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Cardomom planters' association college bodinayakanur
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Author: jothifathima Posted Date: 19 Oct 2009 Member Level: Silver
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| College Name: |
Cardomom planters' association college
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| Address: |
Cardamom Planters' Association College Pankajam Nagar, Bodinayakanur – 625 513 |
| City: |
bodinayakanur |
| State: |
Tamil Nadu |
| Telephone Number: |
91 4546 280209 |
| Email: |
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| Website: |
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| University: |
Madurai Kamaraj University |
| Other Popular Names: |
Other popular names: cpa college bodinayakanur |
About Cardomom planters' association college
Draft report on Institutional accreditation of
Cardamom Planters’ Association College, Pankajam nagar, Bodinayakanur, Theni Dt., TN
Section I : Introduction
Cardamom Planters’ Association College (CPA College) is a private , co-educational aided institution which was established in the year 1974. It is permanently affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai.
Bodinayakanur is an important town, 90Kms west of Madurai, adjacent to western Ghats and is sourrounded by a large number of villages. Cardamom Plantation is a major activity of this area.
There was no college in and around Bodinayakanur till the establishment of CPA College. Poor and middle class families found it difficult to send their children to far away places for higher education. A group of enlightened cardamom planters through their association, presently known as Cardamom Planters’ Association succeeded in mobilizing resources for establishing CPA College in the year 1974, with two Pre-University Courses. Later in the year 1976 it became a degree college.
For the purpose of starting/managing the college Cardamom Planters’ Association registered a society under the name “Cardamom Planters’ Association College Society”in 1970..
The college is located on a spacious campus of 41 acres of land amidst sylvan surroundings, 3 Kms away from Bodinayakanur. Land measuring 11.49 acres donated by the Founder-President of the college society, Mr.R.Balu Alaganan and 3.72 acres given by Bodinayakanur municipality are part of the 41 acres campus. There is no other institution located on the campus. The college society also has no other institution under its management.
The College receives grant–in–aid from Tamil Nadu government for many of its degree programs. Courses started after 1987 (the year in which the Tamil Nadu govt. stopped providing aid to newly started courses) are run on self-financing basis. The college got recognition U/s 2f and 12B of the UGC Act in 1988.
At present CPA College is offering the following UG, PG , Diploma and Certificate courses. Details regarding various courses are also given
UG Year of Starting Aided / Self
finance Total enrollment during 2005-2006
B.A(History) 1977 Aided 119
B.Sc(Mathematics) 1977 Aided 120
B.A(English) 1978 Aided 112
B.Com 1978 Aided 187
B.Sc(Chemistry) 1979 Aided 95
B.A.(Economics) 1986 Aided 104
B.Sc(Computer Science 1988 Aided 94
B.Sc(Electronic and Communication) 1997
Self finance 28
B.Com(Computer Application) 2000 Self
finance 71
B.C.A 2000 Self finance 60
PG Year of Starting Aided / Self finance Total enrollment during 2005-2006
M.Com 1983 Aided 39
M.Sc(Mathametics) 1985 Aided 38
M.Sc(CS & IT) 2001 Self finance 16
M.Phil 2005 Self finance 8
P.h.D 2005 Self finance 1
Total 1092
Medium of Instruction in all the courses is English.
Presently there are 75 full time teachers, of this 49 are under grant-in-aid receiving UGC pay scale and the remaining are appointed by the management under self financing schemes / against aided vacancies.
The college is supported by 39 administrative and technical staff , of this 29 under grant- in- aid and remaining 10 are funded by the self-finance schemes.
CPA College volunteered to be assessed by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) by submitting the self-study report in March 2006. A Peer team consisting of Prof. V.Ramakistayya , former Vice- Chancellor , Osmania University , Hyderabad as Chairman and Prof. Hephzibah S.Doss , Principal , Bishop Cotton Women’s Christian College,Bangalore, as member visited the college on 10 th and 11th of August, 2006 . Dr.Latha Pillai, Adviser NAAC coordinated the visit. The Peer team perused and analysed the self study report submitted by the college. During institutional visit the team went through all the relevant documents, saw the departmental facilities and interacted with various constituents of the institution. The Peer team also interacted with the management, the principal, faculty, non-teaching staff, students, parents, alumni of the institution. Based on the above exercise and keeping in mind the crirteria identified by NAAC, the Peer team presents below the assessment of the institution under various criteria, the commendable features of the institution as well as the issues of concerned.
Section II: Criteria wise Analysis
Criterion I: Curricular Aspects
The college offers an undergraduate, postgraduate and Diploma courses catering to rural students in an economically backward and remote area of Theni district. The subjects offered at the undergraduate level are divided into three parts Part I and II are Language and General English and Part III Major and Ancillaries and Part IV General Knowledge and Part V Environmental sciences. The university updates the syllabi once in every three years. The college works for 90 days per semester following day order system. The college has introduced diploma course in computer applications for undergraduate students in the first year and number of non-affliated enrichment courses during the second and third years. This effort of the college is appreciable as they empower the students with soft skills, which are very necessary in the present competitive environment.
Special lecturers are organized to impart social, moral values and religious tolerance. The University affiliation system is followed for starting of any new course. Over the last three decades the college has steadily increased the number of programs which is a positive sign though a few of them such as B.Sc Electronics & Communication and M.Sc Computer Science and Information Technology are yet to attract optimal enrolment.
Criterion II : Teaching Learning Evaluation
Students are admitted through interviews and through academic record as per the guidelines laid down by the University. The Principal, two senior teaching staff and a staff representing SC/ST select the students. The efforts of the college in steadily improving its students strength needs to be acknowledged as it is a good indicator of its interface with the community and relevance.
The college unitizes the syllabus and ensures that classes are conducted regularly. Most departments offer a bridge course though of a short duration for four days. In view of the academic profile of its students the college may consider remedial / other programs on more sustained basis. Students who perform well are identified and prizes are awarded during College Day. The members of the faculty are also honored for their contributions in teaching and research.
The performance of students is monitored through unit tests. Students are encouraged to conduct seminars periodically. While the lecture method is predominantly followed, some interactive methods, like question-answer sessions, quiz, seminars, assignments and problem solving exercises are followed in some departments. In a few classes the faculty make use of OHP and slide projectors as well. At the post graduate level students are encouraged to present papers and dissertation and projects form a part of the course work. The weightage given to external and internal assessments are explained to the PG students at the beginning of the year and three internal tests are given. The average of the best two are taken for internal tests. The overall performance of the students in examination is around 50% and lower in a few departments. This is a matter, which requires serious attention.
The teaching staff are recruited as per the norms prescribed by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The management is proactive in filling of vacancies from its own funds, though there is government ban on aided recruitments. This has ensured smooth conduct of classes and introduction of new programs. In the past two years about 17 teachers have been appointed for both self financing and aided courses.
Faculty regularly participate in State and National level seminars. The college encourages participation of teachers in seminars and conferences and also facilitates departments to conduct the same. The Department of Commerce recently organized a national level seminar. The Departments of Computer Science, Commerce and Economics conducted a 12-day training on Research Methodology and Computer Applications in Social Science Research funded by the ICSSR. A faculty in the Department of Mathematics is a member of Institute for Operation Research and Management Science USA and another from faculty in Economics is an associate member of Inter University Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla. The approach of the college has in general been facilitative in all aspects concerning the promotion of teaching learning. However, the college is yet to adopt a formal method of self-appraisal for its teachers. An initiative in this direction may help the faculty and management to obtain necessary feedback for further improvement.
Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension
Forty two percent of permanent faculty in the college are doctorate degree holders and many others have registered for Ph.D. The college promotes a research culture and some of the faculty members are actively involved in research and publication. Some UGC projects have been successfully taken up. A couple of teachers have research projects funded by DRDO, ICSSR and other National agencies. This effort of teachers undertaking research work, despite the locational disadvantage is worth mentioning. Some of the faculty are also invited as resource persons at national and state level seminars. The Department of commerce has been recognized as a research centre by the Madurai Kamaraj University.
The college encourages the participation of teachers in Faculty Improvement Programmes. Facilities such as leave and advance salary to substitutes is paid by the management till the same is received from UGC. There is a research committee, which forwards research projects, applications for FIP and recommends to the management on the purchase of equipments and journals. The faculty of the departments of Commerce, Maths, Physics, Computer Science, Economics, English, Tamil and History have published papers in National / International journals and also published books. Twelve students have registered for M.Phil and two for Ph.D.
The members of the faculty are represented in academic bodies such as the Boards of studies, Academic council and Senate of the Madurai Kamaraj University. Consultancy Iare rendered by the faculties free of cost. However the teachers offer their expertise to local schools by conducting courses for high school teachers in various subjects. This contribution is commendable in terms of college-neighborhood linkages.
The centre for Women Welfare and Entrepreneurship needs mention for its initiatives, which have impacted both students and the public of Theni district. The EDP may be further strengthened and its relevance and impact monitored at regular intervals. The success of this initiative may help the college to be a role model for other affiliated colleges of the region.
Other than NSS and NCC the college takes up activities like coaching classes for high school in the evening and creating rain water harvesting. The college also has various extension activities like medical camps, adult education and literacy, AIDS awareness for the benefit of the society. Mini marathon races and AIDS awareness programmes. Students and staff are given financial aid to attend extension activities and attendance too.
Free medical and eye camps are conducted in collaboration with a local hospital.
Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources
The College has well laid out, eco-friendly campus. The academic and administrative blocks are well maintained and cater to the needs of the increasing student enrolment. It has spacious laboratories, library, computer centres, canteen, hostel, ladies rest rooms and playgrounds. The infrastructure is maintained by a committee consisting of the staff under the overall supervision of the principal and the management.
The Library which houses around fifteen thousand books and journals caters to the needs of students and immediate community. A Book Bank facility in the Central Library is available for economically poor students. Books are also donated by well wishers of the College. While the departments fulfill the need of providing some of the latest text books to students and teachers, the central library needs considerable strengthening. An annual budget may be allocated for the library, more number of title purchased and automation commenced at the earliest. The facilities of computer and internet in the library may also be considered. The college has two well maintained computer labs with more than eighty systems. These are maintained through an annual maintenance contract. The facilities of the computer centers are available to students and teachers free of cost. The interconnecting of computers through LAN connectivity to departments may also be initiated.
There is a reasonable participation of students in sports activities. The college has sufficient facilities in terms of athletic track, courts for badminton, volley ball and grounds for cricket, foot ball and hockey. It also has facilities for indoor games and a gym. The college has received awards in ball badminton and a few other sports at the zonal and university level. A few students are also active participants in martial arts such as karate and judo. The college also has the distinction of sponsoring many inter-collegiate tournaments.
The landscape of the campus is enriched by about 750 coconut trees and 100 tamarind trees which are also a source of revenue. The cleanliness of the campus is maintained by the Campus Enhancement Committee and through the involvement of NSS volunteers.
The hostel facility available for male students on campus is adequate and well maintained. Since there is no demand for a girls hostel the facility does not exist.
Criterion V: Student Support and Progression
The percentage of students appearing for qualifying examination is about 90% on an average. The drop out rate is around 10% about 25% of students take up employment after UG and 44% take up higher studies. 64% employ themselves after PG and 5% do higher studies after PG. The student support services such as career guidance, centre for competitive exams, youth welfare and counseling are in its infant stages. A stronger career guidance service is recommended, as the students need to be exposed to the opportunities available both for higher education and careers. The IAS study circle may intensify training for various competitive examinations at the state and nation level.
The Prospectus of the College is updated every year and published regularly. The students are oriented to the facilities on campus during the orientation programme conducted after their admissions. The college has an active cultural / fine art participation the most important being “ Cardo Comp”. This college festival provides a forum to bring out the latent talent of the rural youth and instill a sense of confidence and competitiveness among them. Activities such as Youth Red Cross are also popular on the campus.
A number of Scholarships are available to the students and the college takes active interest in ensuring that the beneficiaries receive it on time. A few major departments maintain records of student data Bank. The college has an alumni association which actively interacts with the college. The contributions of the alumni and philanthropists have been a source of tremendous strength to the college.
Criterion VI: Organization and Management
The activities of the college are monitored through various committees. The management committee of the college is headed by the president of the CPA College society and has nominated members of the society with the principal as ex-officio member. The academic activities of the college are taken care by the College council comprising of the Principal and the heads of the departments. The administration of the college is fairly decentralized and transparent in its functioning.
The college office is headed by the superintendent and thirty-nine supporting staff. The staff have been trained in the use of computers and automation of the office is in progress. The college has adequate welfare measures for its employees such as free healthcare, loans, fee subsidy for wards etc.
The management of the college needs special mention for its benevolent and philanthropic approach. While the members take a keen and active interest in the growth of the college, their non-involvement in the day-to-day matters has strengthened the principal’s functioning.
The financial planning and budgeting of the college is well maintained and audit procedures are meticulously followed. The college has been receiving developmental grants from the UGC as per its entitlement on a regular basis.
CriterionVII: Healthy Practices
Some of the healthy practices of the College are,
• Remedial measures after University exam results and regular tests to monitor progress.
• A report is sent to parents about the conduct and behavior of the students.
• Regular committee meetings are held which consists of the Principal and faculty.
• The college has a Memorandum of Understanding with their District Small Scale Industrialists’ Association.
• The college encourages National and International linkages.
• Apart from regular courses, certificate and Diploma courses are offered to benefit the students.
• Blood donation camps are held.
• Leadership and voters awareness camps and Rain Harvesting Programme.
• NCC and NSS volunteers are deputed to help the police to regulate the traffic. They take up tree planting, conducting Adult Literary Programmes.
Section III:
Overall Analysis
CPA College during the last thirty years of its existence played a pioneering role in the field of higher education in a backward region of Tamil Nadu.During this period thousands of students graduated from this institution of which more than 7000 are girls. Most of them belong to poor and lower middle class families. The initiative taken by the Cardamom Planters’ Association in promoting this college is highly commendable. But for this institution many boys and girls of this area could not have had access to higher education and it would have remained a mere dream for them.
The CPA college society consists of highly motivated and committed persons with good academic and economic background. They have progressive outlook and are doing immense service in spreading higher education in this region. They are guided by the spirit and the vision shown by the founder- president of the college society.
Over the years the management of the college succeeded in developing good infrastructure on its spacious and well-maintained campus. It has on its rolls more than 1000 students of which almost 50% are girls. The teaching staff is well qualified. Many of them hold doctorate degree and others are having completed M.Phil degree are in the process of doing Ph.D.A good number of teachers have published in various journals and have to their credit some book publications. Seminars at college and also seminars at national level have been organized. One or two international seminars are also organized by some departments.
Through NSS and other programme the college is creating community orientation among its students. The NCC unit of the college consisting of 35 boys and 15 girls is an important student support activity.This has special significance in a rural based college.
The peer team is happy to note the keen interest taken by the college in promoting entrepreneurial culture not only among its students but also in villages around the institution through its “Centre for Women Welfare and Entrepreneurship Development”. This has great significance in modern days where many educated young persons remain unemployed. It is utmost important that the institutions of higher learning not only produce “Job seekers” but also “Job makers”. This is possible only when they promote entrepreneurship among students who have that potential. In this respect what is being done in the college is commendable.
The college has spacious playground for various games and sports and facilities for indoor games and gymnasium are also available to the students. The peer team understands that a good number of college students fared well in state level and intercollegiate competitions.
Through various clubs the college is promoting cultural activities. In this regard, the activities of Cardo Comp are worth noting.
The peer team is happy to note that the students of this college are motivated, attend their classes regularly and well disciplined.
While appreciating the contribution made by the college over the last three decades in spreading higher education among the poor sections of rural society, the peer team would like to draw the attention of the college to the following aspects and areas of concern.
• Almost all the students joining this college have their studies in Tamil medium at +2 stage. Since the medium of instruction in all the courses of the college is English, many students find it difficult to cope with English medium and this is reflected in their poor performance in some university examinations. The peer team suggests that the existing remedial coaching in English may be strengthened systematically so as to ensure that the students attain reasonable proficiencies in English language communication: both written and oral.
• Career guidance is an important feature of modern educational institution. It is of utmost important in rural based colleges. Many students of CPA College are first generation college goers and they come from families without much educational background. The peer team suggests that the existing career guidance cell be strengthed. A teacher well versed in this field may be put incharge of this cell by providing separate and reasonably spacious accomodation. The cell may be allotted some annual budget for meeting its needs. External expertise in this area may also be utilized. Lectures and interactive sessions may be arranged by bringing persons who are familiar with this field.
• The existing IAS study circle may be converted into a full pledged “Center for Competitive Examination”. This center will create awareness among the students about the various job opportunities in Union Public Service Commission, Staff Selection Commission of Central Government, State Public Service Commission, opportunities in banking, insurance and other corporate sectors where recruitment is made through competitive examinations. The center will also provide intensive coaching facilities for various competitive examinations. The peer team considers that this student support activity will go a long way in changing the future of the boys and girls joining the institution.
• The existing placement cell may be also be strengthed. The peer team is happy to know that already steps have be taken to help the students in getting placements in and around Bodinayakanur.By strengthning this cell the college will be providing more opportunities in getting jobs.
• Library of the college may be strengthened by providing larger funds .The library needs updating by purchase of new titles in various disciplines and by weeding out the existing old stock wherever necessary. The college may in course of time provide Internet facility to the students in the library. As and when funds permit the library may be housed in a more spacious block.
• The university results of the college are fairly good. But in some departments for various reasons they are discouraging. The peer team suggests that the concerned departments may analyze the reasons for poor performance and take remedial steps.
• The enrolment in many courses is quite encouraging. But in some departments it is a matter of concern. Management may examine the reasons for this situations and take remedial measure.
• Proficieny in English language communication has become a necessity for students at aspiring positions at various levels in the job market. For the purpose of improving English language proficiency of the college students,an English language communication lab may be established. The possibility of getting assistance from the UGC in this regard may also be explored.The peer team suggests that the management in consultation with the faculty and outside experts in various disciplines may prepare a “Vision document” stretching over a period
of 5 to 7 years incorporating the strategies it would adopt to meet the challenges emerging out of changing scenario in higher education. This will enable the management to launch courses which have demand in the job market.The peer team is happy that the management is planning to start M.B.A. degree programme in the near future. The peer team is of the opinion that more female teachers may be recruited wherever it is possible. At present the representation of women teachers is very limited.
The peer team places its appreciation to the institution for its cooperation during the visit.
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