IQAC

BEST PRACTICES

BEST PRACTICE I

  1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE: SANTHOME WE-CARE INITIATIVE

»  Santhome We-Care initiative is aimed at sensitizing students to transform Society, to fight for Social Justice and to Restore Environment and to relieve people’s suffering, and improve lives and communities. Besides, the initiative’s objective is to develop students as responsible citizens with social outlook and compassion. Santhome We-Care encompasses socially-sensitive, environment-friendly and students-driven endeavours like Housing for the poor, Village upliftment, Tribal empowerment, Care for the sick, Women Empowerment, Rescue & Relief, Children care, Swachh Bharath initiatives, Socio-Economic Surveys, Environment Sensitive initiatives, and Care for the marginalized. Santhome We-Care initiative is a humble effort of the institution to respond address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE PRACTICE

»  To expose students to the real-life situations and train them to imbibe social values.
»  To develop humanitarian qualities and compassion towards environment and fellow beings.
»  To mould socially responsible citizens who work for the progress of the nation.
»  To promote sustainable development and eco-friendly campus.
»  To launch need-based activities and projects to involve student participation in social issues.
»  To make students aware on organic farming techniques and organise cultivation programmes.
»  To conscientize people about various health issues and lifestyle diseases.
»  To Impart Social and Environmental Sensitivity in Students through need-based activities.

3. CONTEXT OF THE PROGRAMME

»  Increasing consumeristic trends and urbanization are posing the challenges of inequalities, social segregation, neglect of the poor and environmental degradation. It leaves the growing generation self-centred and insensitive. The merging of community development and youth development has been the strategy of St. Thomas College since community engagement facilitated personal as well as social development of students engaged in We-Care initiative.

»  Community participation helps youth become empathetic citizens who could potentially continue similar work when they become adults. Additionally, youth who give back to their communities develop leadership skills, learn the importance of helping, and gain work experience.

»  The initiative is institution’s commitment to share the Sustainable Development Goals of UN.

»  St. Thomas college, with its vision of ‘Transforming the Youth through Holistic Education towards an Enlightened Society’, aims at moulding responsible citizens sensitive to the concerns of society and environment, and We-Care is an initiative to realize the vision.

4. THE PRACTICE

SANTHOME WE- CARE :

»  Housing project:

♦ Through Sahapadikkoru veedu, Abhayam and Jubilee Housing Project, the students and staff collected a sum of Rupees 31 Lakhs and constructed 9 houses for the economically disadvantaged students of college during the assessment period

»  Rural upliftment:

♦ 15 Villages engaged with empowerment programmes through Unnat Bharat Abhiyan scheme, Bhumika-2016, Karuthal-2017, Aksharaprayan-2018 and Thirayum Theeravum-2019 and Samagra
♦ Socio-Economic Survey conducted among 1425 families
♦ ASER Survey conducted for 3417 children, 1223 household in 49 villages in 3 years.
♦ 90 Destitute Children trained in Waste management and Organic farming
♦ 320 Parents sensitized on Parenting and Micro-financial management
♦ Flood Mapping conducted at Annamanada Panchayath
♦ Food Kit distributed to 125 families in flood-hit areas

»  Tribal Empowerment:

♦ 300 families of Kurumba Adivasi Tribe, Gottiyarkandy, Attapady were engaged with Health Check-up, Health-Card Preparation and Literacy Drive
♦ 150 Children in Echippara Tribal Village supported with Computer Classes, Children’s Camp and Medical Camp
♦ Awareness classes on Childcare and Saving Habits organized for tribal mothers

»  Solace-We-Care for the Sick:

♦ ‘Santhwana’, Students’ palliative care for the cancer-kidney patients and incapacitated people;
♦ Keshaprayan: 41 Girl Students donated Hair to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
♦ Blood donation drives through Bleed-the-Blood and one-day:one-donor scheme.
♦ Covid-Combat initiatives.
♦ 500 Litres of Sanitizer manufactured by College to fight Covid.
♦ Police Officers, Inmates of Central Jail and Women’s Jail, trained by College to manufacture 6500 Litres of Sanitizer.

»  Women Empowerment:

♦ Training for Kudambashree members to make LED lights;
♦ Smart Mother– Computer Literacy Program for Mothers;
♦ She Drives – Free driving class for girl-students;
♦ Awareness classes on Menstrual hygiene and Women empowerment;
♦ Self-Defence Training for Girls;
♦ Celebration of International Women’s Day, breast-feeding week etc.

»  Child-Friendly Initiatives:

♦ Free tuition for Orphanage by students with 150 classes per year.
♦ Annual children camps for 280 children
♦ 325 Children supported through Touch-not-my-Child and No-child-alone campaigns
♦ Awareness programs on POCSO Act and child-friendly local governance

»  Divyangjan-friendly initiatives:

♦ Divyangjan-friendly Policy
♦ Awareness programmes for sensitising the stakeholders and society
♦ Visits to social welfare centres like old-age homes and rehabilitation centres for the Divyangjan
♦ Observance of Days of importance for Divyangjan with the community

»  Koode (Be with them):

♦ Response to natural calamities through relief activities during
♦ Okhi Cyclone in 2017
♦ Kerala Floods 2018 and 2019
♦ Covid Pandemic

»  Environment Initiatives:

♦ Cultivation and Harvest of Organic vegetables and crops
♦ Conservation of endangered Kulavetty trees
♦ Saplings distribution
♦ Ban of Single-use plastic in the campus
♦ Solar energy and Energy Saving Initiatives
♦ Urjjakiran drive for promoting energy conservation practices
♦ Swachh Bharath drives at public places and beautifying public places
♦ Seminars, Street plays, Radio Mist and Socio Podcast for Awareness on Swachh Bharath

5. EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS

» 6 Houses were fully constructed and of 3 Houses partially completed exclusively through the efforts and contributions of Students and Faculty of St. Thomas College.

» St. Thomas College was awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the District Collector, for the commendable volunteering relief works done by the college during Kerala Floods.

» St. Thomas College was awarded by the Government of Kerala for the Energy Promotion Activities of ‘Urjjakiran’ by the College.

» St. Thomas College was awarded by the Echippara Tribal Panchayath for the sustainable development activities undertaken by the college in Echippara Tribal Panchayath.

» 1250 Tree Saplings planted by Students. Conservation of endangered trees by planting 125 saplings (Kulavetti) successfully completed in 5 Panchayaths.

» St. Thomas College and Faculties were recognized and awarded by the Local Governance bodies for the environment promotion activities and planting and protection of Kulavetty plants in the Panchayaths.

» 100% of lighting in the institution converted LED-based.

6. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED AND RESOURCES REQUIRED

»  Fitting the programme into the tight academic schedule of the semester system is a challenge.
»  Mobilisation of Financial Resources.
»  Coordination with Government departments, local bodies and NGOs.
»  Constraints to reach out during pandemic due to the restrictions.

7. NOTES

»  We-Care initiative is a model that can be replicated by other institutions. The institution has made community service/engagement mandatory for certain number of hours for each student for award of degree. The initiative has facilitated incorporation of social sensitiveness and leadership skills among students. Students, when properly oriented, are found to be passionate to engage in community services. Students became ambassadors of social change.


BEST PRACTICE II

1. TITLE OF THE PRACTICE:   St Thomas Engage Empower and Lead (STEEL) Program

Student Engage, Empower, and Lead Training Program – a ground breaking initiative designed to equip students with the skills, mind-set, and confidence to excel not only academically but also as leaders in their respective fields. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the ability to effectively engage with others, empower yourself and those around you, and lead with purpose has never been more crucial. This program is more than just a series of workshops; it’s a transformative journey aimed at unlocking full potential and preparing students to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Get ready to embark on an inspiring voyage of self-discovery, growth, and leadership excellence.

Innovation is crucial for resolving the needs necessities and ambitions of human beings. It needs to be fostered as continuous process and that comes from an institution that has a system in place to not only encourage and support idea- generation but also to then robustly test and finally nurture the best ones to take them to the next level. Each student is an Innovator. Everyone can deliver the success if proper knowledge and guidance are provided.

2. Objectives

  • To train the students carefully define the problem.
  • To build confidence to embrace uncertainty.
  • To devote enough time to innovation.
  • To provide training to work as a team.
  • To bring out the creativity which is inborn in every one the students are given the opportunity and guidance to make them a better citizen and a better contributor to the society to create the problem solvers than problem creates.
  • To motivate the students to become the incredible source of inspiration for others.
  • To train the students to build a better world for themselves & others.
  • To make sure each & every student to think out of the box.
  • To create awareness about national policies for the entrepreneurship and to train the students to avail the benefits of the policies

3. THE CONTEXT

Implementing an “Engage, Empower, and Lead” program for our students could encompass various aspects aimed at fostering personal and professional development, leadership skills, and community engagement.

  1. Engage: This part of the program focuses on involving students actively in their academic and extracurricular pursuits. It could include initiatives such as:
    • Encouraging participation in clubs, organizations, and student government.
    • Organizing events, workshops, and seminars that stimulate intellectual curiosity and creativity.
    • Facilitating networking opportunities with alumni, professionals, and experts in various fields.
    • Promoting volunteerism and community service projects both on and off-campus.
  2. Empower: Empowering students involves providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. This may involve:
    • Offering mentorship programs where upperclassmen, faculty, or alumni mentor younger students.
    • Providing workshops on study skills, time management, stress management, and other essential life skills.
    • Offering career counselling, internship opportunities, and assistance with job placement.
    • Creating a supportive and inclusive campus culture where students feel empowered to express themselves and pursue their passions.
  3. Lead: Leadership development is a key component of the program, aiming to cultivate students’ abilities to lead effectively in various contexts. This could include:
    • Leadership training workshops and seminars focusing on communication, decision-making, conflict resolution, and team-building skills.
    • Opportunities for students to take on leadership roles in clubs, organizations, and student government.
    • Projects that require students to plan and execute initiatives that benefit the campus community or address pressing social issues.
    • Recognition and celebration of student leaders who demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities and make significant contributions to campus life.

Overall, the “Engage, Empower, and Lead” program aims to create a dynamic and enriching college experience that prepares students not only for academic and professional success but also for active citizenship and leadership in their communities and beyond 

4, THE PRACTICE

St Thomas Engage Empower and Lead (STEEL) Program Framework at St. Thomas College is constituted by the following:

The system of Engage, Empower, and Lead training programs in our college is carefully planned and coordinated among Student Community”

  1. Assessment of Needs: We are assessing the current needs and challenges faced by students in terms of engagement, empowerment, and leadership skills. Conduct surveys, interviews, among focus groups to gather data and insights.
  2. Define Objectives: Clearly define the objectives and outcomes aim to achieve through the training programs. These could include improved student retention, enhanced leadership abilities among students.
  3. Curriculum Development: Designing a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses topics related to engagement, empowerment, and leadership. This could include workshops, seminars, courses, or experiential learning activities.
  4. Identify Resources: Determining the resources required to implement the training programs effectively. This may include financial resources, personnel, facilities, technology, and external expertise.
  5. Faculty Training: Providing training for faculty members who will be facilitating the programs. Equip them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively engage, empower, and lead students.
  6. Student Engagement: Developing strategies to actively engage students in the training programs. This could involve interactive activities, group discussions, case studies, projects, or guest lectures from industry experts.
  7. Empowerment Activities: Incorporating activities that promote student empowerment, such as goal setting, decision making, problem-solving, and self-reflection exercises. Encourage students to take ownership of their learning and development.
  8. Leadership Development: Offering opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through practical experiences, mentorship programs, leadership workshops, and involvement in student organizations or clubs.
  9. Feedback Mechanism: Established a feedback mechanism to gather input from participants and stakeholders about their experience with the training programs. Use this feedback to continuously improve and refine the programs.
  10. Evaluation and Assessment: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs in achieving their objectives. Collect data on key performance indicators, such as student satisfaction, academic performance, retention rates, and leadership outcomes.
  11. Sustainability: Ensure the sustainability of the training programs by integrating them into the college’s long-term strategic plan and institutional culture. Seek opportunities for collaboration with other departments, community partners, and alumni networks.
  12. Promotion and Recognition: Promote the training programs through various channels to increase awareness and participation. Recognize and celebrate the achievements of students who demonstrate exemplary engagement, empowerment, and leadership skills.

5. EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS

In the academic year 2022-2023, St. Thomas College not only achieved an impressive total of 311 placements but also demonstrated a proactive commitment to student success by hosting over 157 placement drives on campus. This extensive initiative showcased the college’s dedication to connecting students with a diverse array of career opportunities and industry leaders.

The comprehensive approach to placements is reflected in the variety of sectors represented among the recruiting companies. Standout placements were secured with Software and banking organizations such as Accenture (45 placements), HDFC (38 placements), TCS (14 placements), and Wipro (32 placements). These figures underscore the versatility and high-calibre preparation of St. Thomas College graduates.

The impact of the placement drives extended across various academic disciplines, showcasing the college’s adaptability to the dynamic demands of the job market. Notably, B. Com Banking and Insurance emerged as a preferred choice, yielding 36 placements. Simultaneously, courses like B.Voc Data Science (23 placements) and B. Sc Computer Science (25 placements) reflected the college’s forward-looking approach in aligning education with industry trends.

Postgraduate programs also made a significant contribution to the overall placement success, with M.Sc Physics, M.Sc Statistics, and M.A Economics collectively accounting for 27 placements. This highlights the depth and relevance of advanced studies at St. Thomas College.

Training Programmes:

  • Place-kick: Place-kick serves as an orientation program for all students, aimed at identifying their unique skills and potential for future placement opportunities. This program plays a crucial raligning students’ strengths with prospective career paths.
  • Flame-up: Flame-up, with a notable participation of 562 students, is an intensive 50-hour training program tailored for second-year undergraduate and first-year postgraduate students. Focused on enhancing mental acuity and numerical skills, this rigorous training equips students with the tools necessary for academic excellence and career success.
  • Turning Point: Turning Point, with 312 participants, is a transformative three-day residential program held at LEAD College in Palakkad. It encompasses theoretical sessions on placement strategies and job searching, complemented by Outward Bound Training (OBT) sessions. This program is designed to foster mental stability and confidence among participants.
  • Blaze-Up: Blaze-Up, engaging 162 participants, is a dynamic 40-hour crash course offered to final-year undergraduate and postgraduate students. This program is strategically designed to prepare students for upcoming placement drives, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in recruitment processes.
  • Nexus: The Nexus program is a novel initiative facilitating a connection between alumni who have successfully secured positions in various companies and their junior counterparts. Through this program, valuable insights and detailed information about job processes are shared, fostering a sense of mentorship and guidance.
  • Youth Retreat for Graduate Students: The youth retreat for graduate students was a dynamic and enriching experience held from 5 to 8 August 2022 at Gagultha Retreat Centre Kurumal, Thrissur aimed at fostering personal and academic growth, the retreat attracted participants from various disciplines, creating a diverse and vibrant community.
  • CPR Skilling Programme: To help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac and choking emergencies. Participants learn to give immediate medical care to the ill person until more advanced medical personnel arrive and take over.
  • Aptha Mithra (The Fire and Rescue Force): To give the volunteers training on first Aid, search and rescue operations, fire and emergency services, moving injured people, etc. 
  • Natural Disaster Management: To make students conscious of the essential first aid measures to be taken when someone is drowning. On 31-01-2023 a disaster management training session was organised at St Thomas College (Autonomous), Thrissur in Palocaren Square at 1:30 pm. 
  • Youth Skill Training: 144 students of ST. Thomas College, participated in this training programme, which helps to impart various skills needed by youth.
  • Sign Language Training: Training students to help them in manual communication with deaf people, organised by our college on 15th July 2022.

6. PROBLEM ENCOUNTERED


Implementing an “Engage, Empower, and Lead” program at St. Thomas College, may encounter several challenges. Some of these challenges could include:

  1. Resistance to Change: Faculty, staff, or students may resist the introduction of new programs or initiatives, especially if they perceive it as disrupting existing routines or priorities.
  2. Resource Constraints: Limited financial resources, staffing, or infrastructure may hinder the college’s ability to fully implement and sustain the program effectively.
  3. Time Constraints: Balancing the demands of academic coursework, extracurricular activities, and personal commitments may make it challenging for students to fully engage in the program.
  4. Student Engagement: Encouraging active participation and involvement from a diverse student body with varying interests, backgrounds, and priorities can be challenging.
  5. Leadership Development: Identifying and developing effective student leaders, as well as providing ongoing support and training, may require dedicated resources and expertise.
  6. Measuring Impact: Assessing the effectiveness and impact of the program on student learning outcomes, personal development, and campus culture may require the development of appropriate assessment tools and metrics.
  7. Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the program beyond its initial implementation phase may require securing ongoing funding, institutional support, and buy-in from stakeholders.
  8. Inclusivity and Diversity: Ensuring that the program is inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of their background, identity, or abilities, requires careful attention to diversity and equity considerations.
  9. Community Partnerships: Building and maintaining partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders to support experiential learning and community engagement initiatives may require time and effort.

Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative and iterative approach, involving stakeholders in the program’s design, implementation, and evaluation processes, as well as a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation based on feedback and lessons learned.

7. NOTES

» It is to be mentioned that St Thomas Engage Empower and Lead (STEEL) Programme is following systematic steps and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. College successfully implemented this system of Engage, Empower, and Lead training programmes that benefit students to become a productive citizen.