Introduction
Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, recognizes the importance of consultancy as a means to share knowledge and expertise between academia and external entities. Consultancy offers opportunities for faculty members to apply their expertise in practical settings while benefiting the larger community and enhancing the college’s reputation. This policy outlines the framework for undertaking consultancy activities by faculty members and aims to promote ethical practices, professional conduct, and collaboration with external organizations.
Objectives
- Enhancing Academic and Professional Competence: To encourage faculty members to engage in consultancy that enhances their academic and professional skills.
- Fostering Industry-Academia Collaboration: To strengthen partnerships with external organizations for mutual benefit and societal development.
- Generating Tangible Outcomes: To produce tangible outcomes such as reports, analysis, and training programs that contribute to societal needs.
Scope
Consultancy services at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) may include but are not limited to:
- Training Programs: Conducting specialized training sessions for stakeholders.
- Expert Advice: Providing expert opinions and advice based on faculty expertise.
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyzing and interpreting data for external agencies.
- National/International Examination Services: Conducting examinations requiring specialized knowledge.
These services are aimed at leveraging faculty expertise for short-term projects that typically do not involve the creation of new knowledge but rather the application of existing knowledge for specific purposes.
Eligibility and Permission
- Faculty Eligibility: All faculty members are eligible to undertake consultancy work for up to 30 days in any 12-month period, subject to prior approval from the Principal.
- Permission Process: Faculty members must submit a proposal outlining the consultancy project to the Principal for approval. Consultancy undertaken during college hours or involving college resources must be reported to the college administration.
Conflict of Interest
Faculty members engaged in consultancy must ensure:
- The consultancy work does not conflict with their regular responsibilities at the college.
- The consultancy project is supplementary to, rather than core to, their research activities.
Consultancy Fee and Income Sharing
- Fee Structure: The consultancy fee structure shall be agreed upon in advance through a formal contract (MoU) between the college and the client.
- Income Sharing: Income generated from consultancy projects shall be divided between the faculty member(s) and the college in a ratio of 70:30 after deducting administrative expenses.
Consultancy Duration and Renewal
- Duration: Consultancy projects shall not exceed three years unless renewed by mutual agreement.
- Renewal: Clients may seek renewal of consultancy contracts for continued support, subject to approval and review by the Principal.
Intellectual Property and Publications
- Publication: Any publications resulting from consultancy work should acknowledge Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) affiliation.
- Intellectual Property: Ownership of intellectual property resulting from consultancy shall be defined in the initial consultancy agreement.
Conflict Resolution and Code of Conduct
- Conflict Resolution: Any conflicts arising from consultancy activities shall be resolved through consultation with the Principal or designated authority.
- Code of Conduct: Faculty members conducting consultancy must adhere to the college’s code of conduct and ensure that their actions reflect positively on the institution.
Implementation and Oversight
- Implementation: The Dean of Research, in coordination with relevant administrative bodies, shall oversee the implementation of this policy.
- Oversight: Regular reviews and updates of the policy shall be conducted to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Exclusions
The following activities are excluded from the scope of this consultancy policy:
- External examination duties
- Conference presentations
- Editorship of academic journals
- Royalties and professional arts performances
Conclusion
This consultancy policy establishes a structured framework for faculty members at Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, to engage in consultancy activities effectively and ethically. By promoting consultancy, the college aims to foster industry-academia partnerships, enhance faculty professional development, and contribute meaningfully to societal needs.
