SELF-STUDY REPORT : 2015 Submitted to : National Assessment and Accreditation Council RISHI BANKIM CHANDRA COLLEGE FOR WOMEN East Kanthal Para, P.O. – Naihati , North 24 Parganas , Pin – 743165, State – West Bengal, India 1 2 Sl. No. Contents Page No. 1. Preface and covering letter from the Head of the Institution 04 2. Executive Summary – The SWOC analysis of the institution 05-14 3. Profile of the Institution 15-24 4. Criteria-wise analytical report 25 Criterion I: Curricular Aspect 26-35 Criterion II: Teaching, Learning and Evaluation 36-55 Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension 56-72 Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources 73-88 Criterion V: Student Support and Progression 89-100 Criterion VI: Governance, Leadership and Management 101-116 Criterion VII: Innovation and Best Practices 117-124 Annexures (A – E) 5. Inputs from each of the Department. 6. Post accreditation initiatives 7. Declaration by the Head of the Institution 8. Compliance certificate 3 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5 “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” - Nelson Mandela R.B.C. College for Women was independently established 1984, after the trifurcation of Rishi Bankim Chandra College, Naihati. It was originally affiliated to Calcutta University but became affiliated to West Bengal State University, after the establishment of this University in 2008. The classrooms of the main building are shared by the three sister colleges: R.B.C. College for Women, R.B.C. College and R.B.C. Evening College. The College is located at East Kanthalpara, Naihati, 24 Parganas (N) District in the state of West Bengal. It is well connected to Sealdah, the main railway line and by roads to Kolkata and its neighbouring areas and surrounding districts. As per changing educational scenario, the College gradually evolved into an institution teaching both Honours and General courses. A new building christened VIDYASAGAR BHAVAN was built in 2012 behind the main campus to accommodate departments and increasing number of students after the division of property among the three Colleges situated in the same premise.The newly constructed building was inaugurated by our respectable Education Minister,Government of West Bengal, Dr. Partha Chatterjee, on 14th March , 2015, but classes commenced on the ground floor of the new building in the academic session 2012-2013 . The new building has provided us the space necessary for setting ICT classrooms, individual laboratories, separate NCC, NSS cell etc. Another building was purchased by the college on 26-03- 2012 to accommodate the Zoology department and was christened ANANGA BHAVAN. Classes commenced in the building in the academic session 2013-2014. VIdyasagar Bhavan, Ananga Bhavan and the office premise are exclusively used by the College, whereas the main campus is shared by the three sister colleges. The college library is also well equipped with all facilities like CCTV camera, e-journals and updated books. The college also publishes an annual journal named Thoughts and Expression : ISSN 2321-7804 . It is a research journal which encourages faculty and students to publish articles of merit. Social networking sites are also utilized to answer any academic or office related query. Remedial classes are taken for SC/ST/OBC and minority students. Students can easily interact with the Principal regarding any problem. NCC and NSS unit have also helped us to empower our students. Democratically elected students union act as a binding force between students and teachers. Fire extinguishers are placed on all floors of the new building in case of emergency. ICT classrooms are in process and will be installed as early as possible. This is not to say that we do not have any weaknesses. We have to share the main campus with two other colleges, which is a major drawback. But even as weaknesses abound, we at the College, endeavour to utilize the resources to the optimum. Wheel chairs are also arranged for the physically handicapped students. The College has adequate provision for safe drinking water for the faculty as well as for students. The faculty is encouraged by the institution to pursue research on a personal level although no financial help is provided by the College. We at the institution believe firmly, “research indicates that employees have three prime needs : interesting work , 6 recognition for doing a good job and being let in on things that are going on in the company”. – Zig Ziglar Throughout its journey from 1984, the College has managed to overcome many hurdles and is now the only Women College serving the northern part of 24 Parganas (N) and the neighbouring districts of Nadia and Hooghly. The teachers, non-teaching staffs and students of this College always try to maintain its rich legacy of excellence. Our innumerable alumnae have achieved distinction in various fields and it is a testimony to the fact that our students have contributed generously to the betterment of our society. The vision and mission of our college can be summed up in a quote: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a life time” - Maimonides The faculty keeps this aim in mind and strives to achieve the same. CRITERION I : CURRICULAR ASPECTS Our College has a long tradition of imparting quality education and is always striving to extend the frontiers of education beyond mere classroom teaching. Our administrative body strives to utilize all resources at its disposal to provide value based inclusive education with emphasis on innovation, creativity and awareness of social issues. The statutory bodies like IQAC, Academic Committee, Finance Committee, Building Committee and Teachers Council and non-statutory committees work tirelessly on matters related to Prospectus, admission, examinations, library, routines, cultural activities, students’ election, prize distribution, accreditation, etc. An ideal learning environment has been created for our students. Every year, at the time of admission, the Academic Calendar and Prospectus is printed and distributed among the students so that they are informed about rules, regulations and infrastructure of the College, courses offered, fee structure, scholarships and other facilities. The college website is regularly updated to provide information to all stake holders regarding various activities of the College. The College is affiliated to West Bengal State University and strictly follows its prescribed curriculum and the academic calendar. At present, the College offers Honours courses in 12 subjects and general courses with variety of subject combinations. To enhance the academic skills of teachers, they are encouraged to participate in Refresher and Orientation Courses, seminars and symposia and also to pursue research activities. The College teachers are significant contributors to education bodies such as Board of Studies under WBSU which has an impact on curriculum design. Teachers are regularly appointed as Head Examiners, Examiners, Moderators, Paper Setters and Scrutineers for University Examinations. Our Teacher-Guardian Cell, Anti-Ragging Cell, Anti Sexual Harassment Cell and Grievance Cell are very active. Community orientation is achieved through various programmes conducted by N.S.S. unit. The N.C.C. is a very dynamic aspect of this College and is the only open women’s unit in this district, serving not only our college but women students of local 7 schools, as well. The activities of N.S.S. unit have helped to foster feelings of national integration and service among the students. They are encouraged to participate in community service oriented programmes which have helped to incorporate moral and ethical values and develop a sense of social responsibility. The College is deeply committed to the welfare of weaker sections of society and looks after their interests. The College organizes special classes and remedial lectures to address the needs of S.C., S.T., minority communities, backward classes and first generation learners. Departmental seminars are organized by various departments to develop the knowledge of students and to help them think intensively and critically. Extension lectures are regularly conducted for introducing our students to the learned academics of today. Regular evaluation of students through class tests, mid-term and selection tests are the main features of the teaching learning process. The performance of the students in College and University Examinations is testimony to the fact that the vision of our College has been successful to a certain extent. To further develop the career prospects of our students, the College has introduced Post Graduate courses under the Directorate of Distance Learning (Kalyani University) in 2012. The subjects offered are Bengali, English, Education and History and it provides our UG students to smoothly progress to the PG level. CRITERION II: TEACHING –LEARNING AND EVALUATION The teaching-Learning and evaluation process followed by the college is geared towards nurturing the qualities of academic excellence, competence and excellence of the student keeping in mind the motto of “empowerment of women through education”. Our College continuously reviews it admission process resulting in the increase in the number of students, maximum filling–up of seats and decrease in the number of drop-outs. As per government norms, physically, socially and economically challenged students, sportswomen and those from minority communities are admitted under various quotas. The College also ensures necessary support to them so that they may complete their studies. The Students’ Welfare Cell and Counselling Cell work diligently to reduce the drop-out rate. To serve the varied requirements of both advanced and slow learners, a student centric approach is followed in the curriculum, the teaching-learning methods and assessments. Remedial classes are taken by faculty for weaker students. In order to develop the research ability and confidence of the students, opportunities are provided through student seminars, projects and debates/discussions. Teachers are encouraged to enhance the teaching quality through participation in various academic activities training workshops, etc.