The College was conferred A+ grade in the year 2003 by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an autonomous body, whose vision is to make quality the defining element of higher education in India through a combination of self and external quality evaluation, promotion and sustenance initiatives.
As advocated by NAAC, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) was constituted on 09.12.2004 to sustain quality through work plan, specify the checks and balances to evaluate the degree of quality and to ensure that quality initiatives are taken effectively and efficiently with high standards.
The IQAC team prepared the AQAR (Annual Quality Assurance Report) for the year 2004 – 2005 and chalked out the Action Plan for the year 2005 - 2006.
§ To enhance the quality of teaching-learning process
§ To strive for excellence through Autonomy in the next academic year
§ To stress the importance of English as a language of communication in the campus
§ To strengthen the activities and functioning of the Career Guidance and Placement Cell
§ To motivate the faculty members to take up minor and major projects
§ To organize National and International seminars
§ To conduct seminars to enlighten the faculty with reference to Autonomy
§ To introduce Bridge Course at the beginning of the academic year for students from vernacular medium
§ To offer computer skills for all the II year students
§ To offer more skill-oriented courses under ALIVE (Auxilium Ladies Institute for Vocational Education)
§ To construct a new Science Research Block
§ To start new extension service – Prison Ministry and adoption of new villages by the NSS
§ To start a new Refreshment Stall in the campus
§ To establish a Language Laboratory
An Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) for 2005 - 2006 was prepared and sent to NAAC.
The activities of IQAC for the year 2006 - 2007 started with chalking out the Plan of Action. Some of the decisions taken included :
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Formation of Auxilium Student Quality Cell (ASQC), to involve student participation in quality initiatives.
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To make Spoken English a communicative language in the campus.
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Aim towards 100% University results.
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To give professional counseling for the students.
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Mentoring of the wards by the tutors.
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Effective functioning of Grievance and Redressal Cell and the Suggestion box.
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v To organize a National Seminar on Quality Assessment in Higher Education.
The IQAC members prepared two papers for the Best Practice Series to be published by NAAC, Bangalore on the topics, “Students Participation in Quality Enhancement through Value Based Life-coping Skills”, and “Collective Feedback - A powerful tool in Quality Enhancement”.
The IQAC conducted periodical and annual evaluation of the activities in the College for both staff and students.
Auxilium Student Quality Cell
ASQC members met and its members initiated Spoken English in the class and Peer Group Study to help students strive for academic excellence. A selected group of ASQC members actively participated in the National Seminar organized by the IQAC. During the visit of UGC Autonomy Commission, the ASQC members participated in the discussion with the UGC Expert Committee.
As 2006 is the year of student participation in quality assurance, the IQAC decided to have student members in all committees.
National Seminar
The purpose of the seminar was the enhancement and sustenance of academic and administrative quality through various strategies and to provide an opportunity to build up patterns of Internal Quality Assurance.
The seminar was also designed to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas among academicians to increase opportunities and help to face challenges in the enhancement of quality in Higher Education.
The chief guests of the Inaugural session were Prof. V.S. Prasad, Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore, Dr. L.Kannan, Vice Chancellor, Thiruvalluvar University, Vellore, Thiru.S. Paramasivam, Chairman, Gandhi Nagar Panchayat, Rev. Sr. Mary Celine Arockiasamy, Secretary, Auxilium College. Dr.(Sr.) Ugini Fatima Mary L., Principal, Auxilium College, welcomed the gathering. Introductory remarks were presented by Mrs. Fancy Allan, LSG in Sociology and Chief Organizer of the seminar and Ms. Hema Nalini, Head of the Department of Commerce and Co-ordinator, IQAC, Auxilium College proposed the vote of thanks.
The two-day programme included talks on ‘Curriculum Development and Flexibility’ by Dr.Rukmani Srinivasan, Head of the Department of Chemistry, Stella Maris College, Chennai, ‘Innovative Teaching-learning process with special emphasis on Information and Communication Technology’ (ICT) by Dr.D.Victor Arokia Doss, LSG in Biochemistry, PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, ‘Goal-Orientation and Decision-Making, Perspective-Planning and Finance Management’ by Mr.Ponmudi Raj, Assistant Advisor, NAAC Bangalore, ‘Institutional Policies and Practices - A framework for Management of Institutions of Higher Education’ by Dr. Indhrani Sridharan, Former Principal, Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai, ‘Research Consultancy and Extension’ by Dr. (Fr.) S. John Britto SJ., Director, Rapinat Herbarium Centre for Molecular Systematics and Former Principal, St. Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli and ‘Quality Initiatives in Higher Education’ by Prof. P. Allan John, Senior Faculty, PG and Research Department of Social Work, Sacred Heart College, Tirupathur.
Prof. V.S. Prasad, Director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore, in his keynote address focused on the four pillars: Students, Teachers, Good Infrastructure and Efficient Governance on which institutional quality can be built. He also stressed on quality being an activity of mind, not something technical. Dr. L. Kannan, Vice Chancellor, Thiruvalluvar University highlighted the importance of Quality in Higher Education as one of the many dreams of fast-developing countries like India.
The Valedictory address was delivered by Dr. (Fr.) S. John Britto SJ., Director, Rapinat Herbarium Centre for Molecular Systematics and Former Principal, St.Joseph’s College, Tiruchirapalli.
The two day national seminar not only highlighted quality enhancement and sustenance in Institutions of Higher Education, but also disseminated knowledge from resource persons and provided new initiatives and innovations which can be integrated into our teaching-learning and research activities, thereby improving internal quality. Participants of this seminar were from Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell of Auxilium College detailed the following plan of action for the year 2007 - 2008.
To strengthen the practice of the Preventive System of Don Bosco based on Reason, Religion and Loving Kindness, becoming a sign and bearer of God’s love for young people, in keeping with the vision of the institution.
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To make all the students computer literate by the end of their undergraduate course.
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To strengthen the Grievance Redressal Cell
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To conduct more campus interviews, to enable more number of students get placement.
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To take preventive measures for a pollution-free environment in the campus through Solid Waste Management.
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To provide better welfare measures for students
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To organize formative programmes for both teaching and non-teaching staff
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To make every department undertake extension activities and consultancy services.
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To establish a Research Cell which will facilitate research publication and a research culture in the College.
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To strengthen the participation of students of ASQC in all activities of the College.
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To lay more emphasis on Value Education - IQAC to conduct a National Workshop on ‘Human Rights and Value-Based Education’ for staff and students.
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To conduct self- evaluation and student- evaluation.
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To implement the office automation and the periodic updating of the College website.
NP : The Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) for the year 2006 - 2007 was prepared and submitted to the National Assessment and Accreditation Council, Bangalore.
The IQAC conducted the quarterly, half yearly and annual evaluation of the curricular, co-curricular and extra curricular activities of the year for both staff and students.
Students evaluation of the staff was conducted at the end of the academic year.
NP : Auxilium Students Quality Cell (ASQC) had regular meetings and actively participated in quality initiatives. Emphasis was laid on improving communication skills and maintaining cleanliness in the campus, computer literacy and 100% university results.
The National Seminar on “Redefining Human Rights towards a New Socio-Religious Interface” was organized on December 12th & 13th 2007 by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell. The objectives of the seminar were
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To provide opportunities for exchange of ideas among educationists on Human Rights and Value Education.
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To promote awareness and understanding of the Socio-Religious aspect of Human Rights among students, to face challenges in society.
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To concentrate on various facets of Human-Rights of Women, Children and the Aged.
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To foster the Spirit of Harmony and Peace through Religion and Human Rights.
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To highlight the role of Media in promoting/violating Human Rights and Values.
The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. D. Viswanathan, Vice Chancellor, Anna University, Chennai. Revamping the four social institutions- the education system, the family, the political system and the legal system is the only cure to social ills of the day arising from the weakening of the value system, was the main focus of his Inaugural Address.
Dr.M. Amaladoss, Director, Institute of Dialogue with Cultures and Religions, Loyola College, Chennai, in his Presidential Address said that the Minority rights in the Constitution represent a positive approach to multi - culturalism and religious pluralism, but it has not yet become part of the Universal Human Rights discourse. “In this context consensual democracy, must replace majoritarian democracy”, he said.
Fr. Joe Antony, S.J., Editor, ‘The New Leader’ and ‘Jivan’, Chennai in his Key note Address said he hoped that the seminar would lead to concrete actions on the part of the students in protecting Human rights.
The dignity of the human person needs to be visualized from the standpoint of religion, which believes that man is created in God’s own image. Hence Session I focussed on ‘Human Rights and Religion - The Hindu Perspective’ was presented by Dr. Sundari K. Head, Dept of Public Relations, Stella Maris College, Chennai. In her talk she said that a whole range of people have contributed to Hinduism. It does not say one dogma. There have been several transitions and infusions by mystics in Hinduism. Hinduism is perceived, as a way of life, was the highlight of the lecture.
‘The Christian Perspective’ was presented by Dr. M. Amaladoss S.J. Director, Institute of Dialogue with Cultures and Religions, Loyola College, Chennai. He said “As followers of different religions we should join together in promoting and defending common ideals in the sphere of religious liberty, human brotherhood, education, culture, social welfare and civic order”.
Prof. M.H. Zawahirullah, President, Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra - Kazhagam and Lecturer (S.G.) Dept. of Corporate Secretaryship, Islamiah College, Vaniyambadi gave a talk on ‘Human Rights and the Muslim Perspective’. He said “ Islam treats everyone equally. Muslims should not abuse other religions. Islam says about right to dignity, right to life, right to equality, right to freedom, religious beliefs and right to basic needs, rights to women and rights during war”.
Session II focussed on ‘Human Rights and the Media’ and the session was taken by Fr.Joe Antony S.J. Editor, ‘The New Leader’ and ‘Jivan’, Chennai He said “When Media contributes to the cause of Human Rights, we need to express appreciation and support. When it acts against Human Rights, we need to convey our anger and protest, or take legal action”.
Mr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Lecturer, Dept. of Media Studies, Christ College Bangalore, said “Media promotes the rights of urban population only. Media must communicate with the governments, NGO and people to create awareness about human rights and their violations by mass communication. Media has to become the catalyst of social change. Otherwise Media becomes an accomplice in the violation of human rights”.
Women’s rights are “Human rights”. This was the main thrust of the talk given by Dr. Fathima Vasant, Principal, Madras School of Social Work, Chennai. Presenting a Paper on ‘Human Rights and the Child,’ Ms.Chandra Thanikachalam, General Secretary, Indian Council for Child Welfare (ICCW), Tamil Nadu, Chennai said that the entire society has the responsibility of protecting the rights of children, or at least, refrain from infringing on the rights of children. The new legislation on children has shifted the focus from welfare to protection of rights. The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in November 1989, and the Government of India ratified it in 1992. Ms.Thanikachalam said that the 2001 Census has brought alarming results pertaining to the declining sex ratio. As per the census, a large number of girl children are missing, compared to the 1991 Census. The ICCW official highlighted the imperative need to prevent child trafficking and child labour considering the large number of children who were subjected to commercial and economic exploitation.
Indrani Rajadurai, Director, Helpage India, Southern Region, Chennai, in her talk on ‘Human Rights and the Aged’ said that the human rights of the aged, as explicitly set out in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and other International human rights treaties comprises of the rights to an adequate standard of living, including adequate food, shelter and clothing, adequate social security, assistance and protection, freedom from discrimination based on age or any other status, in all aspects of life including employment and access to housing, health care and social services, highest possible standard of health, right to be treated with dignity, right to protection from neglect and all types of physical or mental abuse.
Dr.George Chandy, Head, Dept of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Former Director, Christian Medical College, Vellore in his address on Human Rights and health stressed that the country’s growth is critically dependent on health.
The Valedictory address was delivered by Dr. George Chandy, Head, Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Former Director, Christian Medical College, Vellore and he distributed the Certificates to the participants of the seminar. A recapitulation of the seminar was presented. 151 postgraduate students and 59 faculty members from different states participated in the seminar. The highlight of the seminar was the publication of the monograph on Redefining Human Rights towards a New Socio-Religious Interface.
Plan of Action 2008 - 2009
An orientation programme on Re-accreditation was conducted on 12th June 2008 for the faculty members by Mr. Ponmudi Raj, Assistant Advisor, NAAC, Bangalore who initiated the process of re-accreditation. He spoke at length on the role of Colleges in the Global Scenario of Higher Education. This initiated the IQAC members to start the preparation of the Self Study Report for the re-accreditation.
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