NAAC for Quality and Excellence in Higher Education
Peer Team Report Institutional Assessment & Accreditation Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai400 086, Maharashtra
26th- 27th November, 2008
NATIONAL ASSESSMENT AND ACCREDITATION COUNCIL An Autonomous Institution of the University Grants Commission P.O. Box No. 1075, Nagarbhavi, Bangalore - 560 072, INDIA 1
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Section I: General Information 1.1 Name & Address of The Institute : 1.2 Year of Establishment:
Ramniranjan Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Science and Commerce, Ghatkopar (W), Mumbai – 400 086, Maharashtra 1963
1.3 Current Academic Activity at the Institution (Numbers) : •
Faculties/schools:
3; Arts, Science and Commerce
•
Department/ Centres:
23; Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Mathematics, Statistics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Studies, Commerce, & Accountancy, Banking & Insurance, Hindi,English, Marathi, Kannada, Geography, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy, History and Political Science.
•
Programmes/ Courses Offered:
• UG; 5 (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., B.B.I, B.M.S.) • PG; 4 (M. Com., M.Sc., M.Sc.by research and M.A.) • Ph.D in Hindi, Philosophy, Chemistry, Botany, Bio-Technology and Zoology. • Add-on Courses; 5
• •
Sanctioned: Permanent Faculty Members: Permanent Support Staff: Sanctioned:
•
Students:
95 Full Time Filled: 85 Full Time 122
Filled: 113
UG: 3343 PG: 417 Ph.D: 24
1.4 Three major features in the An urban, co-educational and post graduate college institutional Context (As affiliated to the University of Mumbai. Perceived by the peer Team ): A linguistic minority college and also a college with more than 50 percent women students. The College offers programmes in the disciplines of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management under the aided and selffinancing streams catering also to the economically and socially disadvantaged sections of the society.
1.5 Dates of visit of the peer Team ( visit schedule is
November 26-27, 2008
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included as Annexure): 1.6 Composition of the Peer Team which undertook the on-site visit : Chairperson
(Detailed visit schedule attached)
Dr.Chandrakant Kokate Vice- Chancellor KLE University, JNMC Campus Nehru Nagar, Belgaum 590 010 Karnataka
Member Coordinator
Dr.Yoginder Verma Director, UGC-Academic Staff College Himachal Pradesh University, Summer Hills Shimla -171 005 Himachal Pradesh
Member
Dr. Rajan Varughese Director and Principal Marthoma College of Management and Technology Asramam Campus, Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, Kerala 683 542
NAAC Officer
Dr.M.S.Shyamasundar Dy. Adviser, NAAC
Section II : CRITERION WISE ANALSIS 2.1 Curricular Aspects: 2.1.1
Curriculum Design & Development:
The College offers a number of programmes in line with vision and mission of the parent body. The curriculum is designed by the affiliating University. 5 teachers are members of Board of studies of the University.
2.1.2. Academic Flexibility:
The College has a wide range of programme options: 09 combinations of subjects in arts, 09 in Science and 03 in Commerce at UG level with vocational components as elective options. PG programme is available in 05 subjects in science and 02 subjects in arts. A number of job-oriented and skill development short-term courses. It offers inter-disciplianry courses in emerging areas such as Inormation technology, Management Science, Bio-technology.
2.1.3. Feedback on Curriculum:
The College has a mechanism for collection of feedback from students, alumni and employers on curriculum through structured questionnaire. Feedback from stakeholders are analyzed, compiled and communicated to the University. The College has initiated the introduction of need-based 3
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courses based on the feedback. 2.1.4. Curriculum update:
Three year periodic syllabus updation is effected in most of the subjects. Workshops on updation of curriculum are organized by the College.
2.1.5. Best Practices in Curricular Good number of options in core and elective subjects. Aspects: Relevant add-on courses are made available to students. Regular courses are enriched by short term skill and personality development programmes. 2.2. Teaching- Learning and Evaluation: 2.2.1. Admission process and Student Profile:
2.2.2. Catering to diverse needs:
2.2.3. Teaching- Learning Process:
2.2.4. Teacher Quality:
Admissions are made on merit basis following Government and University norms. Admission process is publicized through prospectus, college website, notice boards and advertisement in newspapers. The College gives due consideration to different strata of the society including differently-abled applicants. The College uses class tests to assess the students at entry level to identify advanced and slow learners. Bridge courses are offered in subjects like Computer Science. The methods of peer teaching, extra coaching, and providing study materials are used to assist slow learners. Teacher-ward system is used to mentor students. The College prepares Academic Calendar in the beginning of the academic session. Teachers follow conventional lecture method in most of the courses. Class-room teaching is enriched by the use of a variety of techniques such as workshops, presentations, assignments, field visits, project work, power point presentations, etc. Faculty selection to substantive vacancies is based on the norms of the State Government and University. Temporary and part time faculty is selected and appointed by the College management. Out of 85 permanent teachers 34 are Ph.D. and 15 are M.Phil.
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2.2.5. Evaluation process and Reform:
2.2.6. Best practices in TeachingLearning and Evaluation:
Mentoring through teacher-ward system for the benefit of students. Teachers are encouraged to participate in academic conferences and seminars.
As per Mumbai University regulations, First and Second year examinations are conducted by the College and the Third year examinations of UG programmes are conducted by the University. The College conducts examinations, evaluation of answer scripts and timely publication of results in a systematic way. Periodic tests, open book and surprise tests are also conducted by most of the departments.
2.3. Research, consultancy and Extension 2.3.1. Promotion of Research:
2.3.2. Research and publication output:
2.3.3. Consultancy:
Some faculty members particularly of Botany, Chemistry and Biotechnology departments are involved in consultancy.
2.3.4. Extension Activities:
The NCC cadets and NSS volunteers are actively involved in extension activities in collaboration with NGOs and GOs. Students organize blood donation camps, street plays to promote social harmony, gender sensitization workshops, AIDs awareness programmes, disaster relief work and social welfare activities.
2.3.5. Collaborations:
2.3.6. Best Practices in Research,
Training for faculty members in preparation of research
The College has a research committee to promote research culture. Faculty members are motivated to do research by offering its facilities and through timely utilization of grants from funding agencies like UGC. The College has research facilities in the laboratories of Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Physics and Biotechnology departments. 04 major and 10 minor research projects funded by the UGC, DST and University were completed during the assessment period and 14 research projects are in progress. 30 research papers and 10 course books have been published by the faculty members of the College during post accreditation period. Some teachers have presented papers in academic conferences.
The College has collaborations with Prabhat samiti, Rotary and Lions Club, industries like Johnson and Johnson, Envirolab, ICICI Bank and Bharat-Serum and Vaccines.
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Consultancy, Extension:
proposal. Research activities involving students are encouraged.
2.4: Infrastructure and Learning Resources: 2.4.1. Physical Facilities for learning
2.4.2 Maintenance of Infrastructure:
2.4.3. Library as a learning resource:
2.4.4. ICT as learning resources:
2.4.5. Other Facilities:
2.4.6. Best Practices in Infrastructure and Learning Resources:
The College has 7034 sq.mtrs. of built-up area on five floors with adequate physical infrastructure. Well-equipped class rooms, science and IT laboratories, departmental libraries, faculty rooms, ICT-enabled seminar and conference halls and an air-conditioned auditorium are available in the College. The College has made good provisions to cater to the needs of physically challenged persons. The College has sufficient budgetary provision for maintenance of its infrastructure. It has an established in-house system for the maintenance and repairs of its civil structures and laboratory equipments. The College provides good facilities for drinking water, electricity and maintenance of the ambience. The College has a Library Advisory Committee which assists the planning and development of the Library. It has 62,000 books including textbooks, 12 academic journals and 83 periodicals and magazines. Library is partially automated and offers services including OPAC, Internet, etc. It also provides facilities for physically challenged students. College has its own website, 223 and also Broadband Internet connectivity. ICT enabled learning resources are available for teachinglearning. The College has adequate facilities of rest room for boys and girls, facilities for physically challenged students, and canteen. The sports infrastructure includes air conditioned gymnasium, gymkhana, table tennis, carom kho-kho, kabaddi, Karate, Yoga, and Teakwondo. Language Laboratory with limited nodes is available. ICT enabled facilities for students including accessibility to internet services in the library. Proactive steps in infrastructure development after first accreditation.
2.5. Student Support and 6
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Progression: 2.5.1. Student progression:
The results in the university examinations are above 80 percent in most of the subjects and are above the University results. The students of the College secured university ranks consistently in some subjects. Nearly 40 percent of the Science students proceed to higher studies, a good number of Arts and Commerce students progress to professional programmes like CA, ICWA, CS and management programmes. Most of the Biotechnology students proceed for higher studies in leading universities in India and abroad. A sizable number of the students proceed for employment in BPO companies, government and private establishments. 2.5.2. Student Support:
2.5.3. Student Activities:
2.5.4. Best Practices in Student Support and Progression:
The College regularly publishes annual prospectus and has a website which provide comprehensive information regarding admission process, courses, scholarships, fee structure and facilities. The College provides 28 scholarships along with sports scholarships, government scholarships for deserving students, canteen facilities and the ‘earn while you learn’ scheme. Students are helped in personality development and career planning through value education, computer awareness programmes, campus placement activities, psychometric tests, counseling and exposure to entrepreneurship opportunities. Women Development Cell. Grievance redressal cell and anti-ragging cell are functional. Students perform commendably in sports and cultural activities. The College teams secured prizes in University and national level competitions especially in cricket, kho kho, teakwando, etc., during post-accreditation period. Students actively participate in cultural and personality development activities through different subject associations, NCC and NSS, etc. NCC and NSS units are active and some cadets/ volunteers have participated at Republic Day Parade. Free internet access to students. Active participation of students in the management of various activities of the College. Feedback on student activities and alumni activities.
2.6. Governance and Leadership 2.6.1. Institutional vision and Leadership
The mission of the College, to provide education to all is being realized by ensuring equity and access to all. 7
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Committed management is actively involved in the affairs and development of the College. The Secretary of the governing body, a great visionary and dynamic leader has a broad vision. Principal is providing dynamic, proactive and value-based leadership through transparency in administration and participatory management practices. 2.6.2.Organizational Arrangements: Well defined duties and responsibilities of office bearers with a planned organizational structure Management, Principal, Vice Principals, IQAC, Examination in-Charge, HODs and Faculty Council with the support of faculty, staff and students carry out the administration of the College. The college has 22 different committees to manage various academic and administrative functions. 2.6.3. Strategy development and Deployment:
Senior management has a definite long-term strategy for realization of the vision and mission of the University. The implementation mechanism of strategy is well-defined and is executed in efficient manner. The IQAC supports the administration in strategy development.
2.6.4. Human Resource Management
The students’ feedback is used for the assessment of faculty and staff. The deficiency in faculty strength is supplemented by the College Management out of its own resources. The College encourages its faculty and staff for attending professional development programs.
2.6.5. Financial Management and The College receives grant-in-aid from the State Resources: Government and UGC on regular basis. It maintains its accounts in a systematic manner and are properly audited. The College received over Rs.70 lakhs from UGC and other funding agencies for various projects. These funds are being properly utilized. Resources generated through the self-financing courses are being used for the development of the College. The management of the parent Society takes effort for internal resource mobilization for the development of the College. 2.6.6. Best Practices in Governance and Leadership
Automated office administration ISO certification. In-house newsletter to facilitate efficient documentation.
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2.7 Innovative Practices 2.7.1. Internal quality Assurance System:
2.7.2. Inclusive Practices:
The College is sensitive to the learning needs of all sections of the society including economically and socially disadvantaged sections and differently-abled persons. Parents and alumni join hands with the management for quality improvement initiatives. Implementation of ‘Earn While You Learn’ scheme.
The College has set-up an Internal Quality Assurance Cell which collaborates with management, alumni, parents, faculty, staff and students for quality enhancement and sustenance. Initiation of ICT enabled environment for teaching-learning and administration.
2.7.3. Stakeholder Relationships:
The College maintains cordial relationship with all stakeholders by including them in various committees and frequent interactions. Professional programmes and awareness programmes are organized for staff and other sections of the society. Students organize relief works and awareness programmes with help of management, NGOs and GOs.
Section III: Overall Analysis 3.1. Institutional Strengths:
Imparting higher education to urban but less developed locality of Ghatkopar. Offering programmes in the thrust/cutting-edge areas such as IT, Bio-technology, Computer Science, management, etc. Full time counselors for personal counseling and guidance. High success rate in final year examinations as compared to University results. Some faculty members are motivated to research and publications.
3.2. Institutional Weaknesses: 3.3. Institutional Challenges:
Less scope for introduction of new programmes due to limited space. Limited use of ICT in teaching-learning and research. Library, in spite of its present collection of books, needs more on-line journals and digitization. Main focus is on class room teaching and less on research and publications. Limited collaborations, linkages and consultancy. To cater to the diverse needs of the first generation learners particularly under the constraints of language and 9
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background of the students. Introduction of more professional and job-oriented courses at certificate, diploma, UG level and some selected PG level programmes. Coping up with the challenges of neighbourhood environment, both physical and social. Providing resources for supporting the economically and socially weak students. Providing sports fields particularly for games like cricket, football, etc.
3.4. Institutional Opportunities:
Being located in the metropolis, potential exists for collegeindustry linkage with respect to launching of job-oriented courses. Opportunity for better networking of alumni and using the same for better industry linkages. Strengthening of IQAC by involving representatives of stakeholders and external experts. Scope for toning-up the placement drive and attracting big corporate houses including the MNCs. Undertaking of community based extension projects.
Section IV: Recommendations for Quality Enhancement:
Introduction of certificate /diploma level job-oriented / vocational programmes such as Industrial & Analytical Chemistry, Retail Management, Data Entry Operators, SPSS & SAS, Mass Communication, Computer Hardware Maintenance, Communication & Life Skills, Disaster Management, Event Management, Remote Sensing, Foreign Languages, Herbal Drug Technology etc.
Development of a systematic mechanism for identification of below average and above average students and providing them additional teaching inputs.
Academic and Administrative Audit mechanism may be institutionalized.
Chemistry laboratories need to be further equipped with provisions for safety and security.
More books and academic journals are to be added to the Library.
The College needs further strengthening of career 10
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counseling and placement activities.
Need for creating sufficient backup for power supply by installing high capacity UPS and generators.
Formal arrangement for providing health care facility should be made in the campus.
Promotion of research culture by providing seed money for research projects and incentives for acquiring higher qualifications and participation in national and international academic activities.
Establishment of linkages/collaborations with industry, research organizations, NGOs and GOs.
The Peer Team members acknowledge with thanks the efforts taken by the College in conducting the assessment process smoothly and also for providing necessary documents for verification and validation during assessment.
Chairman: Prof. Chandrakant Kokte, Vice-Chancellor, KLE, University, JNMC Campus, Nehru Nagar, Belgaum- 590010, Karnataka
Member: Prof. Rajan Varughese, Director & Principal, Marthoma College of Management and Technology, Ashraman Campus, Ernakulam District, Peraumbavoor -683542, Kerala.
Member- Co-ordinator: Prof. Yoginder Verma, Professor of Management and Director, UGC-Academic Staff College, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla
Coordinating Officer: Dr. M.S. Shyamasundar, Deputy Advisor, NAAC, Bangalore I agree with the observations made by the NAAC Peer Team in the Report.
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Signature of the Principal with date and seal
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