Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC)
The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of RCMAS is established with the prime motto of developing a system for conscious, consistent, and catalytic action to enhance the academic administrative performance and to sustain the quality of the institution. The Cell is constituted under the chairpersonship of the Principal and a Faculty Coordinator. It also comprises the management, faculty members, administrative officers, alumni, College union, students, nominees from employers, industrialists, stakeholders and experts from various domains.
Besides, IQAC has been entrusted with the task of periodical convening of all concerned committees for quality assurance by the regular monitoring of their activities in tune with the set goals and the vision and mission of the College.
VISION
To evolve and assimilate into a heritage of excellence ingrained in the process of exploring knowledge, imbibing values and exerting social commitment.
MISSION
To fortify the paradigms of excellence through synergizing the aspirations and exertions of every stakeholder.
Objectives of IQAC
- Foster a culture of quality awareness and continuous improvement across the college community.
- Organize tailored capacity-building programs for both students and faculty to meet their specific needs.
- Cultivate and advocate for best practices to maintain and enhance quality standards throughout the campus.
- Facilitate and support high-quality research and publication endeavors among students and faculty.
- Engage stakeholders actively in the quality assurance process.
- Advocate for student participation to instill a quality-driven culture within the institution.
- Communicate updates in quality enhancement policies to stakeholders and prepare them to meet objectives effectively.
- Prepare and submit necessary reports and data for assessment and accreditation agencies in higher education.
- Develop institutional strategies for planning and executing academic and administrative activities.
- Design parameters for various academic and administrative functions while ensuring a student-centered learning environment with enhanced resources and participatory learning methods.
Functions of IQAC
- Establishing quality benchmarks for academic and administrative activities within the institution.
- Fostering a learner-centered environment to promote high-quality education.
- Disseminating information on quality parameters to all stakeholders.
- Serving as the focal point for quality-related initiatives within the institution.
- Organizing workshops and seminars focused on enhancing quality across various themes.
- Ensuring coordination and institutionalization of best practices.
- Driving dynamic quality improvements within higher education institutions.
- Compiling and submitting Annual Quality Assurance Reports (AQARs).
- Facilitating institutional strategic planning forums.
- Coordinating feedback mechanisms from students, parents, and stakeholders to improve institutional processes.
Quality Initiatives of IQAC
The Quality Initiatives at Rajagiri College of Management and Applied Sciences (RCMAS) collectively demonstrate a commitment to quality assurance, continuous improvement, student support and sustainability within the college environment. Each initiative focuses on faculty support and student progression, keeping in mind overall excellence and academic as well as non-academic performance. These initiatives enhance the overall educational experience and institutional effectiveness.
1. Quality Initiatives for Faculty
- Faculty Development Programs: RCMAS empowers faculty through development programs, workshops, seminars, and skill-based training sessions.
- Research and Publications: Teachers are encouraged to write books related to their syllabus and publish papers in reputed national and international journals. Guidance is provided to undertake research projects.
- Professional Development: Faculty members receive financial aid to participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences and to obtain memberships in professional bodies.
2. Quality Initiatives for Students
- ICT Integration: Enhancing teaching and learning experiences using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to foster a modern and interactive educational environment. The college has 39 ICT-enabled classrooms with Wi-Fi access.
- Student Support Systems: A centralized support system for students facing personal, academic, or other challenges is in place to promote their well-being and success.
- Holistic Development: Encouragement of student participation in intercollegiate festivals, sports events, and co-curricular activities for holistic development.
- Scholarships and Awards: Scholarships and awards are provided based on financial needs and academic merit.
- Alumni Network: A robust network of alumni leverages their expertise and support for current students and institutional growth.
- Mentorship and Counseling: Implementation of a mentor-mentee system and personal counseling services.
3. Other Initiatives
- Audits and Assessments: Comprehensive audits such as AAA Audit, infrastructure assessment, teacher satisfaction metrics, library resources evaluation, energy efficiency audits, environmental impact assessments (green audits), and gender inclusivity assessments.
- Collaborations and MOUs: Establishment of 34 MOUs and linkages to initiate collaborative activities focusing on value-added programs, certification courses, and skill enhancement programs.
- Digital Support: Enhancement of digital support through ERP software (Mcampus) and Gsuite facilities.
- Assessments and Reviews: Conducting initial assessment tests, bridge courses, and entry-level tests. Regular internal assessment tests based on Bloom’s Taxonomy, PTM, remedial coaching, and mentoring.
- Learning Outcomes Review: Formulating and guiding Programme Educational Objectives (PEOs), Program Specific Outcomes (PSOs), and Course Outcomes (COs). Monitoring MOOCs, internships, practical and industry project assessments, university result analysis, and OBE mapping
4. Operational Structures and Methodologies
- Decentralized Governance: A supportive decentralized governance system involving college management, principal, HODs, staff, and students.
- Admissions and Orientation: Conducting and monitoring the student admission process and orientation programs.
- Policy Formulation and Implementation: Creating policy documents, strategic plans and action plans. Monitoring their implementation.
- Academic Calendar and Syllabus Completion: Preparation of academic calendar and timetable, ensuring syllabus completion.
- Supportive Cells and Committees: Mentoring various supportive cells and committees for faculty and student complaints, grievance redressal, and welfare measures.
- Curriculum Enhancement: Incorporating add-on, value-added courses, and certificate courses to enhance the curriculum.
- Green Campus Initiatives: Initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability and creating a green campus environment under the banner of RAJEEVANI.
5. Incremental Improvement and Documentation
- Meeting Records: Supervising and keeping minutes of all meetings.
- Report Maintenance: Checking and maintaining college, department, and club reports. Scrutinizing and maintaining action taken reports.
6. Quality Assurance Strategies and Processes
- Audits and Certifications: AAA Audit, workshops and seminars for faculty and students, FSSAI certification, infrastructure audit, teacher happiness index, library audit, energy audits, green audits, IT audit and gender audits.
- ISO Certification: The college has received ISO 9001: 2015 certificate with the Certificate No. RAJ240478QIN.
- Infrastructure Development: Continuous augmentation of infrastructure as needed.
- Library System: Maintenance of an advanced Integrated Library Management System.
- Green Campus: Promoting a green campus through RAJEEVANI initiatives.
- Scholarship Screening: Ensuring scholarships and awards for deserving students.
- Strategic Plan Formulation: Formulating and implementing strategic plans.
- Grievance Redressal: Monitoring grievance redressal mechanisms and encouraging the use of ICT tools in classrooms.
- IPR Cell and Electoral Literacy Club: Establishing an IPR Cell and an Electoral Literacy Club.
- Extension and Outreach Activities: Organizing extension and outreach activities to connect with society.
- N-List and INFLIBNET Subscription: Subscribing to N-List and INFLIBNET for academic resources.
- Gender Equity Promotion: Organizing activities to promote gender equity.
- Feedback Collection: Collecting and analyzing feedback from students, alumni and teachers.