IQAC ACTIVITIES 2012-13

Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) was established at St. Pious X Degree and PG College on 1/12/12 as a post- accreditation quality sustenance measure. The IQAC was established to become a part of the institution’s system and work towards realizing the goals of quality enhancement and sustenance.

The IQAC has evolved mechanisms and procedures and made a significant contribution in the post-accreditation phase for ensuring enhancement and integration among the various activities of the institution and institutionalizing good practices. IQAC helped in ensuring efficient and progressive performance of academic and administrative tasks, optimization and integration of modern methods of teaching and learning, enhancing the overall quality of academic and research programmes and also for ensuring the maintenance and proper allocation of support structure and services to students.

The Institution focuses its Perspective Plans on Quality Education. Accordingly, Goals and Objectives are formulated on the framework of its Vision and Mission.

The major goals of St. Pious X Degree & PG College for Women are:

• Faculty Development & Excellence

• Academic Excellence, Holistic Development & Empowerment of Women
• Research & Development and Scholarship
• Social Responsibility, Outreach and Extension Activities
• Governance for Quality evaluation, Promotion and Sustenance

Objectives are drawn from each goal. From each objective, the strategies and action plans are drawn in consultation with the Departments for conducting the various activities.

The IQAC’s primary objective was to promote measures for quality enhancement and hence took up the following initiatives in 2012-13:

• Faculty Development Programme was arranged from 2-4 June 2012 on the topic ‘Re-Orientation for Academic Excellence.
• More need based UG & PG programmes as per NAAC peer team recommendation: The following new and additional courses were started/ proposed
• Introduction of BA with Mass Communication, Psychology and English Literature was proposed for 2013-14
• Additional section in B.Com (Comp.Sc) was started
• New certificate courses on Fabric Painting and Employability skill were introduced
• Sc (Physics) programme was revived
• The IQAC monitored the academic and extra-curricular activities of the college through the duly constituted committees
• The IQAC in association with research committee took steps to promote research
• 6 faculty members submitted Minor research project proposals to UGC for funding
• 19 research papers were published in International and national Journals
• 17 staff members presented papers in various national and internationalConferences/seminars
• 20 student projects were completed.
• A National workshop on Experimental Physics was organized on 22^nd & 23^rd August, 2012 in collaboration with Indian academy of Sciences
• A number of guest lectures and seminars were conducted
• Laboratories were upgraded with latest equipment
• Library enrichment: 1202 books were added to the collection at a cost of Rs. 2, 90584/-. Library subscribed 68 journals. The library also obtained access to online catalogues and libraries such as N LIST, Infilbnet and staff access in British library.
• Involvement of students in community service intensified and 20 extension activities were carried out by the Departments, PEARL and NSS.
• The IQAC and placement cell organized career guidance programs

IQAC ACTIVITIES 2013-14

The major initiatives taken up by IQAC in 2013-14 were:

• From 4^th – 6^th June, 2013 - Faculty development programme was organised on the topic “ Teaching beyond curriculum” and 18 seminars/ conferences/ workshops at National/ Institution level were organized.
• Initiatives were also taken to ensure more admissions for all Under Graduate and Post Graduate Programmes.
• Completed and submitted AQAR 2012-13 in the new format on 5^th May, 2014.
• Took up measures for increasing student centric activities.
• Intercollegiate competitions were conducted during Resonance in November 2014.
• ‘Vicennial Euphoria’ was celebrated in the month of December 2014 on the occasion of completion of 20 glorious years of college establishment. Intercollegiate competition in various categories were conducted.
• Identified the Best Practices for the Academic Year 2012-13 as:
• Use of ICT in Teaching and Learning
• Capacity Building Programs
• Identified the Best Practices for the Academic Year 2013-14 as:
• Extra Academic Activities
• Value Added Education

The IQAC in close collaboration with the various departments of the college conducted programs for technology upgradation, skill enhancement and quality improvement:

• Workshop on Enzymology techniques was conducted for final year Life Sciences students from 11^th to 15^th July, 2013
• A Workshop on e-learning was arranged for the second and final year B. Sc. Students on 23^rd September, 2013
• Creative Quest, a two day National Seminar on the use of creativity in research was organised for faculty, research scholars and students on 2^nd and 3^rd August, 2013
• 28 faculty members have participated and presented papers in National and International seminars

 Other significant activities taken up by the IQAC in the year 2013- 14 are

• Analyzed the Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA) followed in the college and submitted a report to the Management for meaningful changes to be brought in order to make the existing system more relevant, objective, and transparent
• Analyzed and consolidated feedback given by students and parents on the curriculum followed, extra-curricular activities, infrastructure, and various other aspects

The IQAC also monitored and overseen other programs such as

• Workshop on voter enrolment for students was organized emphasizing their role as citizens in Democratic nation
• Organized Krtya, a management fest to develop and hone the managerial skills of the students.
• Motivated the faculty to enroll for research degrees - M. Phil, Ph. D., and also to undertake project work in order to strengthen their research areas.

IQAC ACTIVITIES 2014-15

The major initiatives taken in 2014-15 were as follows:

• Planned and organized Faculty Development Program A two day workshop on SPSS ( Statistical Package for Social Sciences) tool from 4^th -5^th June, 2014 to train the faculty in Research Methodology
• One day workshop on Camtasia software -“Smart Teaching using ICT” was organized on 8^th November, 2014 for the faculty members for developing e-lecturers.
• Submitted AQAR 2013-14 on 10^th Jan, 2015
• To promote Environment Consciousness activities in the college - 200 Kgs of E-Waste was collected from the campus, students and neighborhood for recycling through a linkage with Earth Sense Recycle Limited Hyderabad.
• Resonance, an intercollegiate fest was celebrated on 12^th November, 2014. Various competition were conducted in Academic, Co-curricular and Extracurricular activities.
• To promote scientific temper among school children, National Science day was celebrated on 28^th February, 2015 in the college by inviting neighbouring schools. The Departments displayed and demonstrated working of various scientific equipment to create enthusiasm among students in sciences.
• Identified the Best Practices for the Academic Year 2014-15 as:
• Employability skill : Campus to Corporate Training
• Eco-friendly Practices

The following programs were organized by various Departments in consultation and association with IQAC to enhance the employability skills of students through various skill-based programs

• Certificate course on Communication Skills “Grooming for Growth” by Learners Circle was arranged for Second year UG students
• Training in SAP course was given to B.Com Students
• 5 National Level programmes were organized

 The other significant activities of the IQAC in the year 2014-2015 are

• IQAC programs to increase environmental consciousness among students
  • Students were involved in Environment related research projects.
  • Awareness programs on Environmental issues were conducted for students and neighbouring community through Seminars, conference and workshops
• Faculty was trained in preparing e-content lectures using Camtasia software and producing audio visual clips.

IQAC ACTIVITIES 2015-16

The major initiatives taken in 2015-16 were as follows:

• Organized a Faculty Development Program on “Quality Enhancement in Higher Education – Novel Approaches” was organized on 4^th -5^th June, 2015
• The results of UG and PG exams were analyzed. University Rank holders were appreciated and applauded by displaying banners with their names in the college campus.
• AQAR for 2014-15 was submitted on 20^th July, 2015.
• Institutional day – St. Pious X Feast was celebrated on 21^st August, 2014.
• A pair of Peacocks and a Indian Gharial from Nehru Zoological Park were adopted under Institutional Social Responsibility
• Organized Pious Colonnade – an Academic exhibition on 18^th December, 2015 with live demonstrations and working models in all subjects to encourage & motivate the students to come up with innovative ideas & methods – Staff and students actively participated in the exhibition.
• Handloom day was celebrated on 07^th August, 2015 by putting up various stalls by handloom weavers which displayed and sold various handloom products.
• Constituted a committee for each criterion for NAAC Reaccreditation process – Committees were constituted and coordinators for each criterion committee were nominated.
• Plan of action was discussed for the next academic year 2016 -2017
• Identified the Best Practices for the Academic Year 2015-16 as:
• Knowledge and Skill enhancement – Academic exhibition (Pious Colonnade)
• Institutional Social Responsibility

The other significant activities taken up by of the IQAC in the year 2015- 2016:

• Organized orientation programmes for Faculty, Students and Parents for quality sustenance.
• Conducted periodic knowledge-sharing sessions with all the Departments to discuss innovative ideas in Teaching & Learning, Research and implementation of Examination reforms.
• Conducted Academic Audit by External and Internal members.
• Promoted consultancy and linkages with academic institutions and other organizations.
• Strengthening research by encouraging faculty and students to take up projects funded by Government agencies and Management.
• Promoted Institutional Social Responsibility through activities such as ‘Support a Farmer’, ‘Animal Adoption’ (Nehru Zoological Park), supporting Handloom weavers, Awareness programmes on Breast Cancer, Dental Health, Girl child trafficking and Swachh Bharat.

The IQAC and the Research Committee took steps to promote research culture in the College:

• 4 Minor projects are funded by UGC - 1 completed out of them.
• 30 papers published by faculty in peer reviewed International/National Journals,

 E-Publications as well as Conference proceedings

• 30 faculty members were involved in various consultancy services such as members of BOS, Resource Persons, Translators, Editorial Board members of reputed Research Journals, Reviewers of scientific research papers, Judges for various competitions, Member of Inspection teams, Chairpersons in National seminars, expert members in panel interviews, and Executive Committee members of NGOs among others.
• The IQAC coordinated with various departments in organising 3 National, 2 State Level, 17 Institutional level Seminars/Conferences/Workshops/FDPs. These programs got financial assistance from management and other external agencies like IAPT, IIG, ICSSR, ASM, NSIC & Global Hospital.
• 60 Faculty attended seminars / conferences / workshops at National and International levels on recent advancements in various academic disciplines.

The IQAC in an effort to promote social responsibility among students was involved in various social initiatives like

• “Pious Lab to Local Network” – free computer course in MS Office and Internet was offered to underprivileged school students of the neighbourhood
• “Support a Farmer” - Students have put up food, games and accessories stalls during “Pious Fiesta” An Intercollegiate Fest in 2015 and the funds raised were donated to needy farmers.
• PEARL, an extension wing of the college for its institutional social responsibility activities, took up the following initiatives:
• Classes for school children in Maths, Science & languages.
• Health awareness programmes on Breast Cancer and dental health for neighbouring schools and community.
• Mass plantation programme – “Haritha Haram” by NSS volunteers
• To establish and develop infrastructural facilities

The IQAC along with placement committee took steps to enhance Placements

• College has a linkage with TASK- (Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge) and a Workshop on Soft Skills was organized to equip them with essential skills to succeed in the competitive job market.
• Pre-placement activities such as ‘Interface with Alumni’, Awareness Programme on ‘Open-Ignite’, ‘Preplacement Talk’, Online Mock Test by Conduira Education and Training Services Pvt. Ltd, were organised.

IQAC ACTIVITES 2016-17

The major initiatives taken in 2016-17 were as follows:

• An in-house Faculty Development Program on “Establishing Parameters for Quality sustenance in higher Education” was organized on 2- 3 June, 2016,
• An in-house Faculty Development Programme was organized on “Online Testing and Evaluation” on 5th June, 2016, in which faculty were trained in the use of TESTMOZ.
• A Two day workshop was organized on "Info@ Lab hazards and safety measures" on 26-27 august 2016.
• ‘Teaching is Beautiful’ – an orientation lecture was organized on 13th July, 2016 for newly appointed faculty.
• Proposed activities for the Academic Year 2016-17and to prepare handbook- Handbook was printed and distributed among the students.
• Submitted AQAR of 2014-2015 on 3^rd August, 2016
• 1^st International Conferences was organized on 1^st & 2^nd September, 2016 on Microbiology, Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (ICMAES).
• Organized more workshops for students on different subjects - More than 20 seminars/ workshops/ conferences were organized during the academic year.
• Encouraged participation of student representatives in all college activities
• Organized preplacement activities like mock interviews, group discussions etc.
• Identified Murukula Basti, a slum with a view to extend support
• Revived NCC Organized Staff orientation programmes for obtaining autonomy - Staff orientation programme for obtaining autonomy was organized on 13^th December, 2016
• Advised the Departments to organize more activities relating to environmental issues - Physics has taken up E-Waste management and Zoology has taken up paper recycling.
• Developed Action plan for successful submission of SSR in the month of June 2017-• First draft of SSR was to be submitted by the criteria coordinators in the first week of March, 2016
• Identified Faculty to handle Gender Sensitization course - Mrs.Hymavathi, Department of Chemistry & Mrs. Alka, Department of Zoology attended orientation Programme on gender sensitization.
• Organized faculty convention to orient staff towards reaccreditation - on 9th February
• Conducted Environmental Audit on 16^th Jan,2017
• Compiled the data and information of college activities for college day report and to Apply for funded projects- Research committee organized an orientation lecture on various funding agencies available for research activities
• Encouraged participation of more number of students in projects.
• Took note of Change in format of SSR and to orient the criteria coordinators of IQAC.
• Deliberated and discussed on QIF - . New format to be given by NAAC in July last week
• Conducted Academic Audit by External and Internal members.
• Identified the Best Practices for the Academic Year 2016-17 as:
• Linkages and Collaborations for a synergistic development
• Transformed to transform – Voice 4 Girls

The IQAC was actively involved in organization of the following faculty development programs

• “Importance and advancement of multi / interdisciplinary research” on 2^nd June, 2016
• “Steps ahead for Reaccreditation” on 3^rd June, 2016
• “Techniques of Effective Teaching to Foster Active Learning” on 4^th June, 2016
• CBCS pattern in Undergraduate Courses on 18^th July, 2016
• Measures to be taken for Autonomy on 13^th December, 2016
• “e-Resources for Teaching, Learning and Research” on 8^th May, 2017
• An overview on Intellectual Property Rights on 8^th May, 2017

The IQAC undertook Awareness Campaigns on

• Energy Conservation Campaign (29-6-16 to 29-7-16)
• Waste Management- paper recycling (July 2016)
• e- waste management (Nov 2016)

The IQAC worked with the different departments /committees of the institution and organized

• International Seminar on multi disciplinary research on 1^st and 2^nd September, 2016
• State level seminar in collaboration with Telangana Academy of Sciences 14^th March, 2017
• Orientation on Digital Transactions for students in the month of December, 2016
• Faculty conventions on preparation for NAAC reaccreditation on 03- 06-2016 and 09-02-2017
• An orientation seminar was arranged for obtaining Autonomy Status was organised on 13^th December, 2016.

The other significant activities taken up by IQAC in 2016-17 were:

• Reframed Committees for Effective Functioning of the Institution
• Arranged Orientation on Digital Transactions for students in the month of December, 2016
• Conducted Environment Audit on 16^th January, 2017

The quality enhancement initiatives taken up by IQAC in close association with departments include:

• Skill based programs
• Diploma in Advanced Excel initiated in association with NIIT from July.
• Training in communication, aptitude and technical skills conducted by Placement Cell in collaboration with TASK (Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge)
• Certificate course on Photography and Videography for Mass Communication Students from 6^th –19^th April, 2017
• Outreach programmes
  • Share A Meal programme was adopted to cater the poor and needy
  • Students took active participation in camps organised by Voice4girls (NGO) in the districts of Telangana and trained the adolescent girls.
  • “Support a Farmer”- The Management, Faculty and Students offered financial support to a farmer.
  • PEARL (Pious Empowerment and Reach out Programme for Learning) organised diverse activities for supporting the underprivileged sections of the society.
• Promotion of Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research culture
  • The Research Committee organised a seminar on Multi Disciplinary Research on 2^nd June, 2016

This is yet another eventful year for the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of St.Pious X Degree & P.G College for Women for the year 2017-18. The IQAC planned the activities reflecting the 5 major Goals of the Institution.

The major initiatives taken in year 2017-18 were as follow:

Faculty Development and Excellence:

• IQAC organized a staff seminar on 1^st June 2017 on the theme “The Role of a Teacher in present day Higher Education”, Prof. Laxmipathi Rao, Director, Methodist Engineering College, was the resource person. He emphasized the role of teachers as facilitators, and discussed other important aspects such as differential teaching methodology, student centric teaching methodology, student centric teaching methods, and forces of change in higher education.
• A staff seminar was organized on 2^nd June 2017 by IQAC on Mentor-Mentee relationship. The resource person was Miss. Sureka Adimulam, Founder and Director, Epitome Mentors. She addressed the staff on the various aspects of mentoring, mentor-mentee relationship and difference between mentoring counseling and to focus on confidence building and transitioning to further Education.
• A Faculty development program was organized by IQAC on 2^nd June on preparation of video lectures using Camtasia software. The resources person was Mrs. Mary Pushpa, Faculty Department of Computer Science.
• An orientation program was organized on 18^th September 2017 for newly appointed Faculty on the topic “Accountability of a Teacher”. Resources person was Dr. Vindhya Vasani Roy, Head, Department of Microbiology.

Academic Excellence, Holistic Development and Empowerment of Women:

• “Know your College” – welcome to first year UG on 21^st June 2017, for the newly joined UG students and their parents. The principal addressed the parents & students on this unique occasion. “KNOW YOUR COLLEGE” – A power point presentation on a broad spectrum of information about the college and its activities was prepared by IQAC and the departments of Life sciences ,UG which enthralled the audience and received excellent feedback from the parents.
• The department of physics had organized a one day workshop on “Experimental Physics” on 8^th July 2017 in collaboration with Texla Scientific, Hyderabad. Physics faculty from 16 colleges from various districts of Telangana Chief Guest was Prof. J Shiva Kumar, Head department of Physics at Osmania University. Staff were trained in new experiments.
• One day workshop on assembling solar lamps in collaboration with Thrive Solar Energy Limited to develop entrepreneurial skills on 19^th July 2017, organized by department of Physics.
• The department of Mass Communication launched Campus Radio and named it as “Radio Munch” the students of Mass Communication started their first show on 17^th August 2017.
• To promote cultural spirit of Telengana, Bathukamma festival was celebrated on 2^1st September 2017 , organized by the cultural committee. Faculty and students celebrated and made Bathukammas with different unique seasonal flowers.
• To make the present generation aware of the new technology of bioinformatics , from 4th -7th December, 2017, workshop was organized on ‘ Unlocking Genomic Evolution ‘ in which the students had hands on training in Bioinformatics Tools.
• Based on their merits and their passion to become an IAS officer students were selected for a training on “leaders of tomorrow. They were sent to Chennai for a tow day training program on 19^th & 20^th October 2017 by AIACHE, at Gurukul Theological Seminary, Chennai.
• Celebrated Institutional Day – St Pious X Fest on 21^st October 2017. Group Dance competition was held and the program ended with prize distribution.
• To promote entrepreneurial skills, Department of Commerce organized a Candle making and Diya painting workshop for the interested students of our on 14^th to 17^th November 2017 and on 18^th November 2017, the Diyas made in the workshop were sold by putting up a stall. It made a profit of Rs. 2900.
• RESONANCE (Cultural Fest) was celebrated from February 1^st to 3^rd Various programs like dance competition, hairdo, henna competition and food stalls were put up by the students.
• On 26^th February 2018 department of Microbiology organized National Level Seminar on “Nano Technology” in collaboration with Telengana Academy of Science.
• On February 28^{th 2018} Science Day was celebrated which was organized by the department of Life Science and Physical Science the theme was “Role of Science and Technology for the sustainable Future”. To spread a message about the significance of Science and Technology in our daily life 25 neighboring schools were invited. School children were shown live demonstrations and interesting Practicals.
• On March 8^th 2018 International Women’s day was celebrated. The event was organized by the department of biochemistry the theme was “LA BELLE FETE – In Celebration of Womanhood”. The guest of honor was Dr. Kalpagam Polasa, Former Director NIN. On this day various programs were held like singing, short films, dances and a tribute to the staff of St Pious X Degree and PG College.
• Department of English organized Gender Awareness Inter- College Practicum (workshop) program where students from different colleges attended this workshop on 20^th March 2018.
• A one day Inter-college competition on Gender Sensitization, titled “SAMATVA” was organized on 4^th April 2018. The event was inaugurated by Mr. Kapil Deev, renowned Media Personality and an Effective Speaker.
• Two Day National Seminar from 15 to 16 March 2018 “Startups in eco system opportunities and challenges was organized by Dept.of MBA. 
• On 18^th April 2018, Dept.of MBA organized “Krtya 2018 – Innovations and Beyond” .

Social Responsibility , Outreach and Extension Activities:

• The college has extended the MOU for one more year to adopt a pair of Peacock and an Indian Gharial from the Nehru Zoological Park, Hyderabad on 13^th November 2017.
• “Share a meal” is a program where every month second Saturday departments took the effort to share meal with the orphanage kids Every department visited Divya Disha (girl’s orphanage) provided them with fun activity and informative interaction and spreaded awareness on women empowerment.
• All departments supported slum dwellers of Murukulabasti with various activities.
• The Department of Zoology took the initiative of recycling old paper waste as a part of extension activity in collaboration with ITC WOW. 3.7 tons of old paper was collected and sent for recycling.

Research & Development and Scholarship :

• On 11th November 2017, a workshop on “Role of IPR’s in creative India : Innovative India was organised to provide a common platform for experts and students to interact and know about patenting and protection of their intellectual property.
• A workshop was organized on IPR – Intellectual Property Rights by Department of Genetic on 13^th October 2017 for the faculty. The topic was “An overview of Intellectual Property Right and its future in India” the resource person was Mrs. Sujatha Uram.
• 9 Faculty have Published their research findings in Seminar Proceedings . National were 2 and International publication were 7.
• 12 Faculty members have presented paper on national and international publication in seminar proceeding.
• 8 Faculty published Papers in International Journals and one in National Journal.
• Laboratories were upgraded with latest equipment as per the requirement of changed syllabus under CBCS Pattern.

Library enrichment:

• 1013 courses books were added to the library of UG, MSC & M.B.A for the year 2017-18.
• 68 Journals were renewed for the year 2017-18.
• Institutional membership with NLIST (INFLIBNET & DELNET) for E- resources for the year 2017-18.

Eco friendly practices:

• College has replaced conventional lamps with energy efficient LED bulbs.
• “Paper Recycling Program” organized by the department of Zoology on 28^th and 29^th July 2017. As the college unit collected 4 tons of paper by recycling more than 3 tons of paper we saved 66 full grown trees that reduce tones of CO2 from the air which we breathe.
• St pious has tied up with Stumagz, which acts as an official student outreach channel for the institution. It’s a platform where every student can connect, collaborate and finds opportunity to excel not only in the academic career but also enhance for a global outreach.

Governance for quality Evaluation, Promotion and Sustenance:

• Submitted AQAR (year 2016-17) to NAAC on 23^rd October 2017.
• Submitted IIQA to NAAC on 25^th November 2017.
• R. Komala gave an orientation lecture on filling up of online SSR on 17^th January 2018.
• Submitted online SSR on 10^th February 2018.
• Academic audit was taken up by internal and external peer member from 20^th and 21^st of April 2018.
• Online feedback was taken from the students at the end of the academic year.