Introduction
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, a distinguished women’s college affiliated with the University of Calicut, is committed to fostering academic excellence, holistic development, and social responsibility among its students. This Academic Policy aims to outline the principles, guidelines, and procedures governing all aspects of teaching, learning, and assessment to ensure a conducive educational environment aligned with the college’s mission and vision.
Purpose
The Academic Policy of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, is designed with the following objectives:
Scope
This policy applies to all students, faculty members, administrative staff, and stakeholders involved in academic activities at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy. It encompasses the following key areas:
Curriculum and Syllabus
Publication and Revision: The college shall review and publish the curriculum and syllabi annually and triennially, respectively, to align with societal needs, industry requirements, and emerging trends in education. The curriculum shall incorporate OBE principles, experiential learning opportunities, and feedback mechanisms to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Academic Calendar and Timetable: Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, shall publish an academic calendar detailing academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities at the beginning of each semester. Timetables for classes, faculty assignments, and other academic events shall be made available one week prior to the start of classes to facilitate effective planning and coordination.
Teaching and Learning
Outcome-Based Education (OBE): OBE is the cornerstone of academic delivery at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy. It emphasizes clear learning outcomes, learner-centered instructional methods, and continuous assessment to gauge student progress and achievement. Faculty members are encouraged to use ICT tools, e-resources, and smart classrooms for interactive and engaging teaching sessions.
Tutorial System: The college implements a tutorial system to cater to diverse learning needs, including advanced and slow learners. Faculty members maintain bio-data and student activity records to provide personalized support, facilitate problem-solving sessions, and conduct periodic performance appraisals to track student academic progress.
Mentoring System: The mentoring system at our college is designed to support and guide students throughout their academic journey, fostering both personal and academic growth. Faculty members serve as dedicated mentors, offering individualized attention to students, helping them navigate challenges, set goals, and make informed career choices. This system encourages open communication, where students feel comfortable discussing academic concerns or personal development issues, promoting a supportive learning environment. The mentorship program also aims to instill ethical values and social responsibility, aligning with the college’s mission to nurture well-rounded, competent individuals ready to lead and contribute meaningfully to society.
Academic Flexibility: To enhance academic flexibility, the college offers the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) and encourages interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning. Add-on courses, certificates and cross-cutting programs such as workshops, seminars, guest lectures, and conferences are integrated into the curriculum to broaden students’ academic horizons.
Use of ICT: Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) leverages ICT for seamless delivery of education, including online evaluation, learning management systems (LMS), and Wi-Fi enabled campuses. E-resources, digital libraries and internet facility are accessible to students and faculty to support research, project work, and collaborative learning initiatives.
Supplementary Enrichment Programs: The college provides supplementary enrichment programs such as training, internships, and MOOC-based courses to enhance practical skills, industry exposure and employability among students. These programs are designed to complement academic learning and prepare students for professional challenges.
Research and Academic Culture
Research Initiatives: Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) encourages faculty and students to engage in both funded and non-funded research projects across disciplines. Inter-departmental collaborations, resource sharing and innovative ecosystems are fostered to promote interdisciplinary research and nurture a culture of innovation.
Academic Culture: The college upholds a discrimination-free campus environment that promotes women empowerment. It ensures equal opportunities for all students and faculty members to participate in academic and extracurricular activities without bias or discrimination based on caste, creed or socio-economic background.
Teaching-Learning Process and Evaluation
Delivery Methods: The college emphasizes effective delivery methods through structured lesson plans, interactive sessions and project-based learning. Faculty members maintain work diaries and receive continuous feedback to enhance teaching effectiveness and student engagement.
Evaluation Practices: Assessment practices at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) are fair, rigorous, and periodic to evaluate student academic performance objectively. Question papers and answer sheets undergo scrutiny to ensure academic integrity and alignment with course objectives and OBE principles.
Monitoring of Academic Activities
Responsibility and Accountability: Faculty members, supported by academic committees and administrative bodies like the Timetable Committee, Examination Cell, OBE and ABC Coordinators are responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of academic activities. The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) monitors adherence to academic standards and reviews the effectiveness of teaching-learning processes.
Policy Review and Documentation
Policy Review: The Academic Policy of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, undergoes periodic review by the Policy Review Committee to incorporate feedback, align with regulatory changes and enhance its relevance to evolving educational needs. Reviews are scheduled as per the direction of the Principal/Dean/Academic Council in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Related Procedures and Documentation: Procedures for curriculum and syllabus preparation, scrutiny of course files, question papers, auditing practices, and conduct of assessments are documented in accordance with UG/PG/PhD Regulations and Examination Manuals of the college.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Academic Policy of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, reflects its commitment to providing quality education, fostering academic excellence, and nurturing holistic development among students. By adhering to the principles outlined in this policy, the college aims to create a dynamic learning environment that prepares students for global challenges while upholding ethical values and social responsibilities. This policy will serve as a guiding framework for all academic endeavors at the college and will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with institutional goals and regulatory requirements.
