An ISO 9001:2008 Certified College

 

INNOVATIVE PRACTICES AT THE COLLEGE

 

From its very inception in July, 2002 St. Joseph’s College of Engineering & Technology, Palai has been following many innovative and exemplary practices that aim at the holistic development of students as well as promote quality and excellence in all areas of its activity. Some of these innovative practices are selected by the AICTE, New Delhi for dissemination to other technical institutions in India. These practices are listed below:

1. Strategic planning and team work approach for institutional development.

The college has prepared a Strategic Plan at the very beginning for its development for the next 25 years. In this plan every possible development activity is envisaged. The plan has been prepared after a series of discussions and brain-storming sessions with experts in various fields. Continuous monitoring, evaluation and modification based on various internal and external factors are the essence of strategic plan.

2. An ISO 9001 –2000 certified college

The college has obtained ISO certification within continuous improvement approach in all activities.

 3. Fully computerized office and library services using SMART cards

Full automation is introduced in all services in the college. Payment of fees and taking of library books are done through smart cards. Access to general information, students’ performance data and class notes is provided through internet and intranet.

4. Yoga and meditation training to all students

Yoga and meditation training is given to all students in the first year to enhance their concentration and self-confidence and develop better study skills. The result is synergistic.

5. Preparatory course for weaker and other interested students

Students joining the college are given a preparatory course of six weeks duration in difficult engineering first year subjects like graphics, mechanics, mathematics and basic electronics before regular classes commence for the first year. This will enhance their self-confidence and preparedness in following these subjects in the regular class.

6. Women in development cell

This cell arranges specific training and other activities for women students to help them face study related and career oriented challenges.

7. Learning skills development training

Special training is given to all first year students to help them develop better study skills such as effective reading, effective listening and note-taking, effective study habits, memory techniques, time management,thinking skills etc.

8. Employability skills development training

All students are exposed to various skills needed to secure and sustain a challenging job. Such skills include communication skills, presentation skills, team work skills, leadership qualities, work ethics, quality and environmental awareness etc

9. English insisted as medium of communication in the college campus


A lingua-phone lab is set up in the college to help students to learn good English and practice correct pronunciation. Regular English classes are also arranged for students having problems in communicating in English.

10. Design and Innovation Club

A Design and Innovation club is functioning in the college to promote design talents in students. Guidance
and assistance are provided to all such activities.

11. Fully trained teachers

All freshly selected teachers are exposed to an Induction Training of two weeks duration organized by the Indian Society for Technical Education on Teaching Methodologies and Evaluation Techniques before teaching work is allotted to them. They are also given training in laboratory work in an established institution before they are given laboratory teaching. Teachers are being regularly deputed for attending summer schools, conferences, seminars and various training sessions organized in reputed institutions in India.

12. Incentives for Teachers

Various cash and other incentives are given to teachers to encourage efficiency and quality in their work.
Awards are given to three teachers in every branch and year for their performance in teaching and other activities.

13. Vision, Mission, Quality Policy and Value System defined for the college

A clear vision, mission, quality policy and Value system are defined for the college from the very beginning and these are exhibited prominently at the college lobby. In addition, every department and section in the college have their own mission and vision.

14. Priority for Value Education

The college gives top priority for inculcating in students and staff proper values, work ethics, discipline, accountability, punctuality, eco-friendliness and energy and water conservation.

15. Chapters of major Professional Societies

The college has established Chapters of major professional societies such as ISTE, CSI and IEEE to keep the students apprised of the developments in their chosen field. The college got the best chapter award for 2003-04 for its ISTE Students Chapter among the engineering colleges in Kerala.

16. All sports, games and other recreation facilities provided

Every facility for sports and games are provided in addition to gymnasium facilities .

17. Beautiful, neat and eco-friendly campus

The campus is kept absolutely clean and tidy with beautifully landscaped gardens and avenue trees.

18. Every talent and innovation promoted

The buildings are designed with centre lobbies where students’ creations are regularly exhibited and prizes given to every exhibit.

19. Only wooden furniture used in the college and hostels

The college and hostels use only wooden furniture. No plastic furniture is allowed in the campus.

20. Aiming at holistic development of students


In addition to giving academic training to students, the college organizes a series of activities and training programmes for the physical, mental, moral, spiritual, social and cultural enrichment of students.

21. Uniform for students


The college has prescribed attractive and elegant uniforms for its students, separate for boys and girls. The uniform gives them an identity both in the campus and outside. They wear their identity cards (Smart Cards) in their shirt pockets.

22. Imbibing Dignity of Labour

To inculcate dignity of labour, the following are implemented:
Ø Washing their own dishes in the hostels
Ø Student services in the canteen, library, book store etc.
Ø Voluntary labour for one hour a month to clean college premises and to work in the college garden.

23. Leadership development

In every class students are divided into groups of ten, with a leader and a facilitator for every group.Each group is expected to organize programmes for the development of the group as well as general activities. The leader and facilitator are changed every year or so to give chance for all in the group.The best performing groups are given special prizes on the college day.

24. Fully Residential College

The college is fully residential where all students requiring hostel accommodation are provided accommodation in hostels in the campus in two seated and three seated rooms. Every room has telephone facilities also.

25. Faculty House

To accommodate faculty in the campus, a Faculty House with 24 double rooms is constructed for the male faculty. For lady faculty members, 12 double seated rooms are constructed as a separate wing of the Ladies Hostel.