Best Practices

• Current Cycle ...
                   4^th Cycle Report
                   2021-'22
                   2020-'21
                   2019-'20
• Cycle 3
                   2018-'19
                   2017-'18
                   2016-'17

Best Practices

ACE

(Aquinian Community Engagement)

1. NIVEDHYAM (FOOD FOR THE HUNGRY AND HOME FOR THE HOMELESS)
2. SUMMER IN AQUINAS
3. VIGNJANAM (OPEN DAY EXHIBITION)
4. KARUTHAL (SOCIAL EXTENSION ACTIVITY)

Objectives

1. Address social inequalities by bridging the gap between the needy and wealthy, while educating students about food insecurity and homelessness (Nivedhyam: Food for the Hungry and Home for the Homeless).
2. Enhance personal skills by offering productive summer activities, improving English communication, and providing professional sports coaching (Summer in Aquinas).
3. Stimulate academic curiosity and showcase talent across disciplines through exhibitions and collaborative opportunities (Viknjanam: Open Day Exhibition).
4. Empower students to become socially responsible and civic minded individuals by integrating community service experiences with academic learning, fostering, empathy , compassion and ethical values and encouraging active participation in community development projects (Karuthal: Social Extension Activity).

The Context

Nivedhyam: Fulfills the institutions aim to support the marginalized sections of the society.

Summer in Aquinas: Utilizes college resources during non-academic days to benefit the local community, offering English courses and sports training.

Aquinian Idea Incubator: Enriches students' educational experience, strengthens academia-community connections, and fosters creativity and lifelong learning through exhibitions and fests.

Karuthal: Extends the college's impact beyond campus, emphasizing social responsibility, community engagement, and holistic education in line with the institution's vision and mission.

The Practice

1. Nivedhyam
• Weekly food collection and distribution to the needy
• Financial aid for house construction projects
• Contributions from students, staff, PTA, Alumni, and well-wishers
2. Summer in Aquinas
• Month-long program in April
• Basic English Course taught by student-teachers
• Professional sports training in cycling, handball, football, and hockey
3. Open Day Exhibition: Vignjanam
• Annual event organized by a dedicated committee
• Showcases student projects across disciplines
• Promotes the event through various channels
4. Karuthal: Social Extension Activities
• Provided disaster relief and support
• Raised awareness on social issues through events and campaigns focussing on gender equality, mental health, and human rights
• Conducted skill training for marginalized communities
• Offers entrepreneurship and arts/crafts training

Evidence of Success

Nivedhyam: Positive feedback from students and the community demonstrates the program's impact.

Summer in Aquinas: Increasing yearly registrations and impressive feedback reflect growing popularity. Dedicated contributions from teaching staff, students, and alumni support its success.

Aquinian Idea Incubator: Visitor surveys, feedback, and faculty assessments yield positive responses, indicating the exhibition's effectiveness.

Karuthal: Success is measured by increased participation rates of students, faculty, and staff in social extension activities, along with the total number of volunteer hours contributed. Positive feedback from community members and beneficiaries further validates the program's value and impact.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Nivedhyam: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted food supply chains and distribution efforts. Lockdowns hindered transportation, while safety concerns necessitated strict protocols. The house project faced challenges with land availability and construction costs, limiting the number of beneficiaries.

Summer in Aquinas: During the pandemic, online learning posed challenges due to unequal access to internet and devices. Engaging students virtually proved more difficult than in-person classes. Sports activities faced high transmission risks, requiring stringent safety measures. Lockdowns restricted access to college facilities, impacting training spaces.

Aquinian Idea Incubator: Technical issues such as internet connectivity and equipment malfunctions presented challenges. Financial support from sponsors was needed. The pandemic made in-person exhibitions impossible.

Karuthal: Ensuring participant health and safety, especially during health camps and the pandemic, was a major concern. Outdoor activities were often disrupted by adverse weather conditions.

PRACTICE – 2

AQUINIAN

e-VIGNJAN

Objectives

Knowledge Dissemination: To share research, academic advancements, and industry trends within each department to enhance understanding and awareness among students, faculty, and the public.

Networking: To facilitate networking among students, faculty, alumni, and industry experts to build connections, share experiences, and explore potential collaborations.

Promotion of Interdisciplinary: To encourage interdisciplinary discussions and collaborations across departments to address complex societal challenges and foster innovation.

Global Outreach: To expand the college's reach and visibility by hosting webinars that attract participants from different geographic regions, thereby enhancing the institution's reputation and global presence.

Adaptation to Digital Learning: To embrace digital transformation in education by leveraging webinars as a flexible and accessible mode of learning and knowledge sharing, particularly in an increasingly digital world.

The Context

In response to the academic shifts since 2020, Aquinas College's IQAC launched " Illuminato," a webinar series aimed at maintaining intellectual connections. The title, meaning "Enlighten," reflects its purpose of fostering meaningful discourse and disseminating ideas across sciences, social sciences, and humanities. This initiative helps the academic community thrive amid the current crisis by leveraging digital tools to bridge the gap created by physical distancing measures. Illuminato provides a platform for continued learning and intellectual growth, addressing the need for ongoing education and discussion in a rapidly changing academic landscape. Through these online discussions, the college ensures that intellectual engagement remains vibrant despite the challenges posed by the global situation.

The Practice

Since 2020, Aquinas College's IQAC has run "Illuminato," an annual webinar series involving all departments. This initiative promotes knowledge sharing, professional growth, student engagement, community building, and global outreach, boosting academic excellence. In 2022-23, alumni served as resource persons, reinforcing institutional networks. Illuminato showcases the college's ability to adapt to changing educational environments, contributing significantly to its growth and reputation.

Evidence of Success

• Increased Participation of students, faculty, and external participants
• Positive feedback from attendees through post-webinar surveys or evaluations
• Improved student engagement in discussions, interactive sessions, and Q & A sessions
• Webinars by college alumni can be a highly effective way to connect current students with successful graduates, providing valuable insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Unstable internet connections disrupted webinars and challenged participant engagement. A backup plan for connectivity and technical issues is essential. Strategies to maintain audience interest throughout sessions are needed to ensure effective knowledge dissemination and interaction.