Quality Policy

Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, a distinguished women’s arts and science college affiliated with the University of Calicut, is committed to providing exceptional education and fostering holistic development among its students. This Quality Policy outlines the strategies and commitments of the college to ensure continuous improvement, adherence to national standards, and the enhancement of quality across all its activities.

Purpose

The Quality Policy of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) aims to:

• Establish and maintain a robust system of quality assurance and sustenance in all academic and non-academic endeavors in line with the requirements of various assessment and accreditation organisations.
• Foster a culture of ongoing self-assessment and improvement to meet the expectations of stakeholders and uphold national and international standards.
• Utilize resources effectively to enhance the institution’s reputation and contribute positively to societal development.

Scope

This policy applies to all stakeholders involved in the functioning of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), including students, faculty, administrative staff, and management. It encompasses policies and procedures, internal quality assurance mechanisms, teaching and learning practices, administrative and support services, student support initiatives, research promotion, and community outreach activities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Quality Policy are:

• To uphold high standards of academic integrity, teaching excellence, and student support services.
• To comply with regulatory requirements and enhance institutional effectiveness through continuous evaluation and development.
• To promote inclusivity, equity, and social responsibility among students and staff.
• To foster a conducive learning environment that encourages innovation, research, and holistic development.

Policy Statement

Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) is committed to achieving excellence in all its activities through a systematic approach to quality assurance and enhancement. The college strives to maintain transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in its governance and operations, ensuring the welfare and satisfaction of all stakeholders.

Quality Assurance Strategies

1. Policies and Procedures:

• The college develops, implements, reviews, and disseminates policy documents to ensure good governance and operational clarity.
• All policies are regularly updated and made accessible to stakeholders to ensure understanding and compliance.

2. Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC):

• The IQAC benchmarks the college’s activities against national standards, identifies areas for improvement through rigorous self-assessment, and implements enhancement initiatives.
• It plays a pivotal role in coordinating various committees and units to ensure quality in both academic and non-academic spheres.

3. Teaching and Learning:

• Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) emphasizes high-quality teaching and learning practices supported by updated curricula, learning materials, and modern teaching aids.
• The college provides a conducive learning environment and comprehensive support services to facilitate academic and personal growth among students.

4. Approval and Monitoring:

• Formal mechanisms are in place for the approval, monitoring, and review of all academic programs and activities.
• Committees such as the Academic Council and Boards of Studies ensure timely decision-making and effective implementation of academic initiatives.

5. Participatory Planning and Governance:

• The college promotes equitable distribution of responsibilities among staff through various committees overseeing curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular activities.
• Decision-making processes are democratic, transparent, and accountable, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

6. Academic Integrity:

• Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity among its students, faculty, and staff.
• Awareness programs and resources are provided to prevent academic misconduct and maintain the institution’s core values.

7. Assessment of Students:

• The college conducts both formative and summative assessments using standardized procedures and examination rules.
• Results analysis and remedial coaching are provided to support students in their academic improvement.

8. Quality Assurance of Faculty Members:

• Faculty recruitment follows government and university standards to ensure competency.
• Faculty performance is periodically evaluated through self-appraisal, student feedback, and performance-based appraisals. Training and professional development opportunities are provided based on identified competency needs.

9. Student Support:

• Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) offers comprehensive student support services including mentoring, scholarships, remedial education, and counseling.
• Every student benefits from personal interaction with mentors to meet or exceed their academic and personal expectations.

10. Administrative Support:

• Qualified and committed administrative and support staff are available to facilitate smooth functioning across all departments of the college.

11. Capacity Building:

• Continuous capacity-building programs are conducted for administrative staff to enhance their skills and efficiency.

12. Information Systems and Technology:

• The college utilizes ICT as a developmental, educational, and administrative tool to enhance accessibility and efficiency within the academic community.

13. Public Information:

• Information dissemination is regularly updated through the college’s website, press releases, social media, and other communication channels to keep stakeholders informed.

14. Auditing, Accreditation, and Certification:

• Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) submits self-study reports for accreditation and certification processes to enhance institutional quality.
• Regular internal and external audits facilitate ongoing self-evaluation and continuous improvement.

15. Stakeholder Feedback and Grievance Redressal:

• Formal feedback mechanisms and grievance redressal procedures are in place to address stakeholder concerns and improve satisfaction levels.

16. Promotion of Research and Extension:

• The college promotes research collaborations and extension activities involving students, faculty, and research scholars.
• Outreach initiatives support community development through need-based interventions.

17. Resource Mobilization and Management:

• The college continuously reviews resource sufficiency and identifies avenues for resource mobilization to support program priorities and new initiatives.

18. Equity and Inclusion:

• Sacred Heart College (Autonomous) ensures support services for students with diverse needs, including differently abled students and those at risk or vulnerable.
• Discrimination, harassment, and exclusion in any form are actively discouraged and addressed.

19. Commitment to Nation:

• Contributing to national development is integral to the college’s mission, fostering human values and social responsibility among its academic community.

Related Procedures and Documentation

Procedures for quality assurance align with University of Calicut regulations, government guidelines, and international standards to ensure comprehensive compliance and effective management of resources and activities

Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Chalakudy, is committed to maintaining and enhancing its quality standards across all aspects of its operations. By adhering to this Quality Policy, the college aims to achieve continuous improvement, uphold academic integrity, and fulfill its mission of providing exemplary education and service to the society.