Academic Plan and Evidence of the Success – 2022-2023

 

THEME FOR THE YEAR 

EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS – 2022- 2023

Where Dreams Flourish, Knowledge Soars: A Journey of Higher Education…!!!

Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil embraced the theme of "Initiate, Innovate, Collaborate" to enhance the educational experience and foster holistic development among the students during the academic year 2022 - 2023. This report provides an overview of the various activities and accomplishments in line with this theme.

Initiate

Holy Cross College introduced new courses such as B. Sc. Fashion Designing and M.Sc. Computer Science, catering to the diverse interests of the students. 

The present students were categorized into Placement, Entrepreneurship, Higher Studies, Competitive Examination, and Home Maintenance, allowing tailored guidance and orientation.

The Placement and Career Guidance Cell organized a Mega Job Fair, connecting students with potential employers. As a result, 280 students secured placements in reputed companies and schools. The institution implemented a score card system to assess the contributions of teachers to the department and the college.

The Holy Cross Innovation and Incubation Centre played a significant role in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among both staff and students. The institution registered nine additional startups during the academic year, further enhancing its reputation. Social media platforms were utilized to share frequent news updates, boosting visibility and engagement.

The college's alumni association actively promoted the institution's achievements and offerings. They launched a Meal Scheme for underprivileged students, and the staff adopted financially challenged students, ensuring they could continue their education. The establishment of a staff and student forum provided a platform for voicing concerns and ideas.

Innovate

Holy Cross College renovated various facilities, including the canteen, media center, controller's office, conference hall, and entrance arch. Classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and study spaces were expanded and upgraded, offering improved learning environments. The institution now has 13 ICT-enabled classrooms, an RFID-equipped library, and boosted Wi-Fi broadband.

Several enhancements were made to the campus beautification, such as the addition of two kiosks (restaurant huts), a bus drivers' room, and a watchman's cabin. The installation of fans, audio equipment, CCTV cameras, and a digital board improved the overall infrastructure and functionality of the college.

Holy Cross College undertook various green initiatives, fostering environmental responsibility among students. The institution organized events promoting the use of cloth bags, and a Manjapai vending cloth bag machine was installed on campus. The community was encouraged to contribute to the betterment of society through initiatives like ‘Pagirthalil Iraivanai Kaana’ during Christmas. 

Collaborate

The college signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), fostering collaborations and value-added courses. Each department formed partnerships with organizations, facilitated internships, and coordinated 25-day internships for the I PG students. Delegates from Karmveer Bhaurao Patil College, Maharashtra, and government school students also visited the campus under RUSA.

The institution has collaborated with organizations like The Rise, Nanban Foundation, and JMR Events to organize the Kumari Green Fest, featuring live concerts, competitions, and cultural programs. The institution actively participated in district-level events and hosted a Book Fair and Cultural program in collaboration with Kanyakumari District Administration and Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI).

In an effort to provide students with exposure to higher education opportunities, Holy Cross College welcomed 30 students from Government schools in Ammandivilai, Kadiyappattinam, and Rajakkamangalam Thurai, along with 5 teachers, to its campus. The purpose of this visit was to familiarize the students with the possibilities available for their future academic pursuits.

In collaboration with the Thiruppumunai Addiction Treatment Ministry and the Kanyakumari District Social Welfare Department, HCC organized a 20-week diploma programme. This initiative aimed to provide education and support in addiction treatment. Additionally, HCC, Thiruppumunai, and the Department of Social Welfare conducted a "Parenting Skills Training Certificate Course" in collaboration with the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Drugfree Kanyakumari District, and Save Girl Child, Educate Girl Child. The course focused on highlighting the skills required for effective parenting and ways to develop these skills. The college has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at promoting higher education, addiction treatment, parenting skills training, and cultural activities. 

The Kanyakumari District Administration, in association with the Booksellers and Publishers Association of South India (BAPASI), organized a Book Fair and Cultural event at the Government Polytechnic College in Konam. HCC students actively participated in this event, showcasing their talents in cultural programs such as Bharathanatyam, Mime, Folk Dance, and Western Dance. Their performances added vibrancy to the event and demonstrated the rich cultural heritage of the college.

The faculty of HCC played an important role in contributing to the academic discourse. Seven of the faculty members along with Dr. Sr. Mary Gilda, the Secretary of the college presented papers at the International Conference for Integrated Discipline on Sustainable Development, organized by the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) at Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil. This conference was conducted in collaboration with Curtin University, Dubai, and in association with Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, i-Manager Publications, Nagercoil, and the Scott Alumni Association. The participation of the faculty in such conferences showcases HCC's commitment to academic excellence and knowledge dissemination.

Holy Cross College has achieved remarkable success and has been recognized for its efforts. In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), the college secured a band of 101-150 and a band of 151-300 in NIRF innovation. Among autonomous colleges in India, HCC received the Education World Award, ranking 12^th in Tamil Nadu and 26^th in India. The Institution's Innovation Council (IIC) awarded HCC a 4-star rating, making it the only institution in the Kanyakumari District to receive the highest rating. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government honoured HCC with the Green Champion Award, along with a monetary reward of Rs. 1,00,000. The college has also received 13 other awards from various organizations, recognizing its exceptional contributions in different domains.

Directional Impetus 

The academic year at Holy Cross College has been centered around the theme "Initiate Innovate Collaborate," focusing on fostering a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and growth among staff and students. This report highlights the various activities and accomplishments of the institution in pursuit of its objectives.

Staff Development and Performance Appraisal: To promote individual growth and professionalism, all staff members were oriented to create Vidwan IDs, enabling them to access online resources and engage in continuous learning. The Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) of the college formulated a scorecard for performance appraisal, providing a comprehensive evaluation framework. These initiatives have contributed to the improvement of staff members' skills and expertise.

Research and Publications: Holy Cross College emphasizes research and scholarly activities, as evidenced by the publication of 327 papers by both staff and students in the academic year. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the institution's commitment to fostering a culture of academic excellence and knowledge creation.

Social Responsibility: In line with the objective of inculcating social consciousness among students, two new National Service Scheme (NSS) units were formed. Additionally, permission was obtained to establish a National Cadet Corps (NCC) unit. These initiatives provide platforms for students to actively engage in community service and contribute to the betterment of society.

Alumni Engagement: Holy Cross College maintains strong ties with its alumni, fostering an amicable relationship. As a testament to this commitment, 40 alumni chapters were formed, facilitating interaction and collaboration among former students. Chapter meetings were organized in Tuticorin, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, enabling alumni to connect and contribute to the growth and development of the institution.

Promoting Millet Utilization: Recognizing the significance of the International Year of Millets, Holy Cross College organized competitions to promote the use of millets. Students actively participated in these events and showcased their culinary skills by preparing 72 varieties of dishes made with millets. This initiative highlights the institution's dedication to promoting healthy and sustainable food choices.

Collaborations and Partnerships: To enhance academic and research collaborations, Holy Cross College signed 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with other reputed institutions, fostering exchange programs and joint research endeavours. Additionally, 34 MoUs were established between different departments within the college, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, 6 MoUs were signed with various clubs, enhancing co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities for students.

Skill Development: Holy Cross College conducted a total of 80 value-added courses and certificate courses to develop students' skills and competencies. These courses provide students with additional knowledge and practical insights, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world.

Perception Rate Improvement: As a result of these activities and initiatives, the perception rate of Holy Cross College has increased significantly from 3.07 to 5.24. This remarkable improvement showcases the institution's commitment to excellence and its ability to create a positive impact on stakeholders.

Holy Cross College's focus on "Initiate Innovate Collaborate" has yielded numerous achievements and advancements in various aspects of academic and holistic development. The institution's dedication to research, community engagement, alumni relations, and skill enhancement has contributed to its growth and reputation. Holy Cross College continues to inspire and empower its staff and students, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration for the betterment of society.