2015: A Year of Achievements in Quality

NAAC Peer team visit in January

NAAC Reaccreditation with A-Grade in March

IQAC reconstituted & office strengthened

AQAR compiled as per schedule

350 point Masters Action Map drawn up

60-month planner for cycle 3 period designed

On-line Aptitude Test : approved for KSHEC funding

You tube channel for the University proposed

3-tier Induction Programme conducted successfully

Library Quality Audit conducted

Environmental Audit completed

Gender Audit initiated

Dept. level Action Plan drawn up

eBook Project ready to launch

PG Brochure published

15 policies & charters drafted

Student feedback conducted

Annual Student Survey conducted & compiled

Graduate Attributes defined and Video produced

MARC - National Conference organized

Circular on promoting Interdisciplinarity issued

Proposal for directing research towards University

Student Quality Council constituted

University jumps up in India Today Ranking

Policy on Gifted learners proposed

University Skill Acquisition Programme mooted

Thousand Wikilights programme initiated

Research Methodology Workshop organized

Academic Audit scheme for Depts. initiated

Patenting enhancement measures initiated

Teaching/Assessment Review Committee established

Chancellors’ Award for Best University in December

Message from

Chairperson, IQAC

With the successful comple-

tion of the 2nd cycle of re-

accreditation by NAAC, cul-

minating in award of A-grade,

IQAC has rebooted to take

quality activities to the next

level for the third cycle, due

in 2020. Rather than a last

minute mechanical process to

meet requirements, IQAC has

a clear focus on designing and

implementing both microscop-

ic and macroscopic quality in-

itiatives. This newsletter

gives a clear evidence of such

initiatives. I request the co-

operation of all stake-holders

of the University in this mat-

ter. The accelerated pace of

activities that IQAC has

achieved now is expected to

bear fruit in the next accredi-

tation due in 2020. The en-

hanced quality is aimed to

benefit our student communi-

ty —Vice-Chancellor

News Letter of IQAC University of Kerala

Cycle 3, Issue 1 iqac.keralauniversity.ac.in 2015

Re-accredited with ‘A’ grade by NAAC

2

Mandate of IQAC Goals: ♦ To develop a quality system for conscious, con-

sistent and catalytic programmed action to improve the

academic and administrative performance. ♦ To promote

measures for institutional functioning towards quality en-

hancement through internalization of quality culture and

institutionalization of best practices.

Objectives: ♦ Development and application of quality

benchmarks parameters for various academic and admin-

istrative activities of the institution. ♦ Promote and facili-

tate various academic activities of the University and

make them as good practices. ♦ Facilitate the creation of

a learner centric environment conducive to quality educa-

tion. ♦ To act as a change agent in the institution so as to

ensure quality. ♦ Initiate the implementation of feedback

responses from all stakeholders on quality related institu-

tional processes. ♦ Documentation of the various pro-

grammes/activities leading to quality improvement.

Strategies: ♦ Ensure timely and efficient performance

of academic and extra-curricular activities. ♦ Maintain

quality of academic and research activities. ♦ Ensure an

error free evaluation procedure. ♦ Facilitate the modern

methods of teaching and learning. ♦ Measures for ensur-

ing quality sustenance and quality enhancement .

Functions: ♦ Formulation and implementation of qual-

ity benchmark for various programmes and activities of

the university. ♦ Documentation of various activities/

programmes orgnized in the University. ♦ Organise train-

ing programmes on quality related themes. ♦ Preparation

of Annual Quality Assurance Report (AQAR) to be sub-

mitted to NAAC. ♦ Prepare the University for the next

cycle of reaccreditation and elevate it to the status of a

world class institution.

Members of IQAC

Admin Coordinators:

Sri Jayasankar Prasad

(till Nov 2015)

Sri S. Vijayakumar

(from Nov 2015)

Research Workshop: IQAC and

Researchers’ Union jointly held a two-day

workshop on Research Methodology on 29 &

30th May 2015 with a half-day common and

three parallel sessions for major streams.

Online Aptitude Test A project submitted by IQAC for developing

an on-line aptitude test for enabling students

to gauge their suitability for different careers

has been sanctioned funding of Rs 8 lakhs by

the Kerala State Higher Education council.

1. Vice-Chancellor

(Chairman)

2. Pro Vice-Chancellor

3. Dr. R.Jayaprakash

Member, Syndicate

4. Dr. Girish Kumar R

Member, Syndicate

5. Dr. P.M. Radhamany

Member, Syndicate

6. Registrar

7. Director, Planning. &

Development

8. Director,

College Dev. Council

9. Director,

Computer Centre

10. Dr. Alexander Jacob

Former DGP

11. Shri. Santhosh C. Kurup

CEO, ICT Academy

12. Narayanan S, President,

Quest, Technopark

13. Chairman,

Department’s Union

14. Dr. G. Suresh Singh

Prof, Dept of Maths

15. Dr. K. S. Chandrasekar

Prof, IMK

16. Dr. M.C. Subhash Peter

Prof, Dept of Zoology

17. Dr. C.R. Prasad

Prof, Dept of Malayalam

18. Dr. G. Raju

Prof, Dept of Commerce

19. Dr.Shaji A.

Asst Professor, SDE

20. Dr.Achuthsankar S. Nair,

Director, IQAC

Quality through Continuous

Improvement

3

The reconstituted IQAC

started off with a 60 month

planner of activities for 2015

-2020. The planner has been

followed successfully and 7

full-fledged meetings and a

special meeting to approve

the AQAR have been held.

Over 100 items related to

quality improvement were

discussed. Some were imple-

mented and matters falling

under the powers of statuto-

ry bodies were forwarded to

the authorities for consider-

ation. Bench marking data

collection by the IQAC indi-

cates that the IQAC of Kera-

la University is among the

most active quality councils

in the country. IQAC also

held quality consultation

meetings with faculty. A

student quality council also

has been established. Con-

sultations with industries,

alumni and other stake

holders is planned.

1000 Wiki Lights:“1000 Wiki Lights” has been initiated. The

aim is to get students, researchers and faculty to contribute copy left arti-

cles through Wikipedia to enrich the cyber knowledge world. This was

done in collaboration with Depts. Union and Researchers Union. A train-

ing programme on Wiki development was held on 8th December 2015. Prof.

G. Suresh Singh, Member, IQAC was the coordinator of the initiative.

Eight Meetings, 100+ items

4

The Master Action Plan

(MAP) to improve quality is

a listing of 350 points classi-

fied under 8 focal areas : 1.

Vision, Frame Work &

Benchmarking 2. Research

& Innovation 3. Teaching,

Learning & Evaluation 4.

Schools, Depts. & Centers 5.

Student Development 6.

Governance 7. Extension 8.

Miscellaneous. They have

been drawn up by consider-

ing the parameters recog-

nized by NAAC and UPE

scheme. In addition, the

IQAC has also deliberated

and contributed its collec-

tive wisdom. This document

is expected to be the road

map for the University in its

journey towards excellence.

At the end of 2015, 25% of

items in MAP has been ei-

ther initiated or completed.

Library Quality Audit As a part of monitoring quali-

ty of various arms of the Uni-

versity system, the Internal

Quality Assurance Cell

(IQAC) of the University of

Kerala has embarked on a

series of base-line studies.

The Library Quality Audit is

the first of the series. Librar-

ies continue to be critical re-

source and eco-system of aca-

demic activities for scholars

and students. This is the rea-

son why the first internal

quality audit has focused on

libraries. This report collects and presents a summary of

basic data of our library system. A review of the study by

eminent library professionals outside the system has been

included in the audit. It is hoped that the document will

serve as the base-document for discussions, debates and

decision making in library relates issues.

Excerpts from Library Audit

♦ Total No. of libraries covered: 46 ♦ Total Number

of Books (KUL-3.4, Others 4.8): 8.2 Lakhs ♦ Acquisi-

tion During 2015 : 0.2 Lakhs of books ♦ Cost of

Books Purchased in 2015 : Rs. 311 Lakhs ♦ Annual

Growth rate of stock : 2.4% ♦ Average Cost of

Books : Rs. 1992/- ♦ Utilization Rate (Books issued/

member/year) : Ranges from 192 to 1 ♦ Library

Space Provision (Sq.ft/member): Ranges from 200 to

1 ♦ Library Seating Facility (Seats/member) : Rang-

es from 2 to 0.02 ♦ Total No. of Library Staff

(Permanent) : 119 (Contract) : 24 ♦ Cataloging : 86%

of libraries ♦ Classification: 85% of Libraries (Most

use Dewey Decimal Classification, but 3 Depart-

ments and KUL uses Colon Classification)

Master Action Plan

Green Charter in Action

All IQAC events have given maximum care to follow Green Charter of the Uni-

versity (U.O. No Ad.Misc./3/NAAC/GC/2014 ) and avoided bottled water, plastic

cups and plates and plastic covered bouquets. Registration kits were also eco-

friendly, with rola-pens (with body made up of recycled rolled paper). Ethnic

food was given preference over junk food. Flex banners used were of cloth-base.

5

Benchmark Series

As per the goals and func-tions of IQAC defined by UGC, development and ap-plication of quality bench-mark and parameters has prime importance. A bench mark series that helps the stake holders to understand different facets of the Uni-versity system in contrast to local & global peers has been Started. Two issues on (i) Vision & Mission and (ii) Graduate Attributes has been compiled.

Graduate Attributes Video The IQAC, through a committee

(consisting of Dr. Achuthsankar

S.Nair (Bioinformatics), Dr.

Jayasree E.G. (Chemistry),

Dept. Union Chairman, has

drawn up attributes of Gradu-

ates of the University. A pledge

of the students based on the

graduate attibutes was taken

during the Induction pro-

gramme. A creative video to

communicate the same has also

been produced and screened.

A Graduate of University of

Kerala shall ♦ Continuously strive for excellence in ed-

ucation ♦ Continue life-long learning as an autonomous

learner ♦ Apply and nurture critical and creative think-

ing ♦ Promote sustainable development practices ♦ Pro-

mote co-operation over competition ♦ Balance rights with

responsibilities ♦ Understand and respect diversity &

difference ♦ Not be prejudiced by gender, age, caste, reli-

gion, or nationality ♦ Use education as a tool for emanci-

pation and empowerment of humanity.

Screen shots of graduate attribute video

Library Stock

Uty of Delhi: 14,50,000 Uty of Calcutta: 10,00,000 Uty of Kerala: 8,50,000 Uty of Punjab: 7,00,000 Uty of Madras: 5,25,000 JNU : 5,00,000

Google Scholar Hits Uty of Delhi: 58300 Uty of Madras: 35900 JNU: 17900 Uty of Punjab: 17200 Uty of Bombay: 15800 Manipal Uty: 15200 Uty of Kerala: 11800 CUSAT: 7260 Uty of Calicut: 6120 MG Uty Kottayam: 2800 Loyola College: 2520

6

Student Survey Excerpts

86% of students are in age group of 20 – 22.

80% of students are female.

SSLC is highest qualification of 45% parents.

15% of students face some crisis in family.

4% of students have serious health issues.

36% of students have read 'Wings of Fire'.

APJ Abdul Kalam is greatest influence for 39%.

Salary expected by 45% is 25,000.

69% of students wish to join M.Phil.

81% of students wish to go on to Ph.D.

47% ready to start a company, with Uty support.

Dream job for 57% is Teaching.

50% own a lap top.

96% own mobile phones.

65% of phones owned by students are smart phones.

62% From Trivandrum, 22% from Kollam District.

Annual Student

Survey

An annual student survey

was conducted during the 3–

tier induction programme

for post-graduate students,

organized by the IQAC on

September 7, 2015. This

was aimed at understanding

the student cohort's social,

academic, entrepreneurial,

and aspirational back-

ground, so as to enable the

teachers and administrators

to serve them better. 148

questions were asked under

12 heads. The response to

these are now compiled as a

report. 521 students (around

70%) of the new admission

have taken part in this sur-

vey, making it a fairly rep-

resentative one. Conduct of

this survey annually is ex-

pected to also provide an in-

dication of changing social

backgrounds of the student

population.

T-LARC Constituted

The third meeting of the Internal Quali-ty Assurance Cell (IQAC) proposed to constitute a central body, as envisaged by NAAC/UGC, to review the teaching, learning and assessment process in the University. This has come into existence vide U.O No Ac.D/IQAC/2/7311/2015 dated 10/12/2015. The members are Pro

Vice-chancellor: (Chairman), Dr. T. S. Anirudhan: Vice- Chairman, CSS (Member), Dr. P. J. Jacob: Dean, Faculty of Education (Member), Dr. Theresa Susan.A.: Head, De-partment of Education (Member), Dr. A..Biju Kumar.: (Member), Head, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries., Dr. Pushpam.M: Head Department of Sociolo-gy (Member), Dr, G. S.Jayasree: Head, Institute of Eng-lish (Member), Dr. Jameela Beegum.A.: (Retired Profes-sor, Institute of English (Member), Dr. Rajoo Krishnan.S.: State Coordinator (Colleges), Additional Skill, Acquisi-tion Programme (ASAP), Govt of Kerala (Member). The T-LARC shall meet twice a year to discuss student feed-back, assessment samples, and also review the Academic Audit Report of Depts. from the perspective of teaching, learning and assessment and make recommendations for improvement.

Circulars: Based on IQAC resolutions, circulars on quality aspects were issued by the University. Di-

recting research in selected areas to the University system itself, promoting interdiscipli-

narity, re-enlivening Alumni Associations are some of them.

7

Committees

A number of committees were formed by IQAC to draft policies, proposals, handbooks etc. In most of this commit-tees, women representation and representation to 3 major disciplinary streams (Science & Technology, Social Scienc-es and Art & Humanities) and representation of both sen-ior and junior faculty has ben ensured. 1. Vision & Mission Statement: Dr. J. Prabhash (Political Science), Dr. S. Rasia Beegam (Commerce), Dr. Suneesh C.V. (Chemistry); 2. Attributes of Graduates: Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair (Bioinformatics), Dr. Jayasree E.G. (Chemistry), Dept. Union Chairman; 3. Quality Policy: Dr. K.S. Chandrasekhar (IMK), Dr. Saja K. (Biochemistry), Dr. K.G. Gopchandran (Optoelectronics); 4. Extension and Social Responsibility Policy: Dr. S. Venumohan (SDE), Dr. Shaji A. (SDE), Manju V.N. (Maths); 5. Library Policy: University Librarian, Dr. Mini Devi (Library), Dr. Rejani R.S. (Oriental); 6. Open Source Policy: Dr. K. Satheesh Kumar (Futures Stud-ies), Dr. Aji S. (Computer Science), Dr Yamuna A. (Optoelectronics). 7. Cyber Policy: Dr. Vinod Chandra S.S. (Computer Centre), Dr. Manoj Changat (Futures Studies), Dr. M.N. Mubarak (Computer Science ). 8. IP Policy: Dr. Sindhu Thulaseedharan (Law), Dr. Siril E.A. (Botany), Dr. S.M.A. Shibli (Chemistry). 9. Policy on Creating & Enhancing Infrastructure: Dr. Mini Dejo Kappen, Dr. A. Bijukumar (Aquatic Biology), Dr. S. Mini (Biochemistry). 10. Gender Policy: Dr. G.S. Jayasree (English), Dr. Sindhu Thulaseedharan (Law), Sri. Siddik R. (Economics). 11. Green Charter: Dr. P.M Radhamani (Botany), Dr. R. Vasanthagopal (IMK), Dr. M.S. Jaya-kumar (Sociology). 12. Student Charter: Student Syndi-cate Member, Dept Union Chairman, Dept Union Advisor. 13. Citizen Charter: Dr. G. Raju (Commerce), Dr. Sharafudeen S. (Islamic Studies), Smt. Preethy K. (Demography). 14. Environment Audit: Dr. Bijukumar A, Dr. Pramod Kiran R.B. (Aquatic Biology), Dr. Jaya D.S. (Environmental Science), Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi (Tamil), Dilip R. ( Joint Registrar). 15. Energy Audit:Dr. P. Raghavan (Joint Registrar), Dr. A.P. Pradeep (Geology), Dr. I.N. Jawahar (Physics), Dr. Philomina Simon(Computer Science). 16. Gender Audit: Dr. E.I. Abdul Sathar (Statistics), Dr. A.K. Prasad (Economics), Dr. Suja Kurup (English), Ms. Asha Rani (Secretary, Womens Club). 17. Interdisciplinarity Policy: Dr. E. Shaji (Geology), Dr. Manju S. Nair (Economics), Sri. Noushad V (Arabic). 18. Anti-Plagiarism Policy: Dr. Anu Unny (Political Science), Dr. Madhu S. Nair (Computer Sci-ence), Dr. A. Ashraf (Islamic Studies). 19. Admission Policy: Dr. G. Prasad (Zoology), Dr. S. Prema(Linguistics), Dr. C. Satheesh Kumar (Statistics). 20. To Compile a Research Methods Handbook: Dr. P.R. Sudhakaran, Dr. M. Sarngadharan, Dr. Jameela Beegam. 21. To Compile a book on attracting research fund-ing: Dr P.R. Sudhakaran, Dr. Bismi Gopalakrishnan, Sri. Vishnu Narayanan. 22. For Proposing Action on Li-brary Audit: Prof. A. Gopikuttan, (Library Science) (KUL), Smt. Gayathri K. (Deputy Librarian)

Environment/ Green Audit

Environmental/Green Audit

of the university has been

conducted by a committee

constituted by IQAC with

following members: Dr. A.

Bijukumar, Dr. Pramod

Kiran R.B., Dr. Jaya D. S.,

Dr. T. Vijayalakshmi, and R.

Dilip, Joint Registrar, Cam-

pus Administration. As

there is no standard model

for such an audit, the com-

mittee brainstormed and

evolved a questionnaire.

With the help of student vol-

unteers, the basic data was

compiled, which the commit-

tee analyzed. The remaining

data which involved meas-

urement of quality was en-

trusted with the Department

of Environmental Sciences of

UoK and also Pollution Con-

trol Board of Govt. of Kerala.

By and large, the audit re-

veals a healthy enivornment

in campuses. The committee

has made short term and

long term suggestions to

take environment protection

to higher levels and it is

hoped that this will receive

due attention of authorities

and also all stake-holders of

the University.

8

Evolution of IQAC in University of Kerala

After the University of Kerala was accredited by

NAAC for the first time, in March 2003, NAAC di-

rected the University to establish IQAC and the

same was constituted on 10.05.2005 with Prof V.

Jayaprakas (Pro-Vice Chancellor) as Chairman

and Dr. P.R. Sudhakaran as Director /Convener. Seven professors have held the position as

Director of IQAC. Dr G Simon Thattil held the position during the crucial period of NAAC

re-accreditation. The present director has been an IQAC member since 2012.

AQAR Compiled The Annual Quality Assurance

Report (AQAR), the major docu-

ment required to be filed by the

IQAC every year was compiled

with inputs from all Depts. and

University arms, by a committee

led by IQAC member Dr. C.R.

Prasad. A special meeting of the

IQAC was held to discuss and

approve the AQAR. The report

has been placed before the Syndi-

cate for its approval and is pres-

ently under consideration of the Standing Committee of

the Syndicate on research.

Quality Plans & Academic Audit In the first quarter of the year,

all teaching and research depart-

ments of the University were re-

quested to propose quality plans.

This has been compiled and cir-

culated to all Depts for peer com-

parison. The action taken reports

are to be sought in early 2016.

An academic audit scheme has

also been approved by IQAC and

scheduled to be completed by

March 2016.

Logo, Web Site

for IQAC

A logo was approved for

IQAC at its second meeting

and is now used in all litera-

ture of IQAC. A simple

graphics with the image of

Q embedded around Univer-

sity logo, with the motto

“Quality through continuous

improvement” displayed

around it. A web site also

has been launched at

iqac.keralauniversity.edu.

Dr. A Shaji, Member, IQAC

leads the web site project.

All the minutes, study re-

ports etc have been upload-

ed in the site.

Period Chair Directors/Conveners

10.05.05-3.12.06 (19 months) PVC Dr. P.R. Sudhakaran

04.12.06-12.08.07 (9 months) PVC Dr. M. Sarngadharan

13.08.07-12.05.10 (33 months) PVC Dr. M. Jayaprakash

13.05.10-27.06.11 (12 months) PVC Dr. G.M. Nair

28.06.11-17.10.12 (17 months) PVC Dr. K. Sasikumar

18.10.12-29.10.14 (23 months) PVC Dr. G. Simon Thattil

30.10.14-18.01.15 (2 months) VC Dr. G. Simon Thattil

19.01.15 – Now VC Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair

Dr B Ekbal receiving the NAAC Exit Report in the first accreditation in 2003. Also seen is Dr P R Sudhakaran, first Director of IQAC

9

eBook Project

The e-Book series has mul-

tiple aims: To provide a

platform for speedy publica-

tions of scholarly works; to

promote dissemination of

scholarly thoughts and new

findings in a free manner

under a Copy left license;

and to promote outreach ac-

tivities of the University of

Kerala. eBooks are to be re-

leased under Creative Com-

m o n s C C - B Y - N C - N D

(Attribution-Non Commer-

cial-NoDerivs) license. In

the first phase, 10 books

have been received for con-

sideration. An editorial com-

mittee has been nominated

by the Vice Chancellor

(Dr.S. Kevin, Former Pro-

V i c e C h a n c e l l o r , U o K

(Chairperson), Dr Jameela

Ibrahim, Retd Professor of

English, Dr.E.V. Sonia, Sci-

entist, Rajiv Gandhi Centre

For BT, Dr John K. Kattak-

kayam, former Prof. of Soci-

ology). The review by the

editorial committee is ongo-

ing and the books will be re-

leased soon. It is expected

that more research scholars

and faculty members will

come forward to contribute

to the eBook scheme.

PG Brochure Released University of Kerala published

its International Brochure in

2013, but it has not been having

an annual brochure for stu-

dents. This lacuna was solved

when a brochure was printed

and distributed to all newly ad-

mitted PG students on 7 Sept

2015, during 3-tier induction

programme. The 205 page Mul-

ti-colour brochure has general

information about the Universi-

ty and academic details of all 42

departments. Inputs of all

Depts have been taken to pro-

duce the brochure for 2016-17 in an improved manner.

University Skill Acquisition Programme (USAP)

ASAP (Additional Skill Acqui-

sition Programme) training is

available to students at higher

secondary level and undergrad-

uate level. At Post Graduate

level, the need for a next level

of skill development is felt. Ad-

ditional skills should be im-

parted so that students develop

themselves not only as a gener-

ation of employable work force

but also acquire higher levels

of academic, social & cultural

skills required for overall de-

velopment as a scholar and human being. Foreign lan-

guage education will be one of the main focus of USAP.

Being a part of globalized world, the relevance of training

in foreign language is obvious and well understood. Un-

der language skills, Russian, German, Sanskrit, Hindi,

Arabic, Spanish, Chinese, Tamil, Malayalam, French and

Japanese are planned. Skills that are related to academic,

social and cultural development include: Personality De-

velopment, Team & Leadership Skills, Healthy Food, Cre-

ative & Critical Thinking, Music Appreciation, Yoga,

Technical Writing, Chess, Magic, Public Speaking, Basic

IT Skills, TV News Reading, Gandhian Thought and Digi-

tal Photography. During the Annual Student Survey, 90%

of students have expressed interest in more than one

USAP course. The first level discussions have been held

and the programme is expected to be launched in 2016.

10

Three-tier Induction Programme IQAC designed a 3-tier induction pro-

gramme for postgraduate students ad-

mitted to the University in 2015-16. Uni-

versity-level common session formed the

first tier. Dr PK Radhakrishnan, Vice-

chancellor, inaugurated the event. Dr. P

M Radhamani, Dr. Girish Kumar R, Dr.

R Jayapraksh, Members of the Syndi-

cate. Sri John Williams, Chairman, De-

partments Union Dr, Registrar and Dr

Achuthsankar S Nair, Director, IQAC

spoke. The graduate attribute video was

screened; the students also took a pledge

on the graduate attributes. The annual

student survey was held and the Univer-

sity brochure and academic calendar were issued. Flash presentations on various centers/

schemes/initiatives of the University were made by 15 teachers/administrators

(Organisation of University, CSS, NSS, Placement Cell, Anti-Ragging, IQAC, EDP, USAP,

Womens Cell, Green Charter etc). Three speeches by eminent Persons from science, social

science & arts were delivered by Dr. Oommen V. Oommen, Dr. Jameela Beegum and Dr N

K Jayakumar. Cultural programmes were also organized.University Song was sung by Stu-

dents of Dept of Music. The whole event was a model for time management.

In the school level induction, generic presentations by each department heads were made.

Students were made aware of general facilities in constituent departments and the details

regarding courses that can be taken as inter-department electives were highlighted. All fac-

ulty and technical and administrative staff of all departments were introduced. Depart-

ment level induction was done in variety of ways reflecting the speciality of each subject.

They were generally aimed to enable better learning habits and involve external scholars/

trainers. The programmes were of duration varying from 1 day to 1 week, and covered top-

ics such as: Ice-breaking session; History of Dept, Life in the Dept, Students Clubs etc, Aca-

demic calendar, Dept website, e-mail groups, Dept Library services, Feedback System, In-

troduction to student Grievance redressel, Cell against sexual harassment, Principles of

Assessment and evaluation, Managing Examination Anxiety, plagiarism, Theories of

learning, Time and Stress Management, Creativity & Critical Thinking, Collaborative

learning, Career opportunities, placement assistance, Visit to industry/external organiza-

tion, Interaction with external experts and also alumni/senior students. Induction pro-

gramme of this type and scale was a first in not only University of Kerala, but among all

Universities in the state of Kerala.

11

MARC’15: A Multi-disciplinary Research Platform A plenary session which saw four luminar-

ies and an audience strength of 1500, nine

school-level conferences which saw 343 pa-

per presentations with 2131 registrants.

MARC 2015, the first multi-disciplinary an-

nual research conference organized by

IQAC in collaboration with various schools

of the University, was held successfully

from 15-18th December 2015. Prof Dr. P.K.

Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor inaugurat-

ed the conference. Dr. P.M. Radhamany,

Member, Syndicate, Dr. M. Jayaprakash,

Registrar (i/c), Sri V.V. Ajesh, Chairman of

Researcher’s Union and Dr. A. Shaji, organ-

izing Secretary of MARC spoke in the inaugural session. Sri. T.M. Krishna, Carnatic music

vocalist spoke on “Music, Science and Society”. Prof. Y.S. Rajan, distinguished Professor,

ISRO, Bengaluru spoke on “Technology: Challenges Ahead”. Sri. P Radhakrishnan, Astro-

naut, ISRO spoke on “Science and Man” and Dr. Sebastian Paul spoke on “Media and So-

ciety”. The students of Dept of Music sang the University invocation song.

School level conferences were held during 16-18th at various venues in which faculty, re-

search scholars and students presented papers and participated. The School of Business

Management & Legal Studies organized conference on the theme “Ethical & Legal Stud-

ies”. (40 papers were presented, 200 participated). School of Indian Languages organized

conference on the theme “Relevance of Humanities in multidisciplinary research with spe-

cial reference to Language and Literature”(104 papers were presented, 267 participated).

The School of Life Sciences organized conference on the theme “Changing Perspectives in

Life Sciences” (70 papers were presented, 400 participated). School of Communication and

Library Science organized conference on the theme” Information Overload in the Postmod-

ern Society” (17 papers were presented, 102 participated). The School of English and For-

eign Languages organized conference on the theme “Translation Studies” (35 papers were

presented, 120 participated). School of Earth System Sciences organized conference on the

theme “Current Trends in Earth and Environmental Research” (13 papers were presented,

100 participated). School of Technology organized conference on the theme “New Trends

and Advancements in ICT” (15 papers were presented, 217 participated). School of Physical

and Mathematical Sciences organized conference on the theme “Challenges in Basic Sci-

ence Research” (14 papers were presented, 225 participated). School of Social Sciences orga-

nized conference on the theme “Constructing Modern Kerala: Multiple Trajectories of Past

and Present” (35 papers were presented, 500 participated).

12

Compiled & Edited by Standing Sub-Committee of IQAC: Dr. Achuthsankar S. Nair (Director, IQAC), Dr K. S. Chandrashekhar (Member, IQAC) , Dr A. Shaji (Member, IQAC) on behalf of IQAC, University of Kerala,

team.iqac@gmail.com For Private Circulation only. Printed at Merriments, Opposite College of Engineering, Trivandrum, Email: merriments@ymail.com

Chancellor’s Award for UoK

The University of Kerala was awarded

the Chancellor’s Award for the best Uni-

versity in the State, an award which car-

ries prize money of Rs. 5 crores and a citation and a

trophy. Governor of Kerala, Justice P. Sathasivam,

who is also the Chancellor of the State Universities

and who played the leading role in instituting this

award, gave away the award in a glittering ceremony

on 16 December 2015. Sri P.K Abdu Rabb, Honorable Minister for Education, Sri Ajith Ku-

mar IAS, Secretary to Governor, Dr N. Veeramanikandan, Pro-Vice-chancellor, took part.

NAAC Re-Accredits UoK with A-grade

The Cycle-2 NAAC Re-accreditation of University of Kerala was held from 12-

17 January 2015. The peer team was led by Prof. M.M. Salunkhe, Vice-

chancellor, Yawanthrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University. Members were

Prof. M.K. Durgaprasad, Former VC, Krishna University; Prof. Joseph Dorairaj A., Dean,

Gandhigram Rural Institute; Dr. B.P. Sanjay, Professor, University of Hyderabad; Dr.

Dwivedi A.K.D., Director, National Institute for Electronics & IT, Mumbai; Prof. K.V.

Ramaswamy, Professor, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research, Mumbai; Prof.

Dinesha K.V., IIIT Bangalore; Prof. Mehraj Ud din, VC, Central University of Kashmir; Prof.

Pachauri J.P., HNB Garhwal University, Uttaranchal and Dr. Sujata P Shanbhag (NAAC

Coordinator). The whole University community actively took part in the re-accrediation pro-

cess. The Vice-chancellor and Pro-vice-chancellor led from the front, Dr R Jayaprakash,

Member of Syndicate and Convener of NAAC Steering Committe and all other members of

the Syndicate, IQAC Director Dr Simon Thattil and all members of the IQAC, Deans, Facul-

ty members, administrative staff led by the Registrar, Student community led by their elect-

ed representatives and also alumni and all well wishers worked like a well oiled machinery

culminating in award of ‘A’ grade with grade point of 3.03.

January

2015

December

2015