LOYOLA COLLEGE - POTENTIAL FOR EXCELLENCE

The University Grants Commission, in its communication dated September 2, 2004, selected LOYOLA COLLEGE for the award “College with Potential for Excellence” (CPE). The College prepared an Action Plan for the years 2004-05 up to 2006-07 along with the budgetary requirements. Principal Fr. Albert Muthumalai, S.J., Vice-Principal Prof. Joe Jesudurai and Dr. M. Selvanayagam, UGC Affairs Committee made a presentation about the Action Plan before an Expert Committee at the UGC office, New Delhi on October 8, 2004.

Loyola College is one of the 47 colleges in India and 8 in Tamil Nadu identified under the scheme (CPE). Under this scheme the college receives one crore rupees for the Ten Plan Period.

Loyola College has proved to have the strategy to percolate the positive outcome of the innovations in teaching with an interdisciplinary approach. The gradual reform has made Loyola College holistically efficient and credible both at the academic and administrative level. Loyola College also harnesses the cafeteria approach for course and choice based credit systems at the culmination of the degree programmes.

1. Curricular Aspects: The restructuring of the curriculum has been highly commended. Loyola has an integrated curriculum with innovative courses like M.A. in Medical Sociology and M.Sc. in Bio-medical Instrumentation Science. The Industry- Institution Tie-up programme in third year UG has been found useful, as it is skill-oriented, and as a result some students have been offered jobs.

2. Teaching-learning and Evaluation: Student evaluation of teachers makes room for improvement. It also looks at the adequacy and competency of the faculty who handle the various programmes of study, as well the efficiency of the evaluation methodology.

3. Research, Consultancy and Extension: Loyola promotes a research culture among faculty and students. 63% of the staff is engaged in active research. The second year UG students are motivated to work in corporation schools and slums to practise what they learn. Social commitment and self-realization are an integral part of the curriculum.

4. Scholarships: The admission policy of the Jesuits paved the way to admit 36% of the poor and Dalit students who are the first generation learners. Besides the Government scholarships, the Management has offered fee concessions to the tune of nearly Rs. 50 lakhs every year.

While programmes like these reflect Loyola’s holistic vision, many attribute its success to its respect for plurality. There are always greater heights to be scaled, never being content with what we have achieved “MAGIS”. Guided by a focused and enlightened Management, the dedicated members of the teaching and non-teaching Staff are ever ready to explore the unexpected, experiment with innovation and creativity, and have the attitude to adjust to the changing demands in the educational scenario in India and abroad, for the Greater Glory of God “AMDG”.