*Call for Papers* - Crossian Resonance invites original, unpublished research papers for the December 2024 issue of Crossian Resonance, a Peer-reviewed, Bi-annual, Multidisciplinary Research Journal.- Last date for manuscript submission is 30 October 2024.    29-10-2024-Lecture Series: Graph Polynomials organised by the Mathematics Research Centre    28-10-2024-Session on Role of Interns in the Open Innovation Ecosystem organised by the IIC Internship Cell    26-10-2024-Commemoration of World Food Day by the Department of Botany    25-10-2024-Workshop on Mastering AI Tools for Presentation Design organised by the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science    Dept. of Commerce and Crossian Centre for Research and Development - Online Training Programme on Effective Research Grant Proposal Writing - 10-10-2024    24-10-2024-Clean Campaign Green Initiative- Vembanoor Village organised by the Department of Economics, National Unity Day Celebration organised by the Department of History    23-10-2024 - Hands-on Training: Research Grants Proposal Drafting conducted by the CCRD- Crossian Research Forum, Mathematics in Nature -Video making competition organised by the Mathematics Club    22-10-2024 - Hands-on-training on Patent Drafting and Filing- A step-by-step guide organised by the IPR Cell of IIC, Girl Child Day - Video-making competition conducted by NSS - SF    18-10-2024 - Yoga: A Practical Session organised by the Department of English (Aided)    17-10-2024 - Crossian Expo- 2024, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty “Spare Share” organised by the Department of Economics    16-10-2024 - Seminar in collaboration with the IIC – AI and the Innovation Ecosystem: Building Tomorrow’s Solutions organised by the Department of English (Aided), Workshop on Problem Solving and Ideation organised by the IIC Internship Cell    15-10-2024 - Crosslinks – Eco Chronicles organised by the Department of English (Aided), Research Grants Proposal Drafting - Online Training organised by the CCRD: Crossian Research Forum    14-10-2024 - Jewellery Making Workshop organised by the Department of Costume Design and Fashion, Celebrating Women Coders: Ada Lovelace Day ADA’24 organised by the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Swatch Bharat- Cleaning Campaign organised by NSS – SF, My Bharath Registration organised by NSS    10.10.2024 - Seminar on Modern Theories of Coordination Compounds organised by the Department of Chemistry, Shuttle Free Day organised by the Eco Club, Seminar on Internship as a Pathway to Innovative Carrier conducted by the IIC Internship Cell

Academic Plan and Evidence of Success

Academic Plan and Evidence of the Success – 2022-2023

 

THEME FOR THE YEAR 

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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 12th in Tamil Nadu and 26th 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.

 

Academic Plan and Evidence of the Success – 2023-2024


EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS – 2023- 2024

Holy Cross College (Autonomous), Nagercoil, has embraced the theme "Outcome- Based Education, Industry 4.0, and Patents and Publications" for the academic year 2023-2024. This initiative aims to enhance the educational experience and foster holistic development among students, keeping pace with the latest trends and innovations in the digital world. Each year, the college adopts a new theme to engage with contemporary advancements. Holy Cross College consistently seizes every opportunity for achievement, ascending higher with each passing day and filling new pages in its book of accomplishments. This report provides an overview of the numerous initiatives and successes stemming from this year's theme.


Outcome-Based Education (OBE)

Outcome-Based Education (OBE) ensures that learners acquire skills, attitudes and competencies along with knowledge which are essential for their personal growth, industry readiness and societal contributions. OBE commits to nurturing a learner-centered environment that empowers individuals to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and lifelong learners. Holy Cross College introduced OBE in 2017 and LOCF in 2019, focusing on the Vision, Mission, Graduate attributes, Program Educational Objectives (PEOs), Program Outcomes (POs), Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs) and course outcomes. The college ventured into its full-fledged OBE system by adopting Outcome Based Teaching and Learning (OBTL) and Outcome Based Assessment (OBA) and attainment from the year 2020. By 2023, CO-PO-PSO attainment was calculated for the 2021-2024 undergraduate and 2022-2024 postgraduate students. A dedicated team, including the Controller and Assistant Controller of Examinations, oversees OBE mapping and evaluation of outcome attainment. In alignment with curriculum, instruction and assessment, and with articulated outcomes, OBE promotes educational equity, ensures continuous improvement, and prepares learners to thrive in diverse and dynamic global contexts.

Evidence of success includes:

• The quality of the educational ecosystem has improved in terms of curriculum, student centric teaching and learning and student performance aligned with defined learning outcomes.

• The institution has helped the students to achieve the graduate attributes aligned with the vision and mission of the institution.

• Involvement of students in active learning, critical thinking, problem-solving. innovation, entrepreneurship and research which is evidenced in terms of patents, entrepreneurs and publications.

• Placement of students (344) in reputed organizations and student progression to higher education in National and International Universities.

• Internship training for 1,253 students with various firms.

• Exit survey is conducted to all the UG and PG outgone students on the curriculum's success and enhanced competency.

• Successful implementation of curriculum , teaching methodologies, and assessment procedures to accommodate the NEP and TANSCHE.

• The entire activities of the college during this academic year 2023-2024 are measured in terms of outcome and seen the incremental growth in our teaching ,learning and research.

Industry 4.0

In response to Industry 4.0 technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), Holy Cross College adapts its curriculum to meet the changing needs of learners. The college ensures students acquire skills like data analysis, coding, and digital literacy through 52 seminars, conferences, webinars, personalized courses, and certifications.

The following are the salient events to deepen students' understanding of Industry 4.0 concepts:

Chemistry: Session on "Design Thinking Strategies for Rapid Prototyping in Industry 4.0."

Physics: Skill development programme on "Sensor-Based Equipment."

Commerce: Dr. Stellabai’s Endowment lecture on "Sustainable Green Revolution and Industry 4.0" and an international seminar on "Career Opportunities for Commerce Graduates in the Era of Industry 5.0."

Costume Design and Fashion Technology: Motivational talk on "Modeling and Etiquette in Industry 4.0."

Economics: International conference on "Contemporary Technological and Industrial Revolution 5.0."

English SF: Talk on "Harnessing AI: Alter the Change Beyond Limits."

Mathematics: Seminar on "Impact of Industry 4.0 on Entrepreneurship."

Tamil (SF): Seminar on "Entrepreneurship in the Era of Industry 4.0."

Botany: National seminar on "Satellite Image-Based Estimation of Phytoplankton

(Chl-a) and Seasonal Variability with Industry 4.0 in Smart Agriculture."

History: Seminar on "Impact of Industry 4.0 on Entrepreneurship."

English: National-level conference on "Innovative Reimagining of Language and Literature for Industry 4.0."

As a result , the evidence of success include:

• Computer Science students have developed a software to conduct student council election.

• Creation of ten sensor-based water taps by the students of Physics

• Detachable Solar Panel Seat Back Rest(two wheeler) design patent was granted to the students of Physics

• Organised of industrial visits by all departments and internships for students.

• Introduction of 84 generic and specific value-added courses to equip students with industry-ready skills.

• Establishment of 88 start steps

• 36 Industry based MOUs

• Introduction of B.Sc. Artificial Intelligence and Data Science program. The curriculum emphasized the importance of soft skills, life skills, communication skill , lifelong learning, and adaptation to the evolving landscape of Industry 4.0. Students are encouraged to stay updated with emerging trends and technologies which provide career readiness.


Patents and Publications

Holy Cross College encourages faculty and students to publish their innovations and creativity in the form of patents. The IPR Cell has filed 11 patents, published 30, and granted 5 from 2020-2024. In the academic year 2023-2024, the college filed 10 patents, had 21 published, 4 granted, and 9 more in the process of being filed. The college provided seed funding amounting to ₹3,89,026.

Publications have also seen a significant increase, with 229 faculty publications, including 17 in SCI, 28 in Web of Science, 32 in Scopus, 41 in UGC Care List 1, 79 in Crossian Resonance, and 32 in other ISSN journals. Along with that, this year's publications included ISBNs for 46 books, 3 proceedings, 60 book chapters, 148 full-length papers in proceedings, and 63 abstracts in proceedings.

Conclusion

The theme "Outcome-Based Education, Industry 4.0, and Patents and Publications" has established a framework for academic success at Holy Cross College, instilling a sense of purpose and meaning within the community. By engaging with the latest digital trends and developments, the college prepares students for future challenges and opportunities, setting new standards for quality and inspiring positive change.

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Learn Today, Earn Tomorrow!!!