhian Thought, Consumer Protection, Feminism etc. Effective discipline is maintained on the campus. The faculty members have taken initiative to start different programmes such as saving schemes, bridge and remedial courses. Blossom, AICUF, Women's cell, Nature Club, and clubs for debates, quiz, fine arts, drama and elocution, are some of the avenues which help the overall development of students. Various training programmes such as tailoring, type writing, computer literacy etc. are extended to the nearby community also.

Section 3 : Overall analysis

St. Mary's College fulfilling the aspiration, the vision and goals for which it was established in 1948, has a good name and plays a vital role in this region catering for the educational needs of marginalised sections of the society and the first generation learners. The college maintains a reputation by providing good education through its curricular, co-curricular & and extension activities. The commitment of the teachers and the discipline of the students are commendable.

The college has reasonably good infrastructure facilities. The new Golden Jubilee block meets the demand for vocational courses to keep pace with the fast changing socio-economic conditions. Optimum utilization of the initiative and potential of the teaching and non-teaching staff would facilitate a more dynamic and vibrant environment for promoting academic excellence.

There is a good number of scholarships available for students. The formal feedback mechanism is to be strengthened for redesigning the curriculum and improving the quality of teaching-learning processes. A formal counseling cell and placement cell may be established.

The available computer facilities in the two departments, may be expanded and upgraded. These facilities could be extended to other departments for networking. The automation of the office administration and computerization of internal examination results are desirable. The central library could be strengthened with the addition of the latest books in all disciplines. Internet, INFLIBNET and computer aided learning packages for the library with the existing CDROM facility will be of great help to both staff and students. The establishment of a language laboratory and strengthening the library for research may be achieved if post-graduate departments become eligible for UGC assistance.

The department of zoology is engaged in research through its Sacred Heart Marine Research Center. The discovery of non-toxic natural antifouling agent from the locally available soft sponges has brought international recognition to the college. Involvement of all the teachers of the zoology department will also help enhance research activities. The creation of a vibrant atmosphere for inter-departmental interactions may enthuse other departments also to take an active part in research. The faculty should be motivated to publish their research work and to submit research projects to various funding agencies like. UGC, DBT, DST, ICAR, ICHR, etc.

There is ample scope for introducing vocational courses in emerging areas in consultation with business and service sectors and local industry. The college has potential to further strengthen its extension activities. We suggest that serious thought may be given to mobilize funds through consultancy services and self-financing courses.

The management could Set long term and short term goals for the future development of the institution. Undertaking a thorough examination of the institution's policies and processes through this self-study has provided many insights. Such exercises if undertaken periodically and collectively will definitely equip the college to face the challenges of the next millennium.

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