Perspective Plan 2023-2033

Perspective Plan Committee

Sl. No. Designation of the Committee Members
1. Principal (Chairperson)
2. Vice-Principal (Vice Chairperson)
3. Management Representatives
4. Joint Secretary, St Agnes Institutions
5. College Administrator
6. Co-ordinator, PG
7. Finance Officer
8. Co-ordinator, IQAC
9. Controller of Examinations
10. Deans of Faculty
11. Members of IQAC
12. Nominated Heads of Departments
13. Nominated Faculty Members (UG & PG)
14. Librarian
15. Superintendent, Administrative Office
16. Nominated Non-Teaching Staff Members
17. PTA Representative
18. Alumni Representative
19. Industry/Corporate Representative

Introduction

St. Agnes College (Autonomous), located in Mangaluru, India, stands as a distinguished Catholic Educational Institution with a rich legacy dating back to its establishment on 2nd July 1921 by the visionary Mother Mary Aloysia A.C. The inception of this institution was fuelled by her forward-thinking vision, which aimed at empowering women through education. Notably, St. Agnes College marked its place in history as the first women’s college on the West Coast of India and the second under private management nationwide.

Despite its Christian minority status, the college has been inclusive, embracing individuals from all sections of society since its inception. Over the years, it has experienced a commendable growth in both vision and infrastructure, attaining remarkable heights in academic and social spheres. St. Agnes College has consistently upheld a reputation as a standard-bearer of excellence in women’s higher education.

The institution takes pride in producing graduates and postgraduates who excel in diverse fields such as education, science, chartered accountancy, management, and various service professions. St. Agnes College took the lead in Mangalore University by undergoing National Assessment and Accreditation, achieving a ‘Five Star’ grade in 1999. Subsequently, the college underwent the process of re-accreditation, securing ‘A’ grades in 2005 and 2012. In 2017, it attained the prestigious A+ grade with a CGPA of 3.65/4 in the fourth cycle of re-accreditation.

Recognition and accolades have further adorned St. Agnes College, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) designating it as a ‘College with Potential for Excellence’ (CPE) in May 2006 and awarding it ‘College of Excellence’ (CE) status in 2017. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, honoured the college with the ‘Star College Status’ award in July 2017, acknowledging the outstanding performance of its science departments for promoting basic science in the region.

Attaining Autonomous status in 2007, the college introduced postgraduate programs, extending its academic offerings. In 2015, it earned recognition as a ‘research centre’ by Mangalore University, with faculty members of the postgraduate departments acknowledged as guides to PhD research scholars.

In line with the enduring legacy of its pioneers, St. Agnes College is dedicated to the integral formation, excellence, and transformation of its students. It fosters a stimulating and multidisciplinary learning environment, shaping the minds of those aspiring for higher education. Accordingly, the college took a major step ahead in 2022 by introducing MBA and MCA, two postgraduate programs affiliated to All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

The institution instils in its students not only academic prowess but also sound qualities of head and heart, leadership, and interpersonal skills. In essence, St. Agnes College is a crucible of confidence, a shaper of minds, a moulder of character, and a builder of lives.

1. Vision and Mission Reiteration

1.1 Reinforcing Core Values

  • Reiterate and strengthen the college’s commitment to its vision of integral formation, academic excellence, and transformation, aligning all initiatives with the mission of fostering holistic education.
  • Implement a character-building program for students, measurable through annual assessments, with the aim of enhancing ethical values and leadership qualities.

1.2 Fostering National Integration and Harmony

  • Launch initiatives that promote national integration and harmony, aligning with the vision and mission of the college.
  • Organize events and activities that celebrate the cultural diversity within the college community, encouraging dialogue, understanding, and unity among students and staff.

2. Curricular Innovation for Career Opportunities

2.1 Dynamic Curricular Design & Project Based Learning

  • Develop and implement a dynamic curricular framework that aligns with emerging industry trends, ensuring students are equipped with skills for lucrative career opportunities.
  • Implement a “Project-Based Learning” module in all courses, enabling students to work on real-world projects, promoting practical skills and industry exposure.

2.2. Career Counselling and Guidance

  • Establish a robust career counselling and guidance system to assist students in making informed choices regarding their academic and professional paths.
  • Introduce a “Career Incubator” to connect students with industry professionals for mentorship, internships, and potential job placements.

3. International Collaboration and Research

3.1 Global Academic Partnerships

  • Forge collaborations with renowned foreign universities to facilitate virtual research programs, exchange initiatives, and exposure to international perspectives.
  • Create a “virtual exchange program” with partner universities, allowing students to enrol in select courses offered by international institutions.

3.2. Research and Innovation Hub

  • Foster an environment conducive to research and innovation, promoting applied research projects that address real-world challenges.
  • Launch an “International Virtual Symposium” bi-annually, where students and faculty collaborate on global issues, fostering cross-cultural understanding and research.
  • Increase the number of applied research projects by 20% each year, with an emphasis on addressing local and global societal challenges.

4. Innovative Teaching and Learning

4.1 ICT-Driven Pedagogy

  • Integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into teaching methodologies, creating a tech-savvy learning environment.
  • Implement a “Virtual Reality Learning” initiative for selected courses, providing immersive learning experiences and staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
  • Launch a “Faculty-Student Collaborative Podcast” series where faculty and students discuss academic topics, promoting informal and engaging learning.

4.2. Continuous Teacher Training

  • Conduct Bi-annual Training Sessions/ Professional Development Programs for faculty members to enhance their proficiency in innovative teaching methods and technology integration measured through pre & post-training assessments.
  • Implement a structured “Peer Collaboration Initiatives” where faculty members from different departments engage in cross-disciplinary exchanges, fostering the sharing of best practices and diverse teaching methodologies to enhance overall competency.

5. Infrastructure Enhancement

5.1. Modernizing Facilities & Technology Infrastructure

  • Upgrade and expand infrastructure facilities, incorporating smart classrooms, state-of-the-art laboratories, and conducive learning spaces.
  • Implement a “Smart Campus App” providing real-time updates, interactive maps, and personalized information to enhance student engagement and campus navigation.

5.2 Centralized Advanced IT Block

  • Optimize the delivery of specialized courses to foster collaborative excellence and innovation in the dynamic field of information technology with a distinctive IT Block.
  • Invest in advanced technological software to support virtual collaborations, research, and online learning.

6. Student Support System

6.1 Comprehensive Support Services

  • Establish a comprehensive student support system, encompassing academic guidance and counselling to nurture holistic development.
  • Implement a mentorship program for all students, ensuring 100% participation, with progress tracked through regular feedback and academic performance indicators.
  • Launch a “Peer Support Program,” where senior students mentor the freshers, fostering a sense of community and academic support.
  • Introduce a “Wellness Week” with holistic activities promoting mental health, fitness, and stress relief to enhance overall student well-being.

6.2. Skill Development Initiatives

  • Augment skill development programs to enhance students’ employability and prepare them for the competitive global landscape.
  • Foster a culture of curiosity by launching a ‘Knowledge Quest Forum’ where faculty and students engage in interdisciplinary discussions, sparking intellectual curiosity and collaborative exploration beyond traditional classroom boundaries.

7. Efficient Leadership and Governance

7.1 Strategic Leadership

  • Cultivate a culture of strategic leadership, involving faculty, administrative staff, and student council members emphasizing transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.
  • Float a “Leadership Training Centre” to facilitate ongoing leadership training programs, fostering continual improvement in key performance indicators related to decision-making and effective governance.

7.2 Participatory Governance

  • Promote participatory governance by involving stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring a collective and inclusive approach.
  • Establish a feedback mechanism involving faculty and students in decision-making processes, measured through annual surveys and continuous improvement metrics.
  • Introduce a “Digital Suggestion Box” to gather feedback from students and faculty, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity.

8. Best Practices and Distinct Identity

8.1 Institutionalizing Best Practices

  • Institutionalize best practices in curricular development, student engagement, and faculty development to enhance overall institutional effectiveness.
  • Transitioning to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) from Paper-Based Examinations (PBE) to ensure a more efficient and adaptive examination process, thereby evolving the landscape of educational technology.
  • Organize an “Innovation Showcase” annually, where faculty and students present innovative projects and best practices, fostering a culture of institutional excellence.

8.2 Distinct Institutional Identity

  • Cultivate a unique and distinguishable institutional identity that reflects the commitment of the college to excellence, innovation, and global perspectives.
  • Develop and launch a marketing campaign promoting the college’s distinct identity, measured by a 15% increase in enrolment inquiries within the next 12 months.
  • Launch an “Alumni Networking Series,” featuring successful alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, creating a sense of pride and inspiration among current students.

9. Talent Attraction and Retention

9.1 Competitive Compensation

  • Offer competitive compensation packages and benefits to attract and retain high-calibre faculty, recognizing and rewarding excellence.

9.2 Professional Development Opportunities

  • Provide ongoing professional development opportunities, encouraging faculty to engage in research, publications, and participation in conferences.
  • Launch a “Faculty Recognition Program” based on student feedback, research contributions, and innovative teaching practices, providing additional incentives for excellence.
  • Establish a ‘Faculty Development Fund’, encouraging at least 80% faculty members to participate in conferences, workshops, or research projects each year.
  • Create a “Faculty Exchange Program” allowing short-term assignments at partner institutions, enhancing professional development and promoting knowledge exchange.

10. Service-Oriented Activities

10.1 Community Engagement

  • Establish a community engagement program, involving students and faculty in at least three service-oriented activities per semester, with measurable impact assessments on the local community.

10.2 Social Responsibility Initiatives

  • Develop a “Green Campus Initiative,” integrating sustainable practices in infrastructure development, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly construction materials.
  • Introduce a sustainability program, aiming to reduce the environmental footprint of the college by 15% within the next two years through waste reduction and energy efficiency measures.

11. Future Transition to University Status

11.1 Strategic Planning for University Transition

  • Initiate strategic planning for the potential transition to University Status, aligning with regulatory requirements and academic standards showcasing the institution’s readiness and credentials for University Status.

By incorporating SMART goals and emphasizing service-oriented activities, St. Agnes College not only strives for academic excellence but also fulfils its broader responsibilities to the community and the environment.