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MEENAKSHI ACADEMY OF HIGHER

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

SELF – STUDY REPORT (SSR)

Part – I & II

Submitted to:

National Assessment and Accreditation Council Bangalore.

Self - Study Report of

MEENAKSHI ACADEMY OF HIGHER

EDUCATION AND RESEARCH

(MAHER)

CONTENTS

NAAC-SELF STUDY REPORT

Part I

S. No Contents Page No.

1 A. Preamble 1 – 2

2 B. Executive Summary 3 – 21

3 C. Profile of the University 22 – 31

Part II

Criteria – Wise inputs

4 Criterion I: Curricular Aspects 32 – 47

5 Criterion II: Teaching – Learning and Evaluation 48 – 83

6 Criterion III: Research, Consultancy and Extension 84 – 112

7 Criterion IV: Infrastructure and Learning Resources 113 – 132

8 Criterion V: Student Support and Progression 133 – 154

9 Criterion VI: Governance, Leadership and Management 155 – 180

10 Criterion VII: Innovations and Best Practices 181 - 193

11 Annexures – 1,2,3 194 - 204

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Preamble

MAHER – NAAC – Self-Study Report 1

A. PREAMBLE

The Govt. of India in Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of

Secondary & Higher Education, New Delhi, on the advice of University Grants Commission,

conferred Deemed to be University status to “Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and

Research,” (MAHER) as per Section-3 of UGC Act 1956 Vide Govt. Notification No. F.9-

5/2002-U.3, dt.31.03.2004. At the time of conferment of Deemed University status BDS and

MDS courses were conducted at Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital,

Maduravoyal, Chennai- 600095. Subsequently Meenakshi Medical College & Research

Institute, Enathur, Kanchipuram and Meenakshi College of Nursing, Mangadu, Chennai

were brought under the ambit of MAHER in Government of India’s letter No. F.9-11/2004

U.3, dt.26/7/2004 and F.9-22/2004 -U.3, dt.2/6/2005.

As of now the University has three major disciplines – all related to broad area of

health care – viz., Medical, Dental and Nursing. The colleges of these three disciplines are

located in three different campuses - the medical college at Enathur, Kanchipuram; the dental

college at Maduravoyal, Chennai and the nursing college at Mangadu; these three form the

integral part of MAHER, since 2004.

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research offers various programs and

courses of higher studies namely MBBS, BDS, B.Sc., (Nursing), Post Basic B.Sc., (Nursing),

MD/MS, MDS, M.SC., (Nursing), M.Sc., (Non-Clinical) and DM/M.Ch with an excellent

infrastructure along with related support facilities in its three Constituent Colleges.

Each Constituent College is headed by a Dean/ Principal and is divided into various

departments of studies. Each department is headed by a Senior Professor. The Academic

and Administrative head of the University is the Vice-Chancellor, a distinguished person who

is supported by the Registrar. The office of the University and the administrative divisions

are located at Chennai.

All the three major colleges which are now under MAHER have been duly approved

and recognized by the respective Statuary Bodies viz Medical Council of India, Dental

Council of India & Indian Nursing Council. All of them are also duly recognized by the State

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Preamble


Government and are formally affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University in

Chennai, before MAHER was declared as a Deemed to be University

The details of the Academic Programmes at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate

levels and the Research levels of each of these institutions has been given in the following

chapters. The details have been prepared according to the guidelines provided by NAAC for

assessment and accreditation. The Brochures of these Colleges have also been included for

general information and perusal.

It is the endeavor of the University to strengthen these disciplines with innovations

through vertical and horizontal integration besides diversification. Special emphasis is made

for academic research activities in all of them.

For a developing Country, health and hygiene is a national priority. Statistics reveal

that unhealthy living conditions lead to disease and epidemics, and for the health of the

Nation and its people, a proactive approach by the Medical Community is called for

especially through improved Medical Education. We certainly hope that this budding

University will fulfill the expectations in a remarkable way.

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Executive Summary


B. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research is a budding University

in the southern part of the country, devoted largely to Medical education in all its dimensions

with specific thrust on Medical, Dental and Nursing education. It was established recently in

2004 with the approval of MHRD (GOI) and UGC, under section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956.

Since its inception, the university has made significant strides in providing medical education

and in generating quality professionals in the health care sector.

Recently we have increased our educational activities by establishing a number of

faculties like humanities and allied health sciences besides others. It is our vision that this

university should become a broad-based and a multi-faculty institution.

Thiru. A.N. Radhakrishnan, the Chairman of the Trust had established this institution,

and the Chancellor of the University, has been the guiding light behind the establishment of

Meenakshi Ammal Dental college in 1990, the Meenakshi College of Nursing in 1998; the

Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, in 2003; and the MAHER in

2004, integrating all the above three colleges. His vision has been to establish professional

education in rural areas and to serve rural population. He has spared no effort in making

MAHER as one of the best institutions in terms of excellence in teaching and research. The

vast expanse of buildings, along with other infrastructure; the impressive list of distinguished

professionals as faculty; and the inventory of supporting facilities like huge hospitals and

laboratories, loaded with experimental, and analytical instruments stand testimony to his

untiring efforts. His ambition has been to not only provide quality education and quality

training in the basic professional fields but also to ensure provision of general skills,

including soft skills, and also to provide a strong foundation for high quality research in the

medical and related fields. It is his dream to transform the quality of life of the rural

population, largely through education and health care.

MAHER is extremely proud of offering under-graduate and postgraduate programs

in Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, besides providing facilities for Research degrees like

M.Phil. and Ph.D. Apart from these regular degree programs, the university also offers short

term job-oriented diplomas and certificate courses. In addition to providing PhD level



guidance, many of the teaching faculties are encouraged to undertake in-house research

projects. It should be noted that all the formal degree programs are adequately supported with

in-house hospitals, the laboratories with sophisticated instruments to provide hands-on

experience and to promote the appropriate professional and soft skills that are essential for

employability. The well stacked library, duly complimented by on-line access to text books

and journals are important features of the infrastructure that enable the students to get

constantly updated quality education.

A brief summary of self evaluation of our performance, in terms of the various

parameters prescribed is presented in the following pages.

Curricular Aspects:

The university adopts the national qualification frame work for the degree programs

in terms of duration and levels of studies in order to conform to the national and international

practices. This is done to make our education comparable to and compatible with those of

others and also to facilitate the mobility of our graduates for further studies and for

employment both within and outside the country. Apart from this, all the details of the

curricular structure and course contents have been designed adhering to the norms stipulated

by the respective subject specific National Councils, such as Medical Council of India, Indian

Nursing Council and Dental Council of India. The curriculum is developed by a well defined

process of consultation with academic experts and gets approval from a Board of Studies, an

Academic Council and a Board of Management. The culture of academic freedom and

flexibility provides immense scope for developing innovative changes in the curriculum to

achieve the institutional vision and mission of striving for academic excellence.

In fact these innovation – based teaching-learning processes adopted in the university

has surpassed the minimal standards set by these Councils for various academic programs.

The required facilities at the macro-level has made many innovations in newer techniques in

teaching methodology like students role play, skills lab, mannequin and life style models,

quiz programs and Wi-Fi facilities.

The Head and Senior Faculty of the departments together design the course contents

and update them with the help of the respective Boards of Studies every year as per the

recommendations and guidelines of MCI, DCI and INC. This design includes both the



volume of the knowledge to be transferred and also the setting of appropriate levels

depending on the nature of the award for which they are planned. The Boards of studies

consists of both external experts and departmental staff to ensure parity with other

institutions.

Both the construction of the curriculum and its transactions are well streamlined.

These measures have ensured the quality of education provided. The curriculum is revised at

regular intervals and are analyzed on its impact.

In a nut shell, upon self-evaluation, the university has done well in the first Criteria

(parameter) of Curricular Aspects. The curricula for all the programs of studies are

comprehensive, content-wise on par with national standards, approved by the Statuary

Councils, and are diverse and flexible to meet the contemporary needs. At the curricular

transaction level, we fulfill all the expectations with adequate qualified faculty along with the

necessary infrastructure. The university is willing to implement these suggestions for further

improving this key element to keep pace with the changing needs in the years to come.

Teaching, Learning and Evaluation:

MAHER is aware of the fact that quality education is dependent on the actual

curricular transactions - teaching and learning methods that are equally crucial as the contents

of the curricula itself. Transaction involves one to one interactions between the teacher and

the student. The teachers should be qualified and competent in their subjects of specialization

and the students should be bright and committed to learning. The university has made every

effort in acquiring the adequate number of well qualified teachers in all the fields of academic

programmes. A total of 471 teachers are available. They are well qualified and many are PhD

holders, though the statuary councils do not insist on a PhD qualification. The faculty and

student ratio in different Constituent Colleges are Medical – 1:2, Dental – 1:4, Nursing- 1:5.

A cursory look at the list of teaching staff, enumerated department-wise along with

their qualification would provide adequate testimony to this fact. The faculty is recruited over

a period of time and is retained with appropriate incentives. They are encouraged and

supported to attend orientations and refresher courses to sharpen their professional

competence.



The university ensures that teacher-student transactions are conducted in a conducive

ambience. Each one of the campuses which hosts the faculties of medicine, dentistry and

nursing has a number of state-of-art lecture theatre complexes, besides the departmental

regular demonstration rooms. Each department has state-of-art lecture theatres and laboratory

facilities. Generally, students are encouraged to undertake Projects, particularly at the PG

level.

All the theatre complexes are fully air-conditioned and equipped with audio-visual

teaching aids like OHP, LCD projectors and public address systems. Teachers combine

traditional teaching methods along with modern teaching aids. Faculty prepares lecture plans

and also maintains a weekly log of what is actually practiced in the classroom. Similarly,

well-equipped and well-provided laboratories are present in each department of studies. All

the students have access to facilitating provisions like libraries, computer centre, WIFI

connectivity etc., Additional details about the teaching and learning facilities have been

provided in the departmental profiles. There is a visible shift from focusing merely on

teaching, to emphasis on active learning through technology driven methods.

The facilities for the post graduate students are also many and diversified. They

include, the Case Presentation units, Journal clubs, opportunities for field work depending on

the specialties chosen by them. All of them have access to ICT systems to access required

information and references. The library in each campus provides sufficient text and reference

books and works from 8 am to 8 pm.

The lecture method is supplemented by open / group discussions, question and answer

sessions and through interactions between the teacher and the students. Integrated teachings,

CBL and Problem-based learning methods are some of the innovative methods adopted in

facilitating the student learning. Technology-driven instructions are provided extensively.

Clinical skills and simulation labs help in learning the psychomotor skills. The Medical

Education Unit, established in the College, looks after the training of the teachers in the fields

of medical education & technology. The teacher takes up the role of the facilitator in

monitoring and coordinating the learning activities. Evaluation of the students is done in an

unbiased method, by preparing three sets of question papers, and by a double evaluation of

theory papers, which are coded. Question banks and OSCE / OSPE are widely practiced in

the Institution.



Feedback is received from students to ensure that the teaching is student-centric. The

Internal Quality Assurance Cell conducts a quality audit. It also conducts programmes for

improving the quality of teaching. Quality and Innovations in teaching and learning process

of our teachers are also evaluated through Self-Appraisal and Peer Evaluation.

The College calendar and handbook are supplied to the students at the beginning of

the year. Bridge courses are conducted for disadvantaged students and remedial courses are

designed for slow learners. The students get recognition and special rewards from the

university.

Curricular committees are constituted in each department to function as shadow of

the Institution. There is a student counseling committee to monitor and look after the

academic progress of the students by individual teachers. Special attention is given to slow

learners to maximize the quality of teaching and training at the course level to achieve better

quality and relevance of education provided.

The University provides opportunities for many extra-curricular and co-curricular

activities through which the students can gain important attributes that extends beyond a

subject-based knowledge, to ensure their holistic personality development. All of these have

helped the students in becoming not only excellent professionals but also in turning out to be

productive citizens of the society.

The Evaluation process is transparent. Students are evaluated through a continuous

assessment system, comprising written examinations, class seminars, and assignments. As a

University, MAHER is expected to award its own degrees to successful candidates after

completion of their duration of study. The University for this purpose has established a

separate examination wing under the leadership of a talented and committed Controller of

Examinations with adequate supporting staff and facilities. This unit conducts external

examinations, collate with the internal assessments and prepare the lists for the award of the

degrees like it is done elsewhere. This unit functions transparently in many ways, including

the opportunity to students to review their answer scripts after evaluation, if they so desire.

As per our estimation, the university had done very well with reference to this criteria

of teaching and learning and associated evaluation. The transfer of knowledge and skills is

the most important responsibility of any university and we have taken every care to fulfill this

responsibility.



Research, Consultancy and Extension:

Research:

MAHER has been devoting great attention to promotion of quality research. The

extent of diversification of subject specialties at the post graduate level; introduction of

project component at the Masters’ level; budgetary provision for research by the management

and through a few funding agencies; provision of sophisticated and expensive analytical

equipments in the laboratories etc., will substantiate the intent of the university in this regard.

As of now, the majority of the departments of the Constituent Colleges of Medicine,

Dentistry & Nursing have been recognized as research centers.

22 Minor Research projects involving faculty members have been sponsored and

supported by the university extracted from its own funds to the sum of about Rs.20 Lakhs, in

the non-clinical departments of the Medical and Dental Colleges during last 4 years. Seed

Money to the amount of Rs.4.20 Lakhs has been sanctioned to the Faculty to conduct pioneer

studies. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has offered, under the WHO project a sum of

Rs. 1.5 Crore for conducting research. Many of the academic staffs have sought monetary

fund for their project proposals; financial assistance and the same will be approved shortly.

So far, 42 research scholars have successfully completed their thesis work for PhDs, and have

been awarded degrees. All of them were duly adjudicated by external (foreign and Indian)

examiners on their submission of their research dissertations. 226 scholars have registered so

far for the PhD programs.

Ph.D. research scholars are required to publish a minimum of two research papers in

the area of their research before submission of their thesis. Workshops on research

methodology are organized annually for all the research students in the university.

Our university offers excellent research environment and facilities for its students and

faculty. The research projects are multi-faceted under the aegis of ICMR with collaborations

within and outside the university. On an average, about 150-160 research projects are in

progress in the Constituent Colleges at any given time. The Medical Research Cell of the

college monitors all the research projects. The Institutional Ethics Committee oversees the

ethical issues involved in the research.



Recently the MAHER has established, through its academic council, a Graduate

School for promoting PG programmes and varied research activities

The senior faculties of these and other departments have published 670 research

articles in Indexed journals (National & International), 327 in Non –Indexed Journals and 17

Publication of text books. Out of this, 329 Publications are indexed in Scopus. Out of 1380

top papers in India, 13 papers are from Meenakshi Ammal Dental College. Meenakshi

Ammal Dental College was ranked No. 2 among the top 25 Dental Institutions in India by an

Independent study conducted by Haur Kaur and BM Gupta , Published in Sciento Matrics

Journal in 2010(8:361-376). 708 Paper and poster presentation have been made by our faculty

in various CME/CDE Programs and Conferences/Seminars. Many faculty members serve on

the editorial board of journals as editors and referees. In addition, several faculties are

members of the steering committees of international organizations and societies.

Two patents of our faculty have been published in the Journal of Patent Office. Three

more proposals have been sent for patency. Two Central Research Labs - one at Meenakshi

Medical College and another at Meenakshi Ammal Dental College have been established

with sophisticated equipments at a cost of Rs. 1 Crore for each centre.

The University has a unique Credit Point system for the Faculties in recognition of

their research publications, authoring text books and Scientific Paper Publication in

International Conferences.

Two Basic Central Research Labs have been established at Medical College & Dental

College for the promotion of basic and applied health research activities. These have been

established for the express purpose of becoming a force to be reckoned with in the field of

research. The primary research areas are: instrumental analysis, medical microbiology,

molecular biology, academic research orientation programmes, electro physiology;

international collaborations and scientific workshops for Post Graduates/ Research Scholars /

Faculty/ Scientists from other Institutes are present in and around Kanchipuram and

Maduravoyal. These research scholars utilize sophisticated instruments like Ultra High-

Performance Liquid Chromatography (U-HPLC), anti-oxidant studies, electro physiology,

advanced spectrophotometer, peltier-based thermal cycling, Polymarized Chain Reaction

(PCR) system, automated chromatographic fraction collector and associated high-end

analytical instruments.



Consultancy:

On aspects like consultancy and extension, the university has excelled. In professions

like Medicine and Health care, the scope for consultancy and extension work is varied and

the same has been utilized to a large extent by our faculty. Many of the departments and their

faculty provide expert opinions and consultancy services in other hospitals, in Non-

Governmental and Service Organizations in Industries and Corporate Companies in and

around Kanchipuram.The faculty of the Medical College offers consultancy services to the

Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Family Planning, WHO, NACO etc.

Extension:

The University has undertaken several community related health projects/ programs/

activities. Our faculty and students regularly conduct several medical camps in the

neighboring rural communities. In the last five years, they have conducted more than 200

camps, at times in collaboration with NGOs and philanthropic organizations, serving about

80000 people. Free treatment has been given at the camp sites. Patients attending camps

when referred to the hospitals of the University have been provided with free treatments in

the departments. With the aim of preventing and controlling oral diseases and oral health, the

specialty group of Preventive and Community Dentistry has been providing training to B.D.S

students and involving them in such public health services. Other extension activities include

demonstration of brushing techniques and lectures on prevention and control of common

dental diseases like dental cavities and gum diseases with the help of charts, models and

slides. Besides these, the university runs fully fledged peripheral Centers in and around

Kanchipuram, Virugambakkam, Chinmaya Nagar, Arikkambedu (Near Avadi), Chennai,

catering to the needs of the surrounding people by providing necessary Medical and Dental

treatment at minimal charges.

Meenakshi Medical College & Research Institute has been approved by the Govt. of

Tamil Nadu for giving treatment to less privileged sections of the society under Chief

Ministers’ Comprehensive Health Care Program. So far we have given treatment to more

than 700 patients per year and a sum of Rs. 4.8 Crores has been reimbursed to us, under this

scheme.

Meenakshi Cleft & Craniofacial Centre was established at Meenakshi Ammal Dental

College and Hospital in the year 2003 with help from the Cleft Children International (CCI).



CCI is an international NGO, organization headquartered at Zurich, Switzerland, aiding and

sponsoring the comprehensive treatment of children affected with congenital deformities of

the face, head and neck. So far we have given treatment to 6000 patients and a sum of

Rs.8 Crores has been given to us under this scheme.

These are only the representative samples of service done by the university to the

community. The faculty of Medicine and Dentistry has done many more services to the

neighboring communities as part of their extension work and will continue to do so. They are

elaborated in the related section of this report. The University is on the verge of promoting

graduate courses in educational research and is thus encouraging the students to participate

in research programmes inculcating quality control concepts at higher level of education.

By our evaluation, we have proven to be more than sufficient in fulfilling the

expectations under this criteria. As per our vision and mission we are well on our way in

further strengthening our publications through departmental research to make useful

contributions to the body of professional knowledge.

Infrastructure and Learning resources:

This criterion covers our area of strength. MAHER is immensely proud of its

infrastructure and learning resources in fulfilling its vision. The land area along with its

build-up facilities is more copious than what is necessary at the present as well as for its

future needs. All the constituent colleges have excellent facilities for academic training,

hospital services, hostels and other support services. The faculty of Medicine is situated on

the Chennai-Bangalore highway, in a vast expanse of land and the massive building

complexes which houses 24 departments of studies, class rooms and laboratories, hospitals

with their 14 well equipped stat-of-art operation theatres, library, hostels for men and

women, guest houses etc., and there are also a sufficient number of play grounds present.

The class room complexes are huge with state- of-art facilities containing modern audio-

visual equipments like OHP, LCD projectors and Public address systems. There is a large

auditorium for organizing conventions and for conducting convocations. The medical college

hospital is a 700 bedded one, well equipped with adequate staff and equipments as per the

MCI norms to take care of all medical and surgical problems including emergencies, with

requisite casualty, outpatient and inpatient facilities for the use of various departments and



specialties numbering nearly up to 20. The hospital itself has 16 world class operating

theatres including a full-fledged emergency theatre. They are equipped with CT, MRI, Echo

cardiogram, 64 slides CT, C-arm in Ortho theatre, Cath Lab, advanced Multi Spiral CT

Scanner, 1.5 T MRI with TIM(Total Imaging Matrix), 4D Colour Doppler for

mammography and for early detection of cancer apart from routine X rays and Ultra

sonograms. The entire campus is provided with WIFI connectivity for everybody. This is

only a brief account to highlight the infrastructure that has been constructed for teaching and

research by the university. The same is true for the other faculties of Dentistry and Nursing.

In our estimation, the university has certainly fulfilled the infrastructural needs of the

professional university. It is one of the best provided institutions of higher learning in this

part of the country.

Our faculty of Dentistry has already been recognized as one of the top ten institutions

of its kind in the country.The institution provides excellent auditoriums, lecture halls, seminar

halls and clinical teaching facilities in the attached hospitals that are fully ICT enabled for a

very high quality teaching & learning experience for its students. Information &

Communication Technology is accorded high priority in all teaching & learning activities and

there is a constant endeavour to improve IT and computer infrastructure with dedicated

annual funding. The institution offers an excellent library facility for undergraduate and post-

graduate students. A substantial annual funding is ensured for library and e-learning

resources. Wi-Fi connectivity is provided throughout the campus including laboratories.

Webcasting plus video recording system facility is available at the New Auditorium.

Improvements in infrastructure towards accomplishing a high quality campus life will be a

continuous process and is accorded significant attention. The Library has adequate physical

facilities such as reading room, internet etc., The Libraries in three Constituent Colleges

have 33,167 books, 146 National Journals, 179 International Journals, 1561 Online Journals

and 1023 CDs. The Institution frequently upgrades its ICT facility and it is connected to the

National network.

Student Support and Progression:

MAHER takes comprehensive care of its students in all possible ways. There are

bridge courses for those who come from diverse backgrounds to adjust themselves to the new

environment of higher learning in the field of medical education. Economically poor students



are provided with full and partial scholarships by the management and the deserving students

also enjoy a newly introduced system of fee waiver. At every stage of their academic study,

adequate counseling and tutorial assistance are provided by the faculty. However, the very

few who fail in their academic courses are encouraged to complete their subjects through

summer semester repeat courses. Hardly any students seem to want an extension over the

prescribed duration to complete their under graduate course be it MBBS, BDS or Bachelor of

Nursing.

The admission process of the University is transparent. Applications are invited

through advertisements in leading newspapers and selections are done on merit basis, by

conducting a Common Entrance test at 4 centres namely Chennai, Coimbatore, Hyderabad,

and Delhi. Admissions are given to a diverse group of students consisting of SC/ST, BC,

MBC, OBC and other General Categories.

Learning resources, other than class rooms, are plenty for bright students to achieve

excellence. As already mentioned in the section dealing with infrastructure, the library and

access to computer and other internet facilities are easily available. The university provides

routine facilities like on-campus hostels and transport facilities for the day scholars. Any

other specific needs of the students are also addressed on request from the students. Many

play fields, entertainment, extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are provided for the

students to choose from.

The university has always given student support and progression the highest priority.

It has provided a very high quality of campus life to its students as it is a 100% residential

institution. The institution facilitates robust and close interactions between the student

community and the faculty. Under-graduates and post-graduate students from neighbour

states and districts add to the unique atmosphere of the college. There are more than 100

awards annually for excellence in professional and extra-curricular activities. The students

have numerous active clubs and societies ranging from debate, adventure, music, computer,

literature, theatre, scientific society etc. Welfare meetings are held monthly for the students

and their concerns are addressed by participative and collaborative committees.

The students’ progression in their life after graduation is also meticulously recorded

and assisted. Priority is given to our students if they wish to continue their studies. Those who

seek employment are assisted with campus interviews, counseling and personal interventions.



A record of the alumni is maintained and they have regular meetings through their

Association. The University is effective in taking care of the students’ needs at all levels.

They are assisted in their academic and career progression. The university is taking every

effort to satisfy and fulfill their welfare.

Projects and field experience are integrated in to the learning programs and feedback

on the practices of the teachers is also done.

Adequate student welfare measures exist such as fees concession, Endowment award

for meritorious students, scholarship etc., Anti-ragging Committee and Prevention of Sexual

Harassment Cell have been formed.

Governance and Leadership:

The governance structure of MAHER has been patterned in accordance with the

measures recommended by the UGC. The authorities of the university are the Governing

Board (Board of management), Academic Council, Finance committee and Planning and

Monitoring Board. The Board of management is chaired by the Vice Chancellor and it is the

executive body that decides all matters. Together they form the final authority to make

decisions on Academic programs recommended by the Academic council, financial matters

and all other matters with regard to the Government of India, the UGC, and the State

Government. It also decides the composition of other statutory bodies. The Registrar is the

administrative head working under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor in executing all

decisions of the statutory bodies, academic and otherwise.

The membership of the Board of Management includes one eminent academician to

be nominated by the Govt. of India, (MHRD), in consultation with the UGC, Dean of

faculties not exceeding two to three Eminent Academicians nominated by the Chancellor,

two Professors or Associate Professors, one nominee of the sponsoring trust. The Registrar of

the university is the Secretary of the Board of Management, as per the latest UGC regulations

in this regard.

The Academic Council, chaired by the Vice Chancellor, monitors and develops

strategies on all academic matters including the qualifications of the Academic Staff,

registration of the students and their eligibility criteria, matters relating to the diversification

of the academic programs, their discontinuance, curriculum formation through Boards of



studies and their revisions, academic grievances, research related issues and the conduct of

examinations. It lays down the protocol for the curricular transactions in all its dimensions. It

meets four times a year. Its members are drawn from the academic community of this

University as outlined in the UGC guidelines. The Registrar is the secretary of the Council.

The Finance Committee is headed by the Vice Chancellor and its members include:

one nominee from the Government of India, a person nominated by the Trust, two nominees

of Board of Management and the Finance Officer as the Secretary. It meets twice a year and

prepares the Annual budget of the university. Its approval is essential for all the expenditures

exceeding Rs. 50 lakhs

Besides these, the other Statutory Bodies are: Planning and Monitoring Board, Board

of Studies and Selection Committees, as outlined in the UGC guidelines.

There is one Board of Studies for each department, which is headed by a senior

academician, whose responsibility it is to monitor and develop the departmental activities.

Their leadership provides all the impetus for teaching and research at the micro level.

As Chairman of these various Boards and Councils, the Vice Chancellor utilizes his

leadership in all matters that pertain to the growth of the University. It is the vision and

compassionate direction of the Vice Chancellor and the members of various governing bodies

that will shape the destiny of the institution.

Thus, the governance philosophy of the university is based on the democratic

principle of decentralized and collective decision making.

The leading heads of this University takes pride in its organizational capabilities, as

reflected in various facets like planning, co-ordinating and monitoring systems for

multifarious professional, administrative, financial and human resource management

activities. Time tested, well laid out protocols exist for all recurring/emergency requirements,

covering all facets of University activities. Developmental and enrichment programmes for

both the teaching and non- teaching staff are given due attention. The financial management

is very sound and subjected to various surprise checks and internal/external audits. The

continuous, committed and proactive leadership has been taking the constituent colleges to

the increasing higher levels so as to rate amongst the best universities in the State.



A culture of participatory management is practiced at all levels. Both the top-down

and bottom-up approaches are used effectively to implement the policies. At the department

level, suggestions from all the faculty are taken into account for curriculum design and

development, teaching and learning, evaluation processes as well as in general

administration. Student representatives play a role in managing the departmental societies. At

the Faculty level, representatives from different departments of study as well as external

members play a proactive role in the curricular aspects. Further, faculty members managing

several auxiliary units such as library, laboratories and hostels collectively participate in

administration and decision making.

The desire to excel is ingrained in the psyche of the students and faculty alike.

Innovative ideas are encouraged during brain-storming sessions, and are critically analysed

for feasible implementation. The active participation by the students and the faculty in a large

number of administrative/social activities helps in widening their horizons subconsciously.

The University leadership has placed great emphasis on value-based education. Character

building and all-round development, through discipline, and through wide exposure to

developmental activities, including extracurricular /co-curricular activities like scientific

foray, public speaking, games and sports, organisational skills is the hall mark of this

University.

The vision and spirit that has guided this promising University have so far has been

encouraging and continue to drive this University to its prospective position as a Centre of

Excellence in the field of medical education. The hallmark of its success is the constant

introspection and evaluation of its own achievements. The desire for dynamic improvement

drives the University’s administration onwards in its journey of excellence.

Innovative and Best Practices:

The MAHER and its three main faculties - Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing have always

been innovative in whatever educational endeavor they undertake. Its efforts to evolve a

state-of-art curriculum facilitate the freedom to introduce many innovations in teaching.

While conforming to the national and international frameworks, the faculties have been

innovative in providing a range of academic programs in their content and in the curricular

transactions. The following two form the major examples in substantiating this statement.



1. Annual brain-storming sessions for improving teaching and learning

methods.

2. Dynamic planning for community outreach

� Student counseling starts from their admission stage and continue through their

tenure as a student until they get their placement in a suitable job.

� English language classes are additionally conducted to improve their reading, writing

and speaking skills for those who come from vernacular streams.

� Maintaining a weekly log of how the lesson plans have been transacted in the

classroom.

� Many activities along with formal teaching and training are routinely conducted to

improve their employability status by the way of enhancing their soft skills,

personality and values. The university encourages the faculty on their own to innovate

and to evaluate their effectiveness. they all have the freedom to innovate and adopt

best practices

� Feedback from all sources are not only collected but also used to inculcate appropriate

corrective measures from those who receive it. This encourages the students and

functionaries to learn and perform better in improving the quality of education.

� Weekly tests on both theory and practical lessons are conducted to identify the

students who require extra attention. Their learning progression is reported to their

parents as well to ensure necessary efforts from their homes.

� Parent-teacher meetings are convened once a year to take stock of efforts from both

ends to ensure success in learning.

� The students get medical care facilities free of cost, including in-patient treatments in

the hospitals.

� The students are encouraged to participate in rural health and orientation camps to

have a first-hand experience in dealing with rural health problems.

� Annual Research Methodology Workshops impart training to Post Graduates and

research scholars on all aspects of research including research design, hypothesis

testing, good laboratory practices, statistical and analytical techniques, mechanics of

scientific writing, stress and time management and research ethics. This has provided

a platform for the faculty to extend their expertise and experience which cuts across

disciplines. The students, after the training, can approach the faculty from any

discipline to sort out their research problems.



These are a few innovative practices which we have developed and implemented with

remarkable results. Individual teachers freely adopt a variety of innovations in their class

rooms to enrich their learning.

Internal Quality Assurance System:

The college has a well-defined and proactive Internal Quality Assurance Cell which

acts as a quality sustenance measure that, through regular meetings and interactions, strives

hard to become a forerunner in providing quality medical education. For this, the IQAC has

channelized its efforts towards promoting its holistic academic excellence in medical

education. The University revises its teaching and learning process and its methodologies at

periodical intervals from the feedbacks received from its stakeholders.

IQAC has been channelizing the efforts and measures of the colleges towards

academic excellence. The creation of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell and its functioning

has helped to assimilate the gains made from all constituent colleges which in turn has

improved day-to-day work ethics and instituted disciplined organizational culture. The

healthy competitive environment among the constituent colleges has led to a marked increase

in institutional work performance and its output.

Short and Long Term Development Plans:

1. Increasing the diversity of the programmes of studies to cater to the changing needs.

2. Further improving the number of speciality services and their quality.

3. Establishing programs which provides linkages with international institutions of repute

for the purpose of faculty and student exchange programs.

4. Increasing intake capacity, through diversification to make the institution academically

available and visible to more deserving students.

5. Ventures to establish off-shore campuses and institutions.

6. Strengthening teaching and research to make it an Institution of excellence in higher

education and a leading centre of Medical Research, in the long run.



Strength, Weakness, Objectives, and Challenges (SWOC)

Strength:

� Although the University was established only in the year 2004, it has well-set goals and

objectives to begin essential health education programs and has been trying to enhance its

positive impact on lives and community by applying core analytical skills.

� Excellent all-inclusive infrastructure as a support system for teaching and learning

processes, research work, faculty development and holistic personality development of

the students.

� Excellent well-equipped auditoriums, conventional halls, hospitals, labs and libraries etc.,

� ICT –enabled, dynamically improved teaching and learning environment.

� Thrust towards (i) creativity/innovation/research, (ii) paper publications (iii) Presentation

of posters/papers (iv) participation in conferences/convention – greatly contributed to the

creation, sharing and dissemination of knowledge as part of knowledge management

� Excellent faculty with above average/ high tenure terms.

� Well oiled machinery for governance at University level and for administration at

Constituent College level.

� Decentralized administration at all levels and institutionalized processes to take care of

routine and contingent situations.

� High level of discipline in the campus with no complain of ragging, gender injustice or

social discrimination etc.,

� Student centric facilities and welfare programmes.

� Successful community service orientation amongst faculties and students with excellent

results in outreach programmes.

� Meenakshi Ammal Dental College was Accredited with an ‘A’ Grade by the National

assessment Accreditation Council in 2005

� The admirable rate of retention of faculty for all the programmes speaks for the excellent

human resource management of the University and has taken care of the increasing

demand ratio over the last ten years.

� The quarterly manual of ‘Voice of Meenakshi’ which covers the curricular and extra-

curricular activities for every academic year is published by the University to showcase

the calibre of our University.

� MAHER University boasts of having two well-equipped Health Science Central Research

labs for capacity building, analytical skills, development in molecular biology and basic

sciences.



� The faculty has published more than 350 research articles in indexed journals in the last

seven years.

Weakness:

� Rural setting of campuses which makes it less attractive to foreign students

� Rural setting which causes slow growth of clinical materials.

� Low financial contribution, as far as the Alumini is concerned, as an aid to the

development of institutions.

� Less number of Patents

� Delay in obtaining funds from government agencies for Research

� Publication of scientific articles in Indexed journals has an unequal distribution among

the departments.

Opportunity:

� Diversification of courses at PG and Super Specialization level, including

Gastroenterology, Urology, Neurology and Nephrology, especially to create centre of

excellence in various disciplines.

� Establishment and improvement of different faculties like Physiotherapy, Allied Health

Sciences, Humanities and Sciences, Technology to provide multiversity character to the

University.

� Introduction of interdisciplinary courses and research programmes, using cutting-edge

technologies.

� Conducting National/International Conferences and Conventions.

� Establishment of research post for promoting high level of multi-disciplinary research

� Improvement in collaboration with National and International Institutions and

organizations for increase in educational standards and research.

� Good student-teacher relationship in all the three campuses

� Faculty Development programmes are periodically organized by the Medical Education

cell.

Challenges:

� Getting research grants from the State/ Central Governments and in organizations

including the one under the RUSA



� Securing paid consultancies from the State / private Organization dealing with health

science courses.

� Meeting increased clinical demands, in terms of clinical infrastructure

� To meet the growing expectations of stakeholders

� Establishment of more super-specialty courses like Onco-surgery , Oncology, Emergency

Medicine etc.,

� To ensure that a state-of-art health care facility is made available to reach the poor and

needy

JUSTIFICATION FOR SEEKING NAAC ASSESSMENT

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research desires to receive the NAAC

grading for the following reasons.

� NAAC accreditation is mandatory

� NAAC accreditation will facilitate future expansion, diversification and will help us in

securing research grants.

� A NAAC accreditation will add to the credibility of the Institution and will thus help

attract bright students and faculty from across the country to the University.

� NAAC accreditation will make our University more prominent and attractive to

International students for higher education & research.

� The NAAC accreditation will help to improve our image globally and facilitate our

effects for seeking international collaborations in research as well as in faculty

exchange programmes.

� In fact, the MAHER (Meenakshi University) concept was largely due to the

encouragement received in the form of Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, our flagship

constituent college which has been assessed and awarded the NAAC ‘A’ Grade in 2005.

� We believe that through this exercise we would know our present strengths and

weaknesses and help us decide our future development strategies.

More than anything, the objective external assessment and accreditation will be a

satisfying experience to all concerned.

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Profile of the University


C. PROFILE OF THE UNIVERSITY

1. Name and Address of the Institution:

Name: Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research

No.12, Vembuliamman Koil Street, West K.K Nagar,

Chennai Address:

City: Chennai Pin: 600 078 State: Tamil Nadu

Website: www.maheruniversity.org

2. For Communication :

Designation Name Communication

Vice Chancellor Dr.Geetha Prakash

Office : 044 -23641115

Res. : 044-26163825

Mobile : 9840204196

e-mail : [email protected]

Pro-Chancellor (s) Dr.A. Gnanam

Office : 044 -23643955

Res : 044-24431177

Mobile : 9944670678


Registrar Thiru. A.N. Santhanam

Office : 044 -23643955

Res. : 044- 24716965

Mobile : 9443277495


Steering Committee /

IQAC Coordinator Dr. M. Chandrasekar

Office : 044 -27261337/338

Res. : 044-26680261

Mobile : 9444026787


3. Status of the University:

Under Section 3 of UGC Act 1956. (Deemed University)

4. Type of University:

Unitary

5. Source of Funding:

Self-Financing

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research

MAHER – NAAC – Self-Study Report

6. a. Date of establishment of the university: (dd/mm/yyyy) :

31st March 2004

b. Prior to the establishment of the university

i. PG Centre

ii. Affiliated College

iii.Constituent College

iv. Autonomous College

Yes, the details of the establishment

1. Meenakshi Medical College

2. Meenakshi Ammal Dental College

3. Meenakshi College of Nursing

7. Date of recognition as a university by UGC or any other national agency:

Section 3 of the University grant commission Act, 1956 (3 of 1956) granted on

31st March 2004.

8. Has the university been recognized?

a. By UGC as a University with Potential for Excellence?

Yes Q No Q

If yes, date of recognition : …………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

b. For its performance by any other

Yes Q No Q

If yes, Name of the agency …………………… and

date of recognition: …………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

9. Does the university have off-

Yes Q No Q

If yes, date of establishment : …………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)


Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Profile of

a. Date of establishment of the university: (dd/mm/yyyy) :

b. Prior to the establishment of the university, was it a/an

Yes No

Yes No

Yes No

Autonomous College Yes No

Yes, the details of the establishment of the affiliated colleges are:

Meenakshi Medical College - from the academic year 2003-04 – 27.06.2003

Meenakshi Ammal Dental College - from the academic year 1990-91 –

Meenakshi College of Nursing - from the academic year 1998-99 – 20.07.1998



Yes. Copy Enclosed (Annexure No.

recognized?

a. By UGC as a University with Potential for Excellence?

If yes, date of recognition : …………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

b. For its performance by any other governmental agency?

If yes, Name of the agency …………………… and


-campus centres?


recognition: …………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

Profile of the University

23

27.06.2003

08.03.1991

20.07.1998



(Annexure No. 1)



10. Does the university have off

Yes Q No Q



11. Location of the campus and area:

Main campus area MAHER

Chennai

Satellite Campus I

area

Meenakshi Medical college

Hospital & Research Institute ,

Enathur in Kancheepuram

Satellite Campus II

area

Meenakshi Ammal Dental

College,

Maduravoyal

Chennai

Satellite Campus III

area

Meenakshi College of Nursing,

Mangadu

Other campuses in

the country

Campuses abroad

12. Provide information on the following: In cplease provide campus-wise information.

� Auditorium/seminar complex with infrastructural facilities

� Sports facilities

� playground

- swimming pool

� gymnasium

- Any Other


10. Does the university have off-shore campuses?



Location of the campus and area:

Location Campus area

in acres

Built up

MAHER

Chennai – Urban 3.00

Meenakshi Medical college

Hospital & Research Institute ,

Enathur in Kancheepuram – Rural

39.08

Meenakshi Ammal Dental

Maduravoyal

Chennai – 600095 - Urban

5.12

Meenakshi College of Nursing,

Mangadu – Semi Urban 2.0

- -

- -

information on the following: In case of multi-campus University, wise information.

Auditorium/seminar complex with infrastructural facilities □

□


24

Built up area

in sq. mts

3254.71

93,960.56

40,772

5166.98

-

-

campus University,



� Hostel

� Boys’ Hostel

i. Number of hostels

ii. Number of inmates

iii. Facilities – adequate

� Girls’ Hostel



iii. Facilities- Adequate

� Working Women’s Hostel



iii. Facilities - adequate

� Residential facilities for faculty and non

� Cafeteria

� Health centre – Nature of facilities available

� inpatient, outpatient, ambulance, emergency care facility, etc.

� Facilities like banking, post office, book shops, etc.

� Transport facilities to cater to the needs of the students and staff

� Facilities for persons with disabilities

� Animal house

� Incinerator for laboratories

� Power house

� Waste management facility

� Any Other -High Tech Auditorium capacity of 2000, State of Art Lecture Theatre

Complex, Sophisticated Central Research Lab at MADC and MMCHRI, Portable

water, Guest Houses and Gymnasiums.


□

Number of hostels – 05

Number of inmates – 557

adequate

Number of hostels - 07

Number of inmates – 638

Adequate

Working Women’s Hostel

Number of hostels- 1

Number of inmates - 60

adequate

Residential facilities for faculty and non-teaching □

□

Nature of facilities available – □

inpatient, outpatient, ambulance, emergency care facility, etc.

Facilities like banking, post office, book shops, etc. □

Transport facilities to cater to the needs of the students and staff □

Facilities for persons with disabilities □

□

Incinerator for laboratories □

□

Waste management facility □

High Tech Auditorium capacity of 2000, State of Art Lecture Theatre


water, Guest Houses and Gymnasiums.


25

High Tech Auditorium capacity of 2000, State of Art Lecture Theatre




13. Number of institutions affiliated to the university.

Type of Colleges

Arts, Science and Commerce

Law

Medicine

Engineering

Education

Management

Other (Specify and provide

details)

Dentistry

Nursing

14. Does the University Act provide for conferment of autonomy (as recognized by the

UGC) to its affiliated institutions? If yes, give the number of autonomous colleges under the jurisdiction of the University

Yes

15. Furnish the following information:

Particulars

a. University Departments

Research centres on the campus

b. Constituent colleges

c. Affiliated colleges

d. Colleges under 2(f)

e. Colleges under 2(f) and 12B

f. NAAC accredited colleges

g. Colleges with Potential for Excellence

(UGC)

h. Autonomous colleges

i. Colleges with Postgraduate

Departments

j. Colleges with Research Departments

k. University recognized Research

Institutes/Centres


affiliated to the university.

Type of Colleges Total Permanent Temporary

Arts, Science and Commerce - - -

- - -

1 1 -

- - -

- - -

- - -

Other (Specify and provide

1

1

1

1

-

Does the University Act provide for conferment of autonomy (as recognized by the

UGC) to its affiliated institutions? If yes, give the number of autonomous colleges under the jurisdiction of the University

No Number

following information:

Particulars Number Number of Students

a. University Departments

Undergraduate

Post graduate

Research centres on the campus

-

-

1

-

Ph.D –

M.Phil

MMCHRI

MADC

MCON

1765

- -

- -

e. Colleges under 2(f) and 12B - -

f. NAAC accredited colleges - -

g. Colleges with Potential for Excellence - -

- -

i. Colleges with Postgraduate - -

j. Colleges with Research Departments - -

k. University recognized Research - -


26

Temporary

Does the University Act provide for conferment of autonomy (as recognized by the

UGC) to its affiliated institutions? If yes, give the number of autonomous colleges

Number of Students

– 226

M.Phil - 69

1765



16. Does the university conform to the specification of Degrees as enlisted by the UGC?

Yes Q No Q

17. Academic programmes offered by the the following categories: (Enclose the list of academic programmes offered).

Programmes

UG

PG

Integrated Masters

M.Phil.

Ph.D.

Integrated Ph.D.

Certificate

Diploma

PG Diploma

Any other (please specify)

Total

18. Number of working days during the last academic year.

278 Days

19. Number of teaching days during the past four academic years.

2011

276 Days

(‘Teaching days’ means days on which classes were engaged. Examination days are not to be included)

20. Does the university have a department of Teacher Education?

Yes No

If yes,

a. Year of establishment ……………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

b. NCTE recognition details (if app

Date: …………………………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

c. Is the department opting for assessment and accreditation separately?

Yes No


16. Does the university conform to the specification of Degrees as enlisted by the

17. Academic programmes offered by the university departments at present, under the following categories: (Enclose the list of academic programmes offered).

Programmes Number

04

37

Integrated Masters -

13

06

Integrated Ph.D. -

-

01

-

Any other (please specify) -

61

18. Number of working days during the last academic year.

19. Number of teaching days during the past four academic years.

2012 2013 2014

275 Days 276 Days 277 Days

means days on which classes were engaged. Examination days are not

20. Does the university have a department of Teacher Education?

Year of establishment ……………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

NCTE recognition details (if applicable) Notification No.:…………………….


Is the department opting for assessment and accreditation separately?


27

16. Does the university conform to the specification of Degrees as enlisted by the

university departments at present, under the following categories: (Enclose the list of academic programmes offered).

means days on which classes were engaged. Examination days are not

…………….…



21. Does the university have a teaching department of Physical Education?

Yes No

If yes,

a. Year of establishment ……………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

b. NCTE recognition details (if applicable) Notification No.: …………………………


c. Is the department opting for assessment and accreditation separately?

22. In the case of Private and Deemed Universities, please indicate whether

professional programmes are being offered?

Yes No

If yes, please enclose approval / recognition details issued by the statutory body

governing the programme.

Yes. Copy Enclosed

23. Has the university been reviewed by any regulatory authority? If so, furnish a copy of the report and action taken there upon.

Yes. Copy Enclosed (

24. Number of positions in the university.

Positions Professor

Sanctioned by the

UGC 84

No. of persons

working on

contract basis

-

Yes


21. Does the university have a teaching department of Physical Education?

Year of establishment ……………… (dd/mm/yyyy)

NCTE recognition details (if applicable) Notification No.: …………………………


Is the department opting for assessment and accreditation separately?

In the case of Private and Deemed Universities, please indicate whether professional programmes are being offered?


Copy Enclosed (Annexure No. 2)

23. Has the university been reviewed by any regulatory authority? If so, furnish a

copy of the report and action taken there upon.

Yes. Copy Enclosed (Annexure No. 3)

24. Number of positions in the university.

Teaching faculty Non –

Teaching

staff

Technical

Professor Associate

Professor

Assistant

Professor

84 74 333 630

- - -

No


28

NCTE recognition details (if applicable) Notification No.: …………………………

In the case of Private and Deemed Universities, please indicate whether


23. Has the university been reviewed by any regulatory authority? If so, furnish a

Technical

staff

124

-

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Profile of the University


25. Qualifications of the teaching staff

Highest

qualification

Professor Associate

Professor

Assistant

Professor /

Lecturer / Tutor Total

Male Female Male Female Male Female

Permanent teachers

D.Sc./D.Litt. - - - - - - -

Ph.D. 2 7 - - 5 4 18

M.Phil. - - - - - 2 2

PG 43 32 34 40 149 173 471

Temporary teachers

Ph.D. - - - - - - -

M.Phil. - - - - - - -

PG - - - - - - -

Part-time teachers

Ph.D. - - - - - - -

M.Phil. - - - - - - -

PG - - - - - - -

26. Emeritus, Adjunct and Visiting Professors.

Emeritus Adjunct Visiting

Number 6 - -

27. Chairs instituted by the university:

Chairs

School / Department -

Not Applicable

28. Students enrolled in the university departments during the current academic year, with the following details:

Students UG PG

Inte-

grated Master

s

M. Phil. Ph.D.

Inte-

grated

Ph.D.

D.Litt

/D.Sc. Certifi- cate

Diploma PG

Diploma

*M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F *M *F

From the State

where the University

is located

M –110

F – 186

M –44

F – 37

M –42

F – 27

M- 51

F-28 - - -

M –1

F – 1 -

From other states of

India

M – 1

F – 3

M –7

F – 7 - - - - -

M –4

F – 0 -

NRI students M – 3

F – 12 - - - - - - - -

Foreign students - - - - - - - - -

Total 315 95 69 79 - - - 6 -



29. ‘Unit cost’ of education (In Lakhs)

S. NO. DISCIPLINE

1

MEDICINE

Under Graduate

Post Graduate

2.

DENTAL

Under Graduate

Post Graduate

3.

NURSING

Under Graduate

Post Graduate

30. Academic Staff College.

University has well established, versatile, active

Education for Health Professionals which conducts continued education and orientation

programs for staff and students throughout the year.

Year of establishment - November 2007

Number of continuing education programs condu

Continuing Education Programmes have been conducted by Medical, Dental and

Nursing colleges with more than 1000

� Induction

� Orientation

� Refresher

� Post Graduate

� Workshops

31. Does the university offer Distance Education Programmes (DEP)?

Yes No

32. Does the university have a provision for external registration of students?

Yes No


(In Lakhs)

(A)UNIT COST

UNIT COST

EXCLUDING THE

SALARY

COMPONENT(B)

Rs 6,98,000/-

Rs. 4,40,454 /-

Rs. 3,87,000

Rs. 4,15,795/

Rs. 5,00,000/-

Rs. 7,00,000/-

Rs. 1,14,775/

Rs. 2,28,410/

Rs. 83,604/-

Rs. 2,87,696/-

Rs. 11,283/

Rs. 38,827/

University has well established, versatile, active Department of Medical and Dental


programs for staff and students throughout the year.

November 2007

Number of continuing education programs conducted every year. A total


Nursing colleges with more than 1000 beneficiaries.

Induction - 30

Orientation - 40

Refresher - 11

Post Graduate - 29

Workshops - 6

31. Does the university offer Distance Education Programmes (DEP)?



30

UNIT COST

EXCLUDING THE

SALARY

COMPONENT(B)

,000/-

4,15,795/-

1,14,775/-

2,28,410/-

11,283/-

38,827/-

Department of Medical and Dental


A total of 116





33. Is the university applying for Accreditation or Rename the cycle.

Accreditation : Cycle 1

Re-Assessment : □

34. Date of accreditation* (applicable for Cycle 2, Cycle 3, Cycle 4 and re

only)

Not Applicable

In 2005 Meenakshi Ammal Dental College was separately assessed by NAAC and was

given ‘A’ grade for the Exemplary quality service done to the patient

along with good publication, teaching and learning methods

35. Does the university provide the list of accredited institutions under its jurisdiction

on its website? Provide details of the number of accredited affiliated/constituent / autonomous colleges under the university.

Not Applicable

36. Date of establishment of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and dates of

submission of Annual Quality Assurance Reports (AQAR).

IQAC Committee – 06.04.20

37. Any other relevant data, the university would like to include (not exceeding one

page).

Nil


Is the university applying for Accreditation or Re-Assessment? If Accreditation,

Cycle 1 □ Cycle 2 □ Cycle 3 □ Cycle 4

Date of accreditation* (applicable for Cycle 2, Cycle 3, Cycle 4 and re


given ‘A’ grade for the Exemplary quality service done to the patients and the public

along with good publication, teaching and learning methods

Does the university provide the list of accredited institutions under its jurisdiction

on its website? Provide details of the number of accredited affiliated/constituent / autonomous colleges under the university.

Date of establishment of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and dates of submission of Annual Quality Assurance Reports (AQAR).

06.04.2012

Any other relevant data, the university would like to include (not exceeding one


31

Assessment? If Accreditation,

Cycle 4 □

Date of accreditation* (applicable for Cycle 2, Cycle 3, Cycle 4 and re-assessment


s and the public

Does the university provide the list of accredited institutions under its jurisdiction

on its website? Provide details of the number of accredited affiliated/constituent /

Date of establishment of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and dates of

Any other relevant data, the university would like to include (not exceeding one

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion I – Curricular Aspects


CRITERION I : CURRICULAR ASPECTS

1.1 Curriculum Design and Development

1.1.1 How is the institutional vision and mission reflected in the academic

programmes of the university?

The vision of the University is in accordance with curricular and other requirements

laid down by the statutory bodies and the needs of the people of the local

community. It also ensures that the services of the institution are effectively getting

through to the stakeholders.

The Academic programmes of the Institutions are in conformity with the goals and

objectives and the curricula reflects the vision and mission of the University,

addresses the needs of the society and have relevance to the national and global

trends.

Access:

Access to the disadvantaged students who belong to scheduled castes, scheduled

tribes, backward classes, differently challenged, women, minorities etc. is ensured

by providing reservation to these categories as per the Govt. norms.

Equity:

� Equal opportunity is given to all the students irrespective of class, creed, race,

region, religion when they participate in curricular, co-curricular and

extracurricular activities.

� Equal opportunities are given without any gender discrimination.

� Orientation programs are conducted to new students with special emphasis on

those from rural backgrounds to meet their difficulties in adapting to a new

environment and also their apprehensions to ensure equality. Need-based

counselling is done to the students facing personal problems thus encouraging

and instilling confidence and a sense of involvement in the students which

signifies his or her importance in the contribution to the Institution / State /

nation and human society at large.



� Remedial programs for identified students: Extra-classes and tutorials are

conducted, sometimes, for those students who hail from rural backgrounds to

improve their academic performance along with regular peer surveillance.

Self development:

The students are encouraged to make optimum use of the resources available for

self-development which is an aspect given special focus to by the faculty. The

students have access to the following resources, to name a few:

� Well-equipped library

� Central computer centre

� Internet facility

� Central Research Laboratories

� Counselling centre

� Remedial Coaching

� Sports and games

� Gymnasium for Boys & Girls

� Cultural and literary programs

� Self-development is also achieved through participation in continuing education

programmes, seminars, workshops, conference, inter-collegiate and inter-

universities cultural and professional programmes.

Community and National Development:

The ethos of community and national development amongst students and faculty is

created through various means as exemplified below:

� Value added topics are covered to provide global competencies

� Community based research (on Anemia, Cancer detection, Respiratory disorders

and Dental hygiene etc.)

� Health camps and awareness programme are meticulously conducted in rural,

semi-urban and urban areas including the villages of Kanchipuram, Mangadu

and Maduravoyal.

� Health check-ups conducted in schools regularly

� Sensitizing the neighbourhood on health care, Prevention of diseases and

Environmental Sanitation.



� Serving the cause of social justice, ensuring equity and increasing access to

health education which contributes to national development.

� Blood donation camps conducted at least four times a month in all the

Constituents’ College.

� Ecological and environmental realities are imparted to raise awareness about

pollution-free, waste-free climate by providing tree plantation programmes and

organizing Swatch Bharath and Swatch India campaigns.

Value Orientation:

Along with skill development, the institution gives utmost priority in inculcating

a desirable value system to the students.

Universal values like truth, righteousness, cooperation and mutual

understanding are emphasized and practiced to bear a lifelong impression.

Employment:

Medical, Dental and Nursing students graduating from our University have

always found immediate employment even though a placement cell does not

exist.

ICT Introduction:

In order to match global level standards, adequate efforts are made to use ICT in

teaching & learning, research and administration. The shift of emphasis to the

use of ICT from traditional methods is remarkable in our University.

Global and National Demands:

This institution caters to the global and national demands in sensitizing and

motivating the people on National Health Policies, highlighting issues like AIDS

Awareness, Pulse Polio, Malaria Eradication, Immunization programs and in

protecting the environment.

1.1.2 Does the university follow a systematic process in the design and development

of the curriculum? If yes, give details of the process (need assessment,

feedback, etc.).

Yes

Minimum requirements, standards and quality of education in each constituent unit

of the University are governed by respective regulatory bodies, such as MCI, DCI,

and INC



The University at its inception had prepared documents that provide strategy for

overall development with emphasis on its unique methodology for curriculum

design and redesign. The University has adopted nine staged curricular development

approach.

1. Conceptual Design: Based on the guidelines of the respective Central Councils

and keeping in view the local, regional, national and international needs, the

faculty of the concerned department prepares the conceptual framework for

existing and upcoming programmes.

2. Review of the Conceptual Design: The conceptual frame-work is submitted to

the respective Departmental Committee for its approval. After detailed

discussions, the conceptual design along with the draft curriculum is sent to

external experts for their review and suggestions.

3. Detailed Design: The suggestions received from the external experts are

presented to the Departmental Committee and based on their suggestions, the

Departmental Committee prepares a detailed unit-wise curriculum for each

subject specifying the type of training required to be covered, standard of

passing, blue-print of question paper, etc.

4. Design Verification: At this stage, the Departmental Committee verifies the

accuracy of the curriculum, the weightage assigned to each unit, the standard of

passing and the blue-print of the question paper and confirms that the guidelines

of the regulatory body are met. The correctness of the content and language is

ascertained by the senior faculty.

5. Validation: The curriculum so prepared and validated by the Departmental

Committee is presented to the respective Board of Studies for further discussion

and approval.

6. Recommendations: The curriculum submitted to the BOS is discussed in detail

and the suggestions / recommendations, if any, are incorporated into it and are

placed before the Academic Council for its approval.

7. Implementation: The curriculum so approved by the Academic Council is

implemented by the faculty for the benefit of students.

8. Feedback: The feedback obtained through structured questionnaires from

students, examiners, academicians and alumni members is submitted to the



Departmental committee. The recommendations of the Departmental Committee

are reviewed for its consideration by the Board of studies.

9. Re-structure: Structured feedbacks are obtained from all the stakeholders like

academic peers, alumni, students, external examiners and subject experts. The

analyses of feedbacks and specific recommendations by individual department

regarding relevance, correctness and redesigning are forwarded to the concerned

Board of Studies and then to the Academic Council for its consideration.

The orientation programs on curriculum design and development and analyses of

feedbacks using computer-aided technology are conducted regularly by constituent

colleges. The University reviews the curriculum with the addition of current and

relevant issues and elimination of obsolete and extraneous topics. The University

revises its syllabus once in three years.

1.1.3 How are the following aspects ensured through curriculum design and

development?

� Employability

� The clinical training, classroom teaching and community-based teaching

have been allotted appropriate hours in the curriculum which matches the

credential evaluation of agencies in India and abroad to help improve the

prospect of employability. Before revising the curriculum, a need-

assessment for job opportunities is conducted by interacting with academic

experts, entrepreneurs, research institutes or organizations and alumni.

� Community based research and skill-based training have helped in

employability.

� Innovation

The University has always been encouraging innovations in all fields including

curriculum design and development. Integrated teaching and learning modules,

problem-based learning and group discussions for undergraduate and

postgraduate students constitute important components of curriculum.

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) / Objective Structured

Practical Examination (OSPE) are carried out for formative assessment of



students. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) are included in summative

examination.

The other innovative measures implemented in curriculum are listed below:

� Animal experiments replaced by computer simulation, wherever required.

� Adoption of innovative teaching technologies like simulators, models,

clinical skill lab for hands-on practical training.

� Flexibility in duration of teaching, clinical training and scheme of

examination within limits of regulatory Councils.

� Research

The syllabus of academic programs clearly states the most important areas of

research in health sciences especially in emerging fields of the health profession.

The students are sensitized to research through orientation programmes and are

encouraged to take up short-term and long-term research in emerging areas.

They are trained for writing research proposals, grant-writing and manuscripts

submission for national and international journals. They are encouraged to

participate in National/ International Conferences/Conventions and to present

papers/posters which emanate from hardcore research work.

Latest techniques and emerging areas in disease trends and newer technologies

are included in recently revised syllabi of all disciplines.

1.1.4 To what extent does the university use the guidelines of the regulatory bodies

for developing and/or restructuring the curricula? Has the university been

instrumental in leading any curricular reform which has created a national

impact?

Each Council has a national curriculum framework which is responsible for

developing a model curriculum. The University adopts the same with 10% to 20%

additional inputs depending on the local, regional and international needs.

The Department of Medical and Dental Education of our University is recognized

by MCI and DCI.



1.1.5 Does the university interact with industry, research bodies and the civil society

in the curriculum revision process? If so, how has the university benefitted

through interactions with the stakeholders?

Yes

The University started with some of its key missions like, “Fulfill the national

obligation through rural health mission” and “Promote University-Industry

collaborations at regional, national and international levels with other benchmarked

Universities”.

Feedbacks are obtained from faculty, employers, alumni and other stakeholders for

the revision of the syllabi. Postgraduate students are posted at leading accredited

hospitals for technical exposure and clinical experience. Their feedback is utilized

for curriculum reforms.

Applications of Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and Good Laboratory Practices

(GLP) for the respective programmes have added quality to the education imparted

in various courses. This has led to the evolution of new courses, innovative practices

and stringent quality control.

1.1.6 Give details of how the university facilitates the introduction of new

programmes of studies in its affiliated colleges.

MAHER has no affiliated colleges.

1.1.7 Does the university encourage its colleges to provide additional skill-oriented

programmes relevant to regional needs? Cite instances (not applicable for

unitary universities).

Yes

The programmes conducted by the university take due care of both universal and

regional requirements.

To meet the objective of creativity and innovations, the University has launched

skill-oriented programs.

The Institution provides additional skill-oriented programs such as Basic Life

Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS) and intensive training program,

transfusion medicine, Cardio pulmonary Resuscitation (CPCR) etc. relevant to the

regional needs.

Skill-oriented training programs such as breast feeding, Normal delivery

conduction, intravenous assessment and advanced intubation are few of skills



imparted to the students of medicine , dentistry and nursing which are vigorously

promoted by the University.

All the constituent units of the University have Institutional Ethics Committee that

looks into the short-term and long-term research projects taken up by staff and

students.

1.2 Academic Flexibility

1.2.1 Furnish the inventory for the following:

♦ Programs offered on campus

Programs No. of Programs Name of the Programs

UG 04

1. MBBS

2. BDS

3. B.Sc.(Nursing)

4. Post Basic B.Sc., (Nursing )

PG 28

MD/MS 1. General Medicine

2. Paediatrics

3. Dermatology

4. Anaesthesiology

5. Radio-Diagnosis

6. Chest & TB Medicine

7. Psychiatry

8. Pathology

9. Microbiology

10. Pharmacology

11. Community Medicine

12. Physiology

13. Biochemistry

14. General Surgery

15. Obstetrics & Gynaecology

16. Orthopedic

17. Ophthalmology

18. E.N.T

19. Anatomy

MDS

1. Oral & Maxillofacial surgery

2. Periodontology

3. Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics

4. Oral Pathology & Microbiology

5. Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedic

6. Prosthodontics & Crown and Bridge

7. Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry



8. Public health Dentistry

9. Oral Medicine & Radiology

Super

Speciality 04

M.Ch/ D.M 1. M.Ch. (Urology)

2. D.M. (Neurology)

3. D.M. (Cardiology)

4. D.M. (Gastrontology)

M.Sc., 10

Medicine

1. M.Sc. Anatomy (Medical)

2. M.Sc. Physiology (Medical)

3. M.Sc. Biochemistry (Medical)

4. M.Sc. Microbiology(Medical)

5. M.Sc. Pharmacology (Medical)

Nursing

1. Medical and Surgical Nursing

2. Pediatric Nursing

3. Psychiatric Nursing

4. Maternity Nursing

5. Community Health Nursing

Ph.D 06

1. Medicine

2. Dentistry

3. Nursing

4. Humanities & Allied Health Sciences

5. Engineering

6. Pharmacy

M.Phil. 13

1. Bio-technology

2. Chemistry

3. Commerce

4. Computer Science

5. Corporate Secretaryship

6. Economics

7. Education

8. English

9. History

10. Management

11. Mathematics

12. Physics

13. Tamil

Diploma 01 Dental.

1. Diploma in Dental Mechanics

♦ Overseas programmes offered on campus

Nil

♦ Programmes available for colleges to choose from

� All Constituent Colleges have their own exclusive academic programmes.



� Started with 15 programs at the inception of the University.

� One of the major considerations of the University is to provide a quality and

diverse learning environment that has led to an increase in the number of

programs available to the students.

� The research collaborations have given boost to newer programs.

� Apart from regular undergraduate and postgraduate courses, many Super

Specialty courses have been added to make the students undergo

specialization in a particular field

1.2.2 Give details on the following provisions with reference to academic flexibility

a. Core options

The University, being a medical sciences institution, trains students by

providing a skill-based learning environment at the graduate level (MBBS,

BDS, B.Sc., -Nursing), and at the Post graduate level (MD/MS/MDS/ M.Sc.,

Ph.D).

b. Elective Options : Nil

c. Enrichment courses : Nil

d. Courses offered in modular form : As per criteria set by regulatory Councils

e. Credit accumulation and transfer facility: Not applicable, because norms of

regulatory Councils.

f. Lateral and vertical mobility within and across programmes, courses and

disciplines: Not applicable, because norms of regulatory Councils.

1.2.3 Does the university have an explicit policy and strategy for attracting

international students?

Yes

Under Graduate All India Common Entrance Test and Post Graduate All India

Entrance Test) are carried out at 4 different centers across the country. It facilitates

students at their choice to choose the centre. It is evident from the enrollment of

students in different countries.

Information regarding entrance examinations is made available on the University

website which permits transactions in international currency. Wide publicity is

given via national daily newspapers. The websites of constituent colleges also



display information about the courses offered, activities, faculty profile, world class

amenities and acclaimed reputation.

1.2.4 Have any courses been developed targeting international students? If so, how

successful have they been? If ‘no’, explain the impediments.

The courses offered in all the three constituent colleges have universal appeal and

have adequate ingredients to attract International students.

1.2.5 Does the university facilitate dual degree and twinning programmes? If yes,

give details.

No, Not Applicable

1.2.6 Does the university offer self-financing programmes? If yes, list them and

indicate if policies regarding admission, fee structure, teacher qualification and

salary are at par with the aided programmes?

Yes

All the 66 programs offered by University are self-financing in nature. The

admissions are through All India common Entrance Test for undergraduate and

postgraduate programmes.

The policies regarding admission, fee structure, teacher qualification and salary is

well monitored and are at par with those of other universities.

This has enabled to create awareness among the students to the quality education

offered by Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research.

1.2.7 Does the university provide the flexibility of bringing together the conventional

face-to-face mode and the distance mode of education and allow students to

choose and combine the courses they are interested in? If ‘yes,’ give

operational details.

No, Not applicable

1.2.8 Has the university adopted the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS)? If yes, for

how many programmes? What efforts have been made by the university to

encourage the introduction of CBCS in its affiliated colleges?

The regulatory bodies like, MCI, DCI and INC do not have a provision for choice

based credit system. However, the University is in the process of exploring the

feasibility of introducing a choice based credit system for Para-medical programs in

its constituent units.



1.2.9 What percentage of programmes offered by the university follow:

Annual System: Annual system – 100% - UG & PG Programs in Medical, Dental

and Nursing has annual system, as per the norms of the regulatory Councils.

Semester System: No, not applicable

Trimester System: No, not applicable

1.2.10 How does the university promote interdisciplinary programmes? Name a few

programmes and comment on their outcome.

� Starting of newer relevant programs with upgradation and modification of

existing programs to cater to new medical and dental advances in health

sciences has been one of the prime objectives of the University.

� Multidisciplinary programmes of the University are coordinated between health

professionals of Medical, Dental and Nursing Colleges. For Example; Facial and

Neck reconstruction for Cleft tip and Palate is done between Departments of

Plastic Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Orthodontics under the

Cleft Children International- Cleft Lip and palate Foundation, Zurich,

Switzerland.

� Interdisciplinary exchange of academic programmes is a regular feature in all

health science courses. Examples: regular clinicopathological meets, scientific

conventions, interdepartmental scientific conferences and integrated care and

treatment modalities are regular features of the University.

� Regular conduct of multi / inter disciplinary lectures.

� Regular conduct of inter / multi disciplinary case presentations and discussions.

1.3 Curriculum Enrichment

1.3.1 How often is the curriculum of the university reviewed and upgraded for

making it socially relevant and/or job oriented / knowledge intensive and

meeting the emerging needs of students and other stakeholders?

� The curriculum of all programs from the inception of this University has

included planned addresses, pedagogy, instructions and delivery methods for

guiding student learning.

� The curriculum for all the programs undergoes revision and upgradation once in

three years, though the regulatory councils do not recommend so.

� This helps the programs to meet the emerging trends



� Feedbacks are obtained and analyzed regarding curriculum revision and

upgradation by students and stakeholders.

� The interaction of faculty with other universities at national and international

level has helped in capacity building of faculty and enrichment of curriculum.

� The recent syllabus revision has been in the current year with addition of new

topics and deletion of obsolete ones.

1.3.2 During the last four years, how many new programmes at UG and PG levels

were introduced? Give details.

The institutional goals are translated through new academic programs, research and

extension activities through its academic offerings.

Programs in emerging areas – During the past four years, 48 academic

programmes in the emerging areas have been added in the disciplines of Medicine,

Dentistry and Nursing

List of new programs from 2010 onwards:

Programs No. of Programs Name of the Programs

UG 01 1. Post Basic B.Sc., (Nursing )

PG 19

MD/MS /M.D 1. General Medicine

2. Paediatrics

3. Dermatology

4. Anaesthesiology

5. Radio-Diagnosis

6. Chest & TB Medicine

7. Psychiatry

8. Pathology

9. Microbiology

10. Pharmacology

11. Community Medicine

12. Physiology

13. Biochemistry

14. General Surgery

15. Obstetrics & Gynaecology

16. Orthopedic

17. Ophthalmology

18. E.N.T

19. Anatomy

Super Speciality 04

M.Ch/ D.M 1. M.Ch. (Urology)

2. D.M. (Neurology)

3. D.M. (Cardiology)



4. D.M. (Gastrontology)

M.Sc., 05

Medicine

1. M.Sc. Anatomy (Medical)

2. M.Sc. Physiology (Medical)

3. M.Sc. Biochemistry (Medical)

4. M.Sc. Microbiology(Medical)

5. M.Sc. Pharmacology (Medical)

Ph.D 06

1. Medicine

2. Dentistry

3. Nursing

4. Humanities & Allied Health Sciences

5. Engineering

6. Pharmacy

M.Phil. 13

1. Bio-technology

2. Chemistry

3. Commerce

4. Computer Science

5. Corporate Secretaryship

6. Economics

7. Education

8. English

9. History

10. Management

11. Mathematics

12. Physics

13. Tamil

1.3.3 What are the strategies adopted for the revision of the existing programmes?

What percentage of courses underwent a syllabus revision?

The revision of the syllabus is undertaken once in three years keeping in view the

guidelines of the regulatory bodies, wherever applicable. The feedbacks obtained

from students, alumni, peers and subject experts are utililized to improve existing

programs and curriculum.

The need based-changes are made as suggested by:

Departments

Board of Studies

Academic Council

Board of Management

Approximately 40% of courses have undergone syllabus revision in last four years.



1.3.4 What are the value-added courses offered by the university and how does the

university ensure that all students have access to them?

Though there are no specific courses to promote value education and community

responsibilities, the college takes pride in providing value-based education.

Emphasis on discipline, character building, developing social responsibilities,

compassion and ethical practice of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing is noteworthy.

Consistent with the University discipline and ethos, deviations from the prescribed

‘good behaviour’ guidelines, are strictly dealt with. Also, involvement in

community work and community problems is encouraged. The University has been

at the forefront in offering its services as part of Medical, Dental and Nursing teams

in providing relief during natural and manmade disasters. The University sends its

teams of specialists and students to mitigate the suffering as a result of natural

disasters and those which necessitates mass medical emergencies.

1.3.5 Has the university introduced any higher order skill development programmes

in consonance with the national requirements as outlined by the National Skills

Development Corporation and other agencies?

Not applicable

1.4 Feedback System

1.4.1 Does the university have a formal mechanism to obtain feedback from students

regarding the curriculum and how is it made use of?

Yes

� Printed, well-designed and validated feedback formats for students and alumni

are available in all constituent colleges.

� Analyses of feedbacks are carried out manually and by computer-aided software

in all constituent Colleges.

� Workshops on feedback assessment and analysis are conducted regularly.

� The analyses of feedbacks are taken into consideration and implemented, if

found appropriate, during any curriculum revisions.

� Suggestion boxes are available in all constituent colleges and library.

� The feedbacks obtained from students have been utilized to bring about a

contemporary change in the development of curriculum. The information and



comments received by the feedback procedures enable us to effectively

contribute more to the needs of the students’ academic development.

1.4.2 Does the university elicit feedback on the curriculum from national and

international faculty? If yes, specify a few methods such as conducting

webinars, workshops, online discussions, etc. and its impact.

Not Applicable, since the curriculum is decided by the regulatory bodies, which do

make use of expert advice.

1.4.3 Specify the mechanism through which affiliated institutions give feedback on

curriculum enrichment and the extent to which it is made use of.

Not Applicable

1.4.4 What are the quality sustenance and quality enhancement measures

undertaken by the university in ensuring the effective development of the

curricula?

The systemic approach is “feedback and research”.

All the feedbacks are analyzed at the institutional level and are discussed at college

council meetings and thereafter the suggestions are forwarded to the University for

Further Discussions in the Board of Studies and the Academic Council for

acceptance and implementation.

Any other information regarding Curricular Aspects which the university would like to

include.

� Quality education forms an integral part of the academic offerings of the University.

� Feedback is obtained from various stakeholders in designing and re-designing of the

curriculum.

� The shift to digital content in education presents unique challenges and opportunities.

The Wi-Fi campus facilities provide interactivity and on-line learning environment to

the students.

� The digital library has been efficiently navigating the abundant on-line resources,

while retaining the deep curricular connection that education needs.

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion II – Teaching-Learning & Evaluation


CRITERION II :

TEACHING-LEARNING AND EVALUATION

2.1 Student Enrolment and Profile

2.1.1 How does the university ensure publicity and transparency in the admission

process?

a. Prospectus: Yes; the prospectus is made available at the college counter and

also in the website.

b. Institutional Website: Yes; the prospectus and application are made available

in the website for download and in all advertisements the website address is

publicized.

c. Advertisement in Regional/National Newspapers: Yes; The admission

process is given wide publicity through advertisements in national and local

print media well in advance to give sufficient time for the potential candidates to

respond.

2.1.2 Explain in detail the process of admission put in place by the university. List

the criteria for admission: (e.g.: (i) merit, (ii) merit with entrance test, (iii)

merit, entrance test and interview, (iv) common entrance test conducted by

state agencies and national agencies (v) other criteria followed by the university

(please specify).

a. MBBS / BDS / B.Sc., Nursing: The admission process for MBBS, BDS and

Nursing Course is extremely transparent. The entire application process is

hosted online and based on Entrance Exams conducted centrally by our

University. There is a minimum requirement of scoring at least 80% marks in

qualifying examination for a candidate for admission in University. Based on

the cut off marks in Entrance exams, all eligible candidates, who have

registered for Under Graduate and Post Graduate courses, are called for

interview at University. The interview board consists of senior professors and

officers of impeccable credentials. The selections are based purely on merit. A

similar procedure is practiced for admission to PG courses and M.Sc. Nursing

courses. There is a provision for complaints and redressal during admission

process

b. MD/MS/ MDS/M.Sc.,(Nursing) :Selection for PG courses is based on the



performance in the All India Common Entrance Examination conducted by the

University.

2.1.3 Provide details of admission process in the affiliated colleges and the

university’s role in monitoring the same.

Not Applicable.

2.1.4 Does the university have a mechanism to review its admission process and

student profile annually? If yes, what is the outcome of such an analysis and

how has it contributed to the improvement of the process?

Yes

� The Competent Authority of the University reviews the admission process every

year after the completion of admissions and performs a detailed analysis of the

same.

� The University has a mechanism to review its admission process and student

profiles, annually, based on caste (SC/ST/OBC/GM), gender, percentage of

marks at entry level, demand-ratio trend, minimum and maximum marks

secured by candidates at previous qualifying examinations, etc. Analysis is also

undertaken for a number of students admitted from outside the State and Tamil

Nadu and from other countries.

� Scrutiny of the student profile is done for identifying the skills of the students

and opportunity is provided to them to enrich/sharpen their skills during their

course of study. Their participation in extracurricular events like sports and

cultural activities is encouraged.

� The College annually verifies and reviews the profiles of all students admitted.

� Based on the feedback analysis of entrance examinations conducted over the

years, the University considers the increase of seats in courses that are in

demand. This in turn, has facilitated recruitment of more faculty and increase in

infrastructure. It contains enrollment of students from overseas and different

states of India.

2.1.5 What are the strategies adopted to increase / improve access for students

belonging to the following categories:

� SC- ST - Described below

� Women - Equal Opportunity

� Differently – abled - No reservation

� Economically-weaker sections - No reservation



SC – ST:

� UG Course: The qualifying marks for students of general category is 50%,

whereas for the ST/SC/OBC is 40%. This has helped in providing greater access

to such students to UG courses. Scholarships are given to meritorious candidates

among SC/ST categories by various government agencies.

� There is a provision for lending books to SC, ST and OBC students from the Book

Bank in the library. The students can return these books at the end of the academic

year.

� PG Courses. In PG courses there is no reservation based on sex. All selections are

solely based on merit and women get equal opportunities.

Women:

� The enrollment of women for different courses is more than 60%.

� The University has a “Women Grievance Cell” which functions independently

along with constituent units as well. The main objective of the Cell is to make

female students comfortable and create a safe and secure environment for them.

There are training classes for self defense which are conducted for the benefit of

female students. Other activities of the Women Cell are: i.) conducting frequent

meetings with the female students, ii.) Discussing and addressing grievances

related to their stay in the hostels, problems of homesickness, language and lack

of concentration, etc.

� There is a Grievance Redress Cell for prevention of sexual harassment including

other grievances of female students.

� A qualified counselor is available in the respective constituent colleges to help

female students in resolving their personal and academic problems.

� A full-time warden in the hostel helps female students to deal with their

problems.

2.1.6 Number of students admitted in university departments in the last four

academic years:

The year-wise enrolment of students of different categories is as follows:

Categories 2014-15 2013-14 2012-13 2011-2012

M F M F M F M F

SC/ST 15 29 26 24 7 30 14 21

OBC 106 148 86 113 93 133 79 119

General 50 146 87 73 79 83 84 118

Others 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total 171 323 199 210 179 246 177 258



2.1.7 Has the university conducted any analysis of demand ratio for the various

programmes of the university departments and affiliated colleges? If so,

highlight the significant trends explaining the reasons for increase / decrease.

Yes

� Employing highly qualified staff, excellent infrastructure facility, availability of

sufficient clinical material and our potential to grow have always had a positive

impact on the demand ratio of various training programmes.

� The admirable rate of faculty retention for all programs speaks for the excellent

human resource management of the University which in turn, has taken care of

the increased demand ratio for all programs over the years.

� Uniformly distributed work-load, commensurated with the capabilities, has

increased productivity of faculty members. The Demand Ratio for different

programmes over the years is depicted below:

Demand Ratio:

There is a significant increase in the demand for admissions to the academic

programmes offered by the University. The highest number of students who

appeared for All India Entrance Test.

2.1.8 Were any programmes discontinued / staggered by the university in the last

four years? If yes, please specify the reasons.

No

2.2 Catering to Student Diversity

2.2.1 Does the university organize orientation / induction programme for freshers?

If yes, give details such as the duration, issues covered, experts involved and

mechanism for using the feedback in subsequent years.

Yes

Programmes Number of

applications

Number of students admitted

Demand Ratio

UG 1798 300 6:1

PG 428 123 3:1

Super Speciality 12 5 2:1

PhD 10 5 1:2



The constituent colleges of the University, since its establishment, have been

conducting orientation / induction programs for fresh students every year at the

beginning of the academic session. The senior faculty, administrators and Student

Counselors are involved in conducting these programmes. The induction programs

for fresh undergraduate students along with their parents are conducted in each

constituent college for a period of 1-3 days and the following information is

provided during these programs.

Academic requirements of different courses:

For Undergraduate Students:

� Disciplinary behaviour expected from students

� Students’ Code of Conduct is practiced

� Mentorship program of the University

� Examination patterns for different courses

� Library facilities available

� Hostel facilities and its regulations

� Facilities for extracurricular activities

� Student support services available

� Free Medical Checkup and vaccination

� Student Council activities

� Placement Cell and its activities

� Anti-ragging codes in the campus

� Availability of other academic programmes in the University

� Amenities like, gymnasium, canteen, rest rooms, health centers, sports facilities, etc.

For Post Graduate Students:

The induction programs for fresh postgraduate students are conducted for one week

every year. In addition to the information provided to UG students, the PG students

are also briefed on the following:

� Research methodology

� Application of Biostatistics

� Synopsis and dissertation writing

� Critiquing an article

� Ethics and literature search



� Patient care services

� Evidence Based Practices, GLP/GCP

� Students not belonging to the local region are trained to communicate with

patients in the local language.

� The feedback obtained on conduct of induction programmes is critically

analyzed every year and is discussed in the College Council meetings and a

strategic approach is devised for improvement of the system in subsequent

years. If necessary, resource persons are advised to be more focused in their

narrations. This, in turn, facilitates quality enhancement in orientation classes.

� During the second half of the year, two to three months before the final

examination, a preparatory session on the examination pattern, examination

rules and regulation, qualifying criteria, use of the examination answer booklets

is conducted.

2.2.2 Does the university have a mechanism through which the “differential

requirements of the student population” are analysed after admission and

before the commencement of classes? If so, how are the key issues identified

and addressed?

Yes

The differential requirements of all the students are analyzed after admission and

before commencement of the classes. The following key issues have been identified

and addressed:

� The students who are not familiar with the local language are identified.

� The language classes in Tamil are conducted for students not belonging to the

local state and other countries.

� Specially designed dental chairs are provided to the students with left hand

dominance.

� The book-bank facility of the library is extended to the students under

reservation categories.

� It is observed that the students from other States and countries have been able to

communicate better with the patients, after going through the orientation

programme in local language.

� The institution has a student profile form that has to be filled by the student and

the accompanying parent or the guardian on the first day of the college. The

varied requirements of the student population are analyzed by the inputs given



by the student, like the qualification of the parent, their occupation, economic

background, their medium of study at school, etc. The key issues are identified

and are addressed on a case to case basis.

2.2.3 Does the university offer bridge / remedial / add-on courses? If yes, how are

they structured into the time table? Give details of the courses offered,

department-wise/faculty-wise?

Yes

� Keeping pace with the demand for career-oriented courses at undergraduate and

postgraduate level, various add-on courses are provided to the students in

addition to regular courses.

� These courses have been designed in a flexible manner, as they run parallel to

the conventional methods, so as to improvise the clinical skills of the students.

� The constituent colleges have been taking appropriate measures to identify slow

learners. They initiate necessary steps to resolve the competency gap existing

amongst the students.

� The University provides bridge courses in Research Methodology and

Biostatistics for postgraduates and PhD scholars.

� Remedial coaching is carried out with a time table intimated well in advance, for

the benefit of slow learners, in the concerned subjects of all programs.

� In addition, there is active mentoring of students. While the slow-learners are

assisted and guided in solving their learning problems, the advanced learners are

encouraged to explore the advantages, and reap the benefits of self-directed

learning.

� Advanced learners are identified through formative evaluation and are made

group leaders to motivate and guide other students. In addition, they are

encouraged and trained to participate in intercollegiate quiz, initiate short

student projects, and presentations at various conferences.

� Examinations that fetch prizes in individual subjects are conducted and winners

are awarded. University toppers of all the courses are recognized and suitably

awarded. Vertical and Horizontal integration of clinically relevant topics further

help in their understanding and enriching their learning process.



2.2.4 Has the university conducted any study on the academic growth of students

from disadvantaged sections of society, economically disadvantaged, physically

handicapped, slow learners, etc.? If yes, what are the main findings?

Yes

� The initiation of monitoring academic growth of students started with a student

mentorship program where each faculty closely monitors the academic

performance of a small group of students. This procedure has evolved into a

more organized system.

� The Committee constituted by the Vice-Chancellor analyses the performance of

disadvantaged sections, economically disadvantaged and differently-able

students once in a year.

� Meritorious SC/ST students receive scholarships.

� Book bank facility for SC/ST students is provided.

� The amount of students advancing from one performance level to the next has

been positive for these students.

� The students are identified based on their performance in the internal

examinations and analyzed by the mentor in charge. The respective department

takes the responsibility in remedial measures. The students lagging in

completing their practical work and clinical case quota are given priority. The

students with learning inabilities and inadequate attendance are encouraged to

attend special classes according to a framed schedule.

� Mode of tutorials: Group discussions, Short review classes, Tests

2.2.5 How does the university identify and respond to the learning needs of advanced

learners?

� Special Assignments are given for toppers in the class and they are elected as

class representatives and team leaders of scientific projects such as ICMR

students project and short term vacation projects.

� The choice of service is based on merit and high achievers have a choice of

service due to their higher merit. These students are selected to participate in

Quiz programmes at State level and National level competitions.

� Award of the post of Clinical Tutors in the Institution for PG students.

� Providing opportunities for presentation of papers in conferences and CME

programmes.



� Medals & Trophies have been instituted for high achievers in Examinations and

the Departmental Medal Examination as an added incentive for motivation.

2.3 Teaching-Learning Process

2.3.1 How does the university plan and organise the teaching, learning and

evaluation schedules (academic calendar, teaching plan, evaluation blue print,

etc.)?

� Academic Calendar:

The Constituent Colleges Education Unit in consultation with the principal of the

institution and the Heads of the department plans the academic calendar. This

calendar is made available to the students via their handbook. This helps

considerably in coordinating complex schedules and in its timely implementation,

allows the students to organize their learning process more efficiently.

� Master Plan:

Apart from the information available in the academic calendar, the master plan

includes the theory and practical timetable, practical/clinical work schedule cum

patient case quota and internal examination schedule for students.

� Teaching Plan:

The Education Department of the Constituent Colleges along with the heads of the

various departments charts out the timetable and the overall teaching

methodology, evaluation pattern and examination schedule. The respective

department heads, in consultation with the faculty of the departments, make a

detailed monthly teaching schedule and upload the same in the learning

management system.

� Rotation Plan:

The students’ clinical training program is conducted by an organized roster

method in which the students are posted in each specialty department for a period

of 15 days for a two cycle period, minimum.

� Course Plan:

The students along with parents are appraised during the orientation program on

the plan of action during the course period year wise.



� Unit Plan:

The students are divided into an equal number of units in both preclinical and

clinical postings. Each faculty in the department is assigned to each unit

� Evaluation Blue Print:

The student evaluation is done based on the marks obtained in the theory and

clinical internal examinations conducted by the institution as per the university

and Medical/Dental/Nursing Council of India guidelines. The final evaluation is

done through the examination conducted and evaluated by the central evaluation

system in the affiliated university. The practical evaluation of the students is done

by the duly appointed examiners of the affiliated university.

� Outpatient Teaching:

The outpatient teaching and training is conducted by the respective specialty

departments during the clinical postings. Each faculty of the department is

designated to a set of students (unit system) who take the responsibility to train,

evaluate and monitor the progress of the students assigned under them.

� In-Patient Teaching:

The in-patient teaching and training is done in the department of General

Medicine and Surgery.

� Clinical Teaching In Other Sites:

Students are posted in a corporate clinic of the institution during their internship

program which enhances clinical expertise in corporate scenario.

� Teaching In The Community:

Community teaching is inculcated among the students during the clinical years

(Second to Final year MBBS/BDS/Nursing). The interns are posted, mandatorily,

in the peripheral centers of the institution which exposes them to community

awareness, screening and treatment programs.

2.3.2 Does the university provide course outlines and course schedules prior to the

commencement of the academic session? If yes, how is the effectiveness of the

process ensured?

Yes, the course modules, Block Training Programme and training schedules are

documented on a half-yearly basis. The office of the under-graduate is headed by a



Senior Professor of the Constituent Colleges of the university and he is earmarked

for the effective implementation of the process. Similar organizational structure

exists for the post-graduate curriculum and implementation and monitoring task is

headed by the most senior Professor in charge of academic training. Further

continuous monitoring is done by the respective Heads of Departments.

2.3.3 Does the university face any challenges in completing the curriculum within the

stipulated time frame and calendar? If yes, elaborate on the challenges

encountered and the institutional measures to overcome these.

No, the teaching goes on as per stipulated in the Calendar of Events. Till date, all

the constituent colleges have been completed as per the curriculum within the

stipulated time frame. Hence, no challenges have been encountered.

2.3.4 How is learning made student-centric? Give a list of participatory learning

activities adopted by the faculty that contributes to holistic development and

improved student learning, besides facilitating life-long learning and

knowledge management.

� One of the objectives laid down by the University is to enhance reading and

learning capabilities among students and the faculty inculcates a sense of life-

long learning, which is also practiced as a part of day-to-day teaching.

� The teaching & learning process of the University is learner-centric. Every

effort is made to make the teaching-learning process interactive, interesting and

meaningful.

� Some of the participatory methods adopted by the University are: classroom

teaching, practical demonstrations, case studies, debate, group discussion, home

assignments, seminars, critical appraisal, field trips, and postings in primary and

urban health centers, literature surveys, street plays, health survey, projects, and

dissertations.

� The constituent colleges of the University organize corporate hospital visits and

study-excursions to acquaint the students with the changes taking place in their

field of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing

� Students are encouraged to participate in elocution and quiz competitions,

conferences, and workshops that are conducted within the institution and also

those that are conducted by other institutions; all of which contribute to the

holistic development of the students.

� The University has adopted Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE),

Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and Objective Structured

Learning Method (OSLM) as a part of the learning process.



� The Clinical Skill Laboratory has organized workshops to facilitate

improvement in the learning abilities of the students.

� Sharing of experiences regarding rare and complex cases by experts during case

discussions and journal clubs facilitates life-long learning of PG students and

teachers.

� Guest lectures and seminars are regularly conducted on moral and ethical issues

for the holistic development of the students.

� To promote independent learning, the library has subscribed to 1. Virtual

Library with CD Rom, interactive video, etc.

� Global periodicals which provides search on web links of full text, Internet

based / web based e-journals, e-books and other e-contents.

� Leadership and organizational skills are developed through their active

participation in the institution. Organized academic events and community

based programs. Appointment of class monitors on a unit-wise rotational basis

and personality development programs organized during the orientation etc.,

further help in their overall development.

� Student participation in various workshops and conferences instill the

importance of continued learning.

2.3.5 What is the university’s policy on inviting experts / people of eminence to

deliver lectures and/or organize seminars for students?

The University has been extending invitations to subject experts and people of

eminence, recognized nationally and internationally. It has facilitated in the

globalization of health education and this has benefited the faculty and the students.

� The University has its own policy of inviting experts who are highly qualified

with rich academic and clinical experience to augment teaching-learning

activities.

� All the constituent colleges of University conduct continued education programs

through their well-established Departments to which experts / people of

eminence are invited. So far, 116 education programs have been conducted by

the Departments of Medical and Dental Education

� The University organizes a series of Guest Lectures to which distinguished

scientists / eminent speakers of national and international repute are invited. So

far, 25 such lectures have been organized.

� All the constituent colleges organize International / National / State / Regional

Conferences / CMEs /Seminars /Workshops to which people of eminence are

invited, which augment teaching-learning activities.



2.3.6 Does the university formally encourage blended learning by using e-learning

resources?

� The availability of excellent ICT enabled infrastructure has facilitated blended

learning that incorporates face-to-face classroom methods which is combined

with computer-mediated activities.

� The Constituent colleges of University have digital libraries of international

standard with Wi-Fi and broadband facilities.

� E-learning resources, e-books, Journals, e-database facility, teaching material in

the form of CD’s, interactive learning facilities are available.

� Access to Cochrane database, INFLIBNET is provided.

� Prominent publishers of health science books from corporate circles are invited

to exhibit their pedantry for the benefit of the students and the faculty.

� The large number of student achievement outcomes proves the utilization of

blended learning.

� Technology is made use of for patient care. All the departments are provided

LAN system, CCTV network through which patient information is accessed.

� The pictures of electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalograph (EEG) and

CTG are shared with the respective consultants through individual mobile

networks.

� The Institutional repository of the central library is periodically upgraded.

2.3.7 What are the technologies and facilities such as virtual laboratories, e-learning,

open educational resources and mobile education used by the faculty for

effective teaching?

� Teaching is conducted with the aid of state of art clinical facilities and various

audio-visual aids. A fair degree of computerization for teaching & learning

activities has been achieved by the college and the teaching hospitals. All

lectures halls and seminar halls have computers with multimedia facilities and

LCD projection system and the faculty judiciously use these facilities for

effective learning experiences. All departments have internet facility and access

is available to various online medical journals.

� There is a Digital Library with 48 terminals for the use of the students. All the

constituent Colleges have Wi-Fi facility and a variety of options for self learning

through e-learning modules. There is a very well-equipped central library with a

large number of books, journals, online journals and E-Learning facilities with



Wi-Fi facility.

� The teachers use all the teaching, learning methods used for educative process

like lectures, clinical / lab practical work, chair side/bed side procedures,

projects, group works, tutorials, seminars, symposia, project work, quiz

programs, field trips, simulations using mannequin and assignments etc. Vertical

and Horizontal integration for relevant topics are also conducted. Problem-based

learning is used at regular intervals.

� Clinical training such as case studies, outpatient clinics, subspecialty trainings,

clinical postings in basic science, video assisted learning, etc. is done.

� Phantom head lab and skills lab – has been commissioned for hands-on training

in various skills in patient care for students.

2.3.8 Is there any designated group among the faculty to monitor the trends and

issues regarding developments in Open Source Community and integrate its

benefits in the university’s educational processes?

Yes, Each Departmental HOD and faculty regularly monitor the trends and issues

through journal clubs and other forums.

Medical and Dental Education Unit of MAHER observes the trends and analysis

of its outreach programs and the result of those are programs conducted on

tobacco cessation program, tobacco awareness rally, public Dental expo, skits

about the ill effects of alcohol, HIV and tobacco, involving the students. The same

program is also celebrated within the Medical, Dental & Nursing College campus.

Apart from that, the patients screened during community Dental camps are treated

in the hospital giving students a practical experience during the internship.

2.3.9 What steps has the university taken to orient traditional classrooms into 24x7

learning places?

The institution has developed a skill-based learning approach. Skill labs, museum

with IT enabling, e-learning modules, webcasting of seminars, e-hosting of library

resources and e-journals, mentoring groups, problem solving sessions have been

implemented. Internet facilities are available in all the lecture halls for inclusive

learning.

2.3.10 Is there a provision for the services of counsellors / mentors/ advisors for each

class or group of students for academic, personal and psycho-social guidance?

If yes, give details of the process and the number of students who have

benefitted.



Yes. All students of the UG courses are divided into small groups and a tutor

guardian is appointed for them, who is responsible for counselling and advising

them on academic and personal matters. In addition HODs and other faculty

members keep a close watch on the attendance and academic performance of each

student. A systematic process is also adopted for guidance and counselling of PG

students in the concerned area where department heads play an important role. For

psychosocial guidance, Clinical Psychologists and Medico Social Workers are

available.

2.3.11 Were any innovative teaching approaches/methods/practices adopted/put to

use by the faculty during the last four years? If yes, did they improve learning?

What were the methods used to evaluate the impact of such practices? What

are the efforts made by the institution in giving the faculty due recognition for

innovation in teaching?

Yes, the innovative teaching methods adopted by the departments are

� E-learning resources have been developed.

� The lectures and presentations are placed in the libraries of the Constituent

colleges after the lecture schedule.

� CME lectures from auditoria and operation theatre is undertaken regularly.

Skills labs for Advanced Life support have been developed by the Dept of

Anaesthesia.

� Chapter wise questions and answer preparation.

� Crash course by faculty for students.

� Debates among students with faculty as moderators.

� Open book test.

� Picture test.

� Clinic based learning and discussion.

� Problem solving in clinical dentistry.

� Preparation of teaching aids in form of charts, posters, models.

The above mentioned teaching methodologies are student-centric; animated and

hands-on training make students approachable. The impact of such practices was

evident by the overwhelming results achieved in the university examination.



2.3.12 How does the university create a culture of instilling and nurturing creativity

and scientific temper among the learners?

� The University has been encouraging the students and the faculty, right from its

inception, in learning by questioning, observing, testing, hypothesizing and

communicating, which are important components for creation of scientific

temper and creativity.

� The University encourages students to participate in scientific meetings, in

paper/poster presentations and in manuscript writing for publications, by

providing incentives and leaves.

� Conference / workshops/ seminars are conducted in all the constituent colleges

to encourage advancement of knowledge and to promote participation in

scientific activity.

� The journal clubs/ seminars/ case discussions promote scientific temper and

creativity.

� Undergraduate and postgraduate students are encouraged to conduct research

and are trained for grant writing to various funding agencies like, ICMR and

DST

� Regular Clinicopathological Conferences (CPC) and Evidence Based Practice

workshops are conducted.

� Inter-departmental meetings with PG students are held regularly.

� The annual scientific convention is held exclusively for all students.

2.3.13 Does the university consider student projects mandatory in the learning

programme? If yes, for how many programmes have they been (percentage of

total) made mandatory?

� Number of projects executed within the university

Yes, all the Post graduate student projects are mandatory as per university

regulations. Every PG student has to submit a dissertation project before the

exams for the successful completion of the course. Although, at the UG level,

the facility for research work is available but is optional.

There are total of 148 research projects conducted per year in all the three

Constituent Colleges of the University.



� Names of external institutions associated with the

university for student project work

1. Arignar Anna Cancer Institute, Kanchipuram

2. Madras Veterinary College,

3. Madras Medical college

4. Sri Ramachandra Medical University

� Role of faculty in facilitating such projects

The faculty help the students in identifying the areas in which they can work and

create an interest among the students regarding research. They also guide the

students throughout the entire project right from selecting a topic to the

submission of the thesis to the University

2.3.14 Does the university have a well qualified pool of human resource to meet the

requirements of the curriculum? If there is a shortfall, how is it supplemented?

Yes

� From the very commencement, the University has a well-qualified pool of

human resources. The emphasis of the University has been on the employees

creativity to maximize his / her performance.

� All the constituent colleges have highly qualified and experienced faculty

members, adequate non-teaching and technical staff to meet the requirements of

the apex regulatory bodies.

� Retention of staff members has been a great strength of University as is evident

by the fact that approximately 50% of faculty members are serving for more

than 10 years in the constituent units of the University.

2.3.15 How are the faculty enabled to prepare computer-aided teaching/ learning

materials? What are the facilities available in the university for such efforts?

� The Constituent colleges of the university have developed a skill-based learning

approach. Skill labs, library with IT enabling, e-learning modules, e- hosting of

library resources and e-journals, mentoring groups, problem solving sessions are

carried out in the colleges.

� The faculty is also introduced to various technologies in medical and dental

education capsule and workshops



� All lecture theatres are equipped with multimedia projectors (LCD projector),

overhead projectors and public address system.

� The campus is Wi-Fi enabled. All modern teaching aids listed above are

effectively used.

� A photographer is provided with a digital still and video camera for taking

clinical pictures of staff and students presentations.

� A scanning and copier facility is available.

� All lectures are fed into the central server so that teachers, students and

administrators can access them.

2.3.16 Does the university have a mechanism for the evaluation of teachers by the

students / alumni? If yes, how is the evaluation feedback used to improve the

quality of the teaching-learning process?

Yes

� The University has a credible evaluation system of teachers to foster teacher

quality and to promote their professional development. These measures have

improved teaching practices.

� The University has introduced a system of evaluation of teachers by the students

and alumni. At the end of the academic year, scientifically developed feedback

forms are distributed to the students.

� The feedback received, is analyzed by using appropriate software package and

the outcome is communicated to the teacher concerned.

� The student-rating of teachers is used as one of the parameters for selection of

the Best Teacher award.

� The feedback obtained from students has helped in improving the infrastructure

like provision of A-V aids and Lab facilities.

2.4 Teacher Quality

2.4.1 How does the university plan and manage its human resources to meet the

changing requirements of the curriculum?

� The faculty members are trained by the institution to meet the changing

requirements of the curriculum; periodic curricular update is done by the

respective departmental faculty in all disciplines, which is approved, after the



verification of its feasibility and acceptability by the Board of Studies and the

Academic Council of the University.

� The University encourages the faculty to update their knowledge in their

respective fields in the following ways :

a. Participation at academic meetings like conferences, workshops, seminars,

CMEs, symposia, etc. as faculty or participants, at state, national and

international levels. The updated faculty incorporates / adopts the feasible,

acceptable, newer methods / techniques into their respective fields. The

faculty is encouraged to attend conferences at state and national levels

once in a year and at the international level once in three years. Special

casual leave and financial assistance is also given to such faculty as per

norms.

b. The faculty members are deputed for specialized training programmes in

their respective fields which is a regular feature of the University.

c. The University conducts faculty development programs on curriculum

through Medical and Dental education Unit

d. The University has made budgetary provision of Rs.10 lakhs every year

for organization of conferences and other academic activities.

� Whenever required, the members of the teaching faculty (excluding those

deputed by the University), who wish to undergo any kind of overseas training

in their chosen field of expertise, are given financial assistance in addition to

sanctioning of paid study leave once in 3 years. Faculty is also deputed abroad

for special training programs.

� The senior faculty working in the University also serves as a resource person on

various academic platforms.

� The University has instituted awards for teachers who have excelled in teaching,

research and extension activities.

� The academically motivated faculty are recognized and given due positions in

the academic and administrative bodies of the college, hospital, University and

other allied areas.



2.4.2 Furnish details of the faculty

Highest

qualification

Professor Associate

Professor

Assistant

Professor /

Lecturer /

Tutor Total

Male Female Male Female Male Female

Permanent teachers

D.Sc./D.Litt. -

Ph.D. 2 7 5 4 18

M.Phil. 2 2

PG 43 32 34 40 149 173 471

Temporary teachers

Ph.D. - - - - - - -

M.Phil. - - - - - - -

PG - - - - - - -

Part-time teachers

Ph.D. - - - - - - -

M.Phil. - - - - - - -

PG - - - - - - -

2.4.3 Does the university encourage diversity in its faculty recruitment? Provide the

following details (department / school-wise).

Department

/ School

% of

faculty

from the

same

university

% of faculty

from other universities

within the

State

% of faculty

from

universities

outside the

State

% of

faculty

from

other

countries

MMCH& RI 5% 89% 6% -

MADC 6% 80% 14% -

MCON 7% 93% - -

2.4.4 How does the university ensure that qualified faculty are appointed for new

programmes / emerging areas of study (Bio-technology, Bio-informatics,

Material Science, Nanotechnology, Comparative Media Studies, Diaspora

Studies, Forensic Computing, Educational Leadership, etc.)? How many

faculty members were appointed to teach new programmes during the last four

years?

� The faculty members are selected through open advertisements and on the basis

of merit where qualifications, experience, aptitude for research, publication,

interview performance, etc. are taken into consideration.



� The selection of the faculty in various departments of the University is done by

the selection committee for the post of Professors, Readers /Associate

Professors, Assistant Professor and Lecturers.

� The qualifications and pay scales for the post of Professor, Reader/Associate

Professor, Assistant Professor and Lecturer are as per the norms of UGC and

regulatory bodies.

� The faculty selected to run new programmes undergo specific / specialized

training in reputed national and international institutes.

� During the last 4 years, 288 faculty members have been appointed in different

constituent colleges of the University.

2.4.5 How many Emeritus / Adjunct Faculty / Visiting Professors are on the rolls of

the university?

� Professor Emeritus : 06

� Adjunct Faculty : -

� Visiting Professors : -

2.4.6 What policies/systems are in place to academically recharge and rejuvenate

teachers (e.g. providing research grants, study leave, nomination to

national/international conferences/ seminars, in-service training, organizing

national/international conferences etc.)?

� The Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research has framed a set of

guidelines / policies immediately after the establishment and the same is updated

periodically to academically recharge and rejuvenate the faculty members.

Several faculty members have utilized these privileges. The University

appreciates and encourages faculty participation and paper presentations at

seminars, workshops and conferences both at national and international levels.

� In-house and outbound training programmes for the faculty in their respective

field is a regular feature.

� Publication of research papers in national and international journals is

encouraged by way of financial rewards and recognition.

� The University has instituted awards for teachers who have excelled in

teaching, research and extension activities.



� The University has made a budgetary provision of Rs.10 lakhs every year for

organization of conferences and other academic activities.

� Special casual leave is given to the faculty who wish to attend seminars and

conferences.

� Participation at academic meetings like conferences, workshops, seminars,

CMEs, symposia, etc. as faculty or as participants at State, national and

international levels is encouraged. The updated faculty incorporates/adopts the

feasible, acceptable, newer methods/techniques into the respective fields.

� Financial assistance is provided for selected research proposals.

2.4.7 How many faculty received awards / recognitions for excellence in teaching at

the state, national and international level during the last four years?

A total of 114 faculties have received awards / recognitions for excellence in

teaching at the state, national and international level during the last 4 years detailed

as below:

Year State National International

2011 06 10 02

2012 11 13 03

2013 12 10 01

2014 09 13 03

Total 45 58 11

1. Prof .Dr. Geetha Prakash received the Best Teacher and Researcher award from

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER) for the year

2012-2013 on 25th April 2013.

2. Prof. Dr. M. Chandrasekar received best teacher award from TN. Dr. M. G. R

Medical University

3. Prof. Dr. M. Chandrasekar received Best Researcher cum Teacher award from

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research (MAHER) for the year

2012-13

4. Prof. Dr. M. Chandrasekar received “Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award” for

outstanding achievement and contribution in the field of research by the

International council in the year 2014

5. Dr. b. Sivapathasunsharam, Professor & Head, Department of Oral Pathology,



was conferred “The Best Researcher Cum Teacher Award” on 25.4.13 by

Dr. Ramasamy, the chief Scientist in the Department of Science and Technology

New Delhi -for her meritorious contribution towards Dental Education

6. Dr. Jaideep Mahendra, professor of Periodontolgy, Meenakshi Ammal Dental

College received the following awards:

a. Dr. Jaideep Mahendra, Professor, Department of Periodontology was

conferred “The Best Researcher Cum Teacher Award” on 25.4.13 by Dr.

Ramasamy The chief Scientist Department of Science and Technology

New Delhi -for her meritorious contribution towards Dental Education

b. “Young Achiever’s award” in the ICDRO World Congress held in 2011.

c. BEST TEACHER AWARD” for Dental Education on the occasion of the

Dentist Day organized by Dr. M.G.R. Medical of University; Govt. of

Tamil Nadu in 2011.

d. “ TAMIL NADU YOUNG WOMEN SCIENTISTS Award” by Govt. Of

Tamil Nadu : for contribution in the field of Dental Research in 2009

e. ‘Research Fellowship Award’ in the field of Periodontology (Dentistry)

from the Hon’ble Union Health Minister Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss on

15.11.2008.

f. DR. VELMURUGAN, PROF AND HOD was awarded the best teacher

award for the year 2012 in the MAHER University Day 2013.

7. Dr Radha Bai Prabhu Received the “TAMILNADU LIFETIME

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR WOMEN SCIENTIST 2013” on the 26th of

February 2015

8. Dr T Radha Bai Prabhu was awarded the Fellowship in Obstetrics and

Gynaecology by the Indian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on the

25th of January 2015.

9. DR.MAIKANDAAN C J MD., Assistant Professor, Psychiatry,Early Career

Psychiatrist (ECP) award 2015 for his contributions towards research in

Psychiatry and award ceremony will be held in the 11th International congress of

Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt on 26th May, 2015.

10. DR. R. Vijaya. Received Dr. M.M. Cooper Memorial Award for Teachers for

Best Paper. “Morphology, Histology and immunohisto chemistry of thymus

gland in anencephalic fetus “ at 34 thAnnual Conference of Association of

Anatomists, Tamilnadu 2011



11. Dr. S. Senthamarai M.D., Professor, Department of Microbiology, MMCH &

RI, has won the Gold Medal for 1st Mark in Fellowship Course in Diabetology

(FCD) conducted by IMA in collaboration with Diabetic Research centre & MV

hospital, Chennai

2.4.8 How many faculty underwent staff development programmes during the last

four years (add any other programme if necessary)?

All the faculties both junior and senior have to undergo mandatorily faculty

development programmes as per the statutory bodies guide lines

Faculty Development Programs Number of faculty attended

Induction programs All faculty

Re-orientation

Programs CME/Workshop/Seminars/

Guest lectures

All faculty

Refresher courses(Microteaching) All faculty

Capacity building programs All faculty

Programs by regulatory / apex bodies

Staff training conducted by the university

MCI, DCI, INC ,HRD Programmes

(Research Methodology)

90 % of Faculty

All faculty

2.4.9 What percentage of the faculty have

� been invited as resource persons in Workshops / Seminars / Conferences

organized by external professional agencies?

� participated in external Workshops / Seminars / Conferences recognized by

national / international professional bodies?

� presented papers in Workshops / Seminars / Conferences conducted or

recognized by professional agencies?

� teaching experience in other universities / national institutions and other

institutions?

� industrial engagement?

� international experience in teaching?

Most of the faculties of the constituent colleges have attended and attending

workshops, seminars, conferences recognised by the national and international

bodies. They have also presented various scientific papers at numerous

conferences and have also been chairing sessions at various forums.



2.4.10 How often does the university organize academic development programmes

(e.g.: curriculum development, teaching-learning methods, examination

reforms, content / knowledge management, etc.) for its faculty aimed at

enriching the teaching-learning process?

� The Constituent Colleges of the University have a well-established Department

of Medical and Dental Education for the faculties as per the guidelines of

statutory council.

� It conducts at least four programs a year in accordance with its own calendar of

events, for the benefit of staff members and students. These faculty development

programs conducted regularly are on various academic issues like, curriculum

development, reforms in curriculum, and newer trends in curriculum, teaching-

learning methods like integrated teaching, newer modalities in teaching,

microteaching, examination reforms and content / knowledge management.

� Faculties are deputed to other well-recognized institutes for training in teaching-

learning processes.

� Teaching-learning process is enriched by knowledge management efforts of the

University, primarily focusing on organizational objectives in order to improve

performance, innovation, sharing of knowledge, integration and continuous

improvement.

2.4.11 Does the university have a mechanism to encourage

* Mobility of faculty between universities for teaching?

* Faculty exchange programmes with national and international bodies? If yes, how have these schemes helped in enriching the quality of the faculty?

Yes

� Mobility of faculty between the institutes/Universities and faculty exchange

programs to national and international bodies have provided the faculty with

opportunities to excel in teaching and research. It has also exposed the faculty to

cultural diversity with an opportunity to exchange ideas and observe variety of

styles, new concepts and ideas.

� The faculty members are encouraged to visit universities abroad and faculties

from other universities are invited for research, exchange of knowledge and

skill.

� The University has provisions for sabbatical leave and study leaves for the

faculty.



� Postgraduates are also posted for short certificate course / training to national

institutions for their research projects.

� The University encourages the faculty to take part in guest lectures, as a

resource person, research scholars etc. in research and professional association

meetings. This gives the faculty exposure and a thirst to update his/her

knowledge on a continuous basis.

At present there are no faculty exchange programs.

2.5 Evaluation Process and Reforms

2.5.1 How does the university ensure that all the stakeholders are aware of the

evaluation processes that are in place?

� Every academic programme of the University has a well-structured syllabus

including the evaluation process. The Academic Calendar of each course is

provided to the students.

� The students are duly kept informed about the structure of the examinations,

continuous internal assessment, tutorials, dates of terminal, preliminary and end

examination. These are included in the Academic Calendar of the University.

� The scheme of examination is described in the syllabus which is made available

to all the students and parents. Internal assessment tests and prelims are

conducted as per the Academic Calendar.

� The UG and PG orientation programmes are conducted and information on

evaluation process is conveyed.

� The results are announced through website, and notifications. The performance

report is made available to the students and parents, and is displayed on the

notice boards.

� The Internal Assessment has a weightage of 20% on the total marks in theory

and practicals and the same are notified before commencement of University

examination. 80% weightage is given to University examination.

� Facilities for verification of the marks and photocopies of valued answer scripts

are made available to the students on request.

� Teachers are well trained for evaluation methods.

� The examination branch of University has adopted a method of announcing

results to various stakeholders through SMS and e-mail system which is an

innovative practice.



2.5.2 What are the important examination reforms initiated by the university and to

what extent have they been implemented in the university departments and

affiliated colleges? Cite a few examples which have positively impacted the

examination management system.

Following examination reforms have been successfully implemented:

a. The work of the examination section is computerized. This facilitates

declaration of results within 15 working days from the last date of examination.

This has facilitated in the smooth conduct of academic sessions.

b. Introduction of OSCE and OSPE for medical courses.

c. MCQs in University examination have up to 15-25% weightage and are on OCR

sheets.

d. The examination branch of University has adopted a method of announcing

results to various stakeholders through SMS and email system which is an

innovative practice.

e. CCTV is present in examination halls and mobile jammers which has resulted in

a low number of malpractices.

f. Surprise checks by relevant authorities in examination halls happen regularly

during the process indicating examinations are taken very seriously by the

administration.

g. Double evaluation for UG . Four valuations for PG Degree, and Super

specialties. Three external examiners are appointed for evaluation of Ph.D

thesis.

h. Question paper moderation is compulsory. No complaints have been registered

against question papers so far.

i. Continuous Internal Assessment with 20% weightage.

j. Three parallel and independent question paper sets.

k. Separate dates and times for paper valuation by internal and external examiners.

l. Provisions for re-totaling and supply of photocopies of answer papers if and

when requested.

m. Introduction of dissertation for M.Sc. medical courses.

n. An orientation class before the final university examinations in the respective

year of study is conducted by the Constituent Colleges and the Students

Counselling and Guidance Centre. The orientation includes motivational speech



by senior teachers, psychologist, alumni and senior students.

The above program helps in tuning the students for the examination and has helped

the institution to achieve 95% in results.

2.5.3 What is the average time taken by the University for Declaration of

examination results? In case of delay, what measures have been taken to

address them? Indicate the mode / media adopted by the University for the

Publication of examination results (e.g. Website, SMS, email, etc.).

� The results of all the examinations are declared within 15 working days from the

last date of examinations, and the same are communicated to the students via e-

mail, through newspaper notification and website.

� Till now, there has been no inordinate delay in declaration of results.

� The University has adopted an innovative method of informing results to various

stakeholders through SMS.

2.5.4 How does the university ensure transparency in the evaluation process? What

are the rigorous features introduced by the university to ensure

confidentiality?

The entire evaluation process is transparent right from admission to certification.

i. The central evaluation system is undertaken under the CCTV surveillance.

ii. Bar-coded answer scripts and OCR sheets for MCQ have and entrance

examinations.

iii. Examination section of the University maintains high degree of confidentiality

and transparency, wherever required.

iv. External Chief Supervisors are appointed from other Universities to oversee

the examination process.

v. Invigilators are appointed from other disciplines.

vi. CCTV in examination halls and mobile jammers.

vii. The work of the examination section is computerized. This facilitates

declarations of results within 15 working days from the last date of

examination.

viii. Facilities like verification of the marks and photocopies of valued answer

scripts are made available to the students on request.



ix. A Disciplinary Committee to deal with the issues of examination malpractice

is present.

x. The continuous internal assessment marks are informed to the students prior to

summative examination.

xi. Parents are apprised of student performance and marks at regular intervals in

addition to motivation by faculties; parents are advised to motivate their wards

to perform better.

xii. Answer scripts of assessment examinations are made available to students and

parents to ensure transparency.

xiii. The university examination is conducted with a high state of confidentiality.

Password protected download of question paper prior to examination, security

checks at examination hall entry, invigilation by mixture of senior and junior

faculty, and monitoring the examination through surveillance cameras are

some of the measures taken to ensure confidentiality.

2.5.5 Does the university have an integrated examination platform for the following

processes?

Yes

The integrated examination platform for pre-examination, examination and post-

examination process is computerized, and directly under the supervision of

Controller of Examinations (COE).

Pre-examination processes:

� In the pre-examination process, the schedule and time-table of examinations of

different disciplines are prepared and notified to the students at least two months

in advance. The details regarding payment of the examination fees and the time-

table are prepared, keeping in view the schedule of the examination.

� The list of students appearing for examinations is generated and based on the

strength of the students, the number of invigilators required is calculated and

staff members, preferably from other colleges, are appointed as invigilators.

� The Vice Principal who is officiating as Chief Superintendent, along with

members of the examination committee ensures smooth conduct of the

examination. Attendance sheets are prepared for each examination hall

separately.



� The Observers are appointed by the COE from amongst the faculty members of

sister Universities or institutions.

� The Controller of Examinations Office supplies bar-coded answer books for

each session along with the question papers to the Chief Superintendent.

� The integrity of the seal of question paper packet is confirmed through a random

selection of three students in the examination hall.

� The invigilators distribute the answer books and the necessary question papers

to the students, which is verified and signed for correctness by subject experts,

soon after the commencement of examination.

� Attendance is noted along with the verification of the hall tickets. No student is

allowed into the hall after 30 minutes of the commencement of the

examinations.

� Once the student completes the examination, answer scripts are collected by the

invigilator and handed over to the Chief Superintendent, which, in-turn, are

submitted to the examination branch of the University within two hours of the

conclusion of the examination.

� Confidentiality is maintained in the appointment process of the examiners.

Examination process:

� The University appoints a number of designated staff for the management of all

the examination material and logistics support. Strict confidentiality is

maintained at all times. Logistics and examination material management is done

by faculty appointed by the University for the entrance examinations that are

conducted at the respective constituent colleges.

Post-examination process:

� The biometric system is used for attendance capture and student identity

verification at the time of entrance examination, and also during the admission

counseling. The MCQ answer sheets are OMR-based and are subjected to auto-

processing and evaluation. The exam result, result processing and certification

are computerized.

� The answer sheets are preserved for a minimum of two years following which

they are shredded.



� Latest information technology (scanning/imaging software) is used to handle

massive application data, issue of admit cards, scanning facility and support to

post-examination activities to achieve accuracy.

2.5.6 Has the university introduced any reforms in its Ph.D. evaluation process?

Yes

� The reforms introduced in the evaluation process of the University for PhD

evaluations have ensured that the educational objectives are met with and both,

absolute and relative connotation of quality and confidentiality, are achieved.

� The identity of candidate and guide is masked before evaluation, to maintain

confidentiality in PhD thesis.

� Degree certificates and marks card have eighteen security features.

� Three external evaluators are appointed for PhD thesis.

� Pedagogy training is given for the PhD candidate before the public viva Voice

2.5.7 Has the university created any provision for including the name of the college

in the degree certificate?

Yes

2.5.8 What is the mechanism for redressal of grievances with reference to

examinations?

The University has a Grievance Redressal Committee that looks into the issues of

grievances with reference to examinations. In addition, the examination branch has

a Disciplinary Committee and an Unfair Means Committee to deal with malpractice

issues. These Committees are constituted in accordance with provisions of the By-

Laws of the University.

2.5.9 What efforts have been made by the university to streamline the operations at

the Office of the Controller of Examinations? Mention any significant efforts

which have improved the process and functioning of the examination

division/section.

� The operations at the Office of the Controller of Examinations are stakeholder-

centered, innovative and efficient. The function of the examination division is to

provide high quality services in addition to making data available on all

examinations conducted. This activity is conducted under the expert guidance of

the highest ranking executive of the University.



� The Office of the Controller of Examinations is computerized, well-equipped

with sufficient human resources that help to streamline the operations at

examination branch.

� The Vice-Chancellor chooses question papers from moderated set of question

papers.

� Confidential processes like printing and sealing question paper are done strictly

under the supervision of the Controller of Examinations in a strong room.

� The University follows the central assessment method for evaluation of answer

scripts.

� The Controller of Examinations is responsible for the Central Assessment

Programme as laid down in By-Laws.

� The Office of Controller of Examinations is adequately manned by full-time

dedicated staff and the entire functioning is streamlined.

� The office documents are secured under a strict administration.

� The evaluation section has CCTV surveillance and is a mobile-free zone.

� Access is restricted to the examination section.

2.6 Student Performance and Learning Outcomes

2.6.1 Has the university articulated its Graduate Attributes? If so, how does it

facilitate and monitor its implementation and outcome?

Yes

� The University strategic plan has articulated graduate attributes in terms of

academics, social responsibility, research and employability.

� The graduates are trained during their course period, not only for academics and

research, but also for community-orientated education and service, through free

health check-up camps, poster exhibitions, NSS programs like blood donation,

plantation of trees, health awareness rallies and talks.

� The students are encouraged to participate in activities like sports, cultural

programs, participation in debate/seminar/conferences/quiz, etc. through the

University Department of Student’s Welfare.

� To foster attributes like spirituality and national integration, the University

arranges guest lectures and Social awareness programs such as Swatch Bharath

and Swasth Bharath and conducts workshops on yoga and spirituality etc.,



� The University promotes participation of graduates in state, national and

international inter-university sports / cultural meets / student’s parliament, etc.

� The University has a vibrant NSS unit organizing a wide spectrum of activities

involving student volunteers.

� Such quality attributes are monitored and observed by the faculty during student

posting in clinics and while treating patients.

2.6.2 Does the university have clearly stated learning outcomes for its academic

programmes? If yes, give details on how the students and staff are made aware

of these?

Yes

� The University has clearly stated learning outcomes for all its academic programs

which are based on the contemporary needs of the students to bridge the gap in

their knowledge, skills and attitudes.

� The brochure and prospectus of the constituent colleges and the website of

University display learning outcomes of all the departments and the same are

updated regularly.

� The orientation programme by the Constituent colleges for newly recruited faculty

highlight the learning outcomes for its academic programs. In last four years, 40

faculty orientation programmes have been conducted.

� In the constituent colleges, Heads of the Institutions / Heads of the Departments

emphasize on the learning outcomes of the academic programs during the

orientation programs for undergraduates and postgraduates at the beginning of the

academic session.

� Lesson plan booklets also help in bringing out awareness on the learning

outcomes for the benefit of the students.

2.6.3 How are the university’s teaching, learning and assessment strategies

structured to facilitate the achievement of the intended learning outcomes?

� The University constantly facilitates innovative strategies of teaching & learning

and assessment using recent technology in order to meet global standards of

education, and keeping in mind its learning outcomes.

� The teaching & learning process is learner-centric which enables the students to

become lifelong independent learners. Every effort is made to ensure that the

teaching & learning process is interactive, interesting and meaningful.



� Some of the participatory methods adopted by the University are practical

demonstrations, case studies, debate, group discussion, home assignments,

seminars, field trips, posting in primary, rural and urban health centers, literature

surveys, street plays, health survey projects and dissertations.

� Teaching-learning strategies are facilitated through well-equipped lecture halls,

laboratories, good hospital set-up, good library facilities, audio-visual aids,

industry interaction and training, project works, tutorials / seminars/ journal clubs.

� Teaching-learning is facilitated through community-oriented programs like health

education, health check-up camps, awareness talks and NSS activities like blood

donation, World Health Day celebration, adoption of villages for comprehensive

development, etc.

� Compatibility of education objectives and learning methods with assessment

principles, methods and practices is ensured.

� A balance between formative and summative evaluations help in achieving

intended learning outcomes. Three internal examinations, one preliminary test

exam and final examination are conducted. Summative assessments for all the

programs has well-planned scheme of examination with mark distribution based

on the learning objectives projected in the syllabus.

� The Constituent Colleges of the University conducts innovative teaching-learning

and assessment workshops / orientation programs / induction programs for its

faculty. In the last four years, it has conducted 110 faculty development

programmes

� Teachers themselves have become in-house experts in specific practices which are

shared with colleagues and students.

� The University has adopted OSCE and OSPE as a part of the learning process and

method of evaluation for formative examination.

� A clear road map detailing student schedules like Annual calendar, timetables,

exam schedules, number of hours to be spent on each subject, number of cases to

be treated are all vividly laid out for the students to be followed accordingly.

There is a monitoring mechanism which keeps track of student learning activities

and accordingly warns the students when there is a deviation occurring in their

given schedule.



2.6.4 How does the university collect and analyse data on student learning outcomes

and use it to overcome the barriers to learning?

The achievement of learning outcomes of University is ensured by its specific,

clearly-expressed and understandable statements. The University has also been

receptive to feedback on quality and effectiveness regarding its learning outcomes.

� Examination results – both formative and summative.

� Employability at national and international level.

� Feedback by students/alumni/external examiners on teaching-learning and

evaluation methods adopted by the constituent colleges and the University.

� Positive feedback from students on course content, infrastructure facility and

teacher quality.

2.6.5 What are the new technologies deployed by the university in enhancing student

learning and evaluation and how does it seek to meet fresh/ future challenges?

� One of the objectives laid down by the University was to enhance reading and

learning capabilities among students and for this the faculty inculcate a sense of

life-long learning that is being practiced in day-to-day teaching.

� The teaching-learning process of the University is learner-centric and uses the

latest technology for e-learning. Every effort is made to make the teaching-

learning process interactive, interesting and meaningful.

� Some of the participatory methods adopted by the University are integrated

teaching with state of art audio visual aids and literature surveys by using e-

resources,

� The constituent colleges of University organize corporate hospital visits and

study-excursions to acquaint the students with high end educational Mannequins

in field of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing

� The University has adopted Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE),

Objective Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) and Objective Structured

Learning Method (OSLM) as a part of the learning process.

� The Clinical Skill Laboratory organized workshops facilitate improvement in

the learning abilities of students.



� Sharing of experiences regarding rare and complex cases by experts during case

discussions and journal clubs facilitates life-long learning of PG students and

teachers using e-resources.

Any other information regarding Teaching, Learning and Evaluation which the

university would like to include.

Calendar of Events: Calendar of Events of the University is prepared and published

every year, which gives the dates of major events, meetings of the Authorities and Bodies

of the University, and yearlong curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

Excellent museums of Anatomy, physiology Pathology, microbiology and Forensic

Medicine are important sources of medicine. These museums have attained state level

recognition for its quality and innovation.

Skill training: Clinical skill training enhancement for students at clinical skill laboratory

in teaching hospital. It has the latest equipments with advanced technology, simulators

and mannequins. It has a well-planned calendar of events for the entire year.

Research Facility: Availability of State-of-Art research facility for teaching-learning

process of postgraduates, Ph. D research scholars and faculty at Basic Science Research

Centres (in campus and off-campus)

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion III – Research, Consultancy & Extension


CRITERION III :

RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY AND EXTENSION

3.1 Promotion of Research

3.1.1 Does the university have a Research Committee to monitor and address issues

related to research? If yes, what is its composition? Mention a few

recommendations which have been implemented and their impact.

Yes

� The University has three Research Committees and the composition of each is

as per the by-laws of the University and the guidelines prescribed by ICMR and

CPCSEA.

� Following are the details of Committees that monitor research:

1. University Research Committee

2. Institutional Human Ethical Committee

3. Ph.D Ethics Committee for Human Research

4. Institutional Animal Ethics Committee

5. Board of Postgraduate Teaching & Research

Board of Research committee of the University

S. No Names Designation

1.

Vice-Chancellor,

Meenakshi Academy of Higher

Education and Research

Chairman

2. Dean of Faculty of Medicine Member

3. Principal of Faculty of

Dentistry Member

4. Principal of Faculty of Nursing Member

5.

Director of Research,



Member

6. Dr. Venugopal PG Director,

MMCH & RI Member

7.

The Registrar,



Member-Secretary



8. Dr. M. Chandra Sekar

Co-Ordinator , MMCH RI Member

9. Dr. Jaideep Mahendra,

Co-Ordinator , MADC Member

10.

Dr. Arivazhagan, Professor

Cancer Institute, Adyar,

Chennai

External Member

� It recommends awards / recognitions for research to be instituted by the

University in order to appreciate research contributions by the staff and the

students.

� The research committee meets periodically (once in 6 months) to scrutinize and

approve proposals, identify eligible guides and monitor the research projects that

are being carried out by the various departments.

� The recommendations of research committee such as:

- Identification of faculty who are eligible to guide students

- Increasing the number of student ICMR projects

- Motivating faculty to take up research projects and apply for grants.

- To conduct workshops regularly for the faculties on research methodology

- To identify the thrust area based on available clinical material

These have been successfully implemented. It has created a high impact on research

outcomes with an increase in the number of quality publications in journals of high

impact factor.

3.1.2 What is the policy of the university to promote research in its affiliated /

constituent colleges?

� The Constituent Colleges of the University encourage research activities by the

students. UG students are encouraged to take on Short Terms Studentship (STS)

projects under the aegis of ICMR under the guidance of faculty members. PG

students are encouraged to take on Senior Residence Fellowship (SRF) under

the aegis of ICMR. A large number of projects are also undertaken by many

departments as Departmental Projects with involvement from

undergraduate/postgraduate students and faculty members. Most of the faculty

members undertake short term and long term projects with the help of seed

money sanctioned by our University itself.



� Each of the constituent college also has its own institutional research ethics

committee which is represented by the members of the college, external

members, legal expert, scientists and social workers.

� Basic sciences and clinical research and clinical trials are carried out by all the

constituent colleges.

� The University provides financial assistance, infrastructure and encourages

students and faculty to take up independent research projects.

� The University encourages and assists the faculty to get extramural research

grants from the various funding agencies for which Workshops like Research

Methodology has been conducted for the faculty.

� The institution grants special academic leave for the faculty members, enabling

them to participate and present their research work at National and International

conferences.

� The Research publications is relevant for gaining promotions and increments.

� In order to promote research activity among the faculty, the University promotes

the use of Central Research Facility and the animal house. The animals are

provided free of cost for research work. All the research activities of the

university are coordinated by the Institutional Research Committee.

� Recently the MAHER has established through the academic council a Graduate

School for promoting PG programmes and varied research activities

3.1.3 What are the proactive mechanisms adopted by the university to facilitate the

smooth implementation of research schemes/ projects?

� advancing funds for sanctioned projects

� providing seed money

� simplification of procedures related to sanctions / purchases to be made by the

investigators

� autonomy to the principal investigator/coordinator for utilizing overhead

charges

� timely release of grants

� timely auditing

� submission of utilization certificate to the funding authorities

� The University Research committee under the Chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor

meets regularly.

� The University has made annual budgetary allocation of Rs. 2.5 Crores for

research and development.



� The Research and Development Cell of the Institutions has been established to

monitor and record research conducted in the institution.

� The Basic Science Research Center has been established with the state of art

facilities and highly qualified scientists and Co-coordinators to conduct research

and also to monitor and maintain records of researches in the area of basic

sciences.

a. Externally funded projects (both government and private agencies):

* advancing funds for sanctioned projects.

The University provides advance funds to the investigators before the release of a

sanctioned amount from different agencies.

*Providing seed money.

The University provides seed money up to Rs 5 lakhs every year for initiation of

projects which attracts funding from National and International agencies.

* Simplification of procedures related to sanctions / purchases to be made by

the investigators.

The University has simplified purchase procedures by constituting institutional

purchase committees and University Purchase Committee.

* Autonomy to the principal investigator/coordinator for utilizing overhead

charges.

Autonomy is given as per university norms.

* Writing proposals for funding. Researchers are periodically given orientations

to develop special skills for writing projects. Faculty who are experienced in

writing grant sanctions, guides both the PGs and other faculty members in writing

proposals for funding to various funding agencies.

* Any training given for writing proposals: The University regularly conducts

workshops in the University for Health Professionals, for faculty to train for

writing grant proposals to national and international agencies. Workshops are

regularly conducted by scientists from Basic Science Research Center, on grant

writing for faculty and postgraduate students.



b. Institution sponsored projects:

∗ proportion of funds dedicated for research in the annual budget.

About 10% of the total University annual budget is allotted for research.

* availability of funding for research /training/resources.

An annual budget of Rs. 10 lakhs is available for activities related to research and

development, resources, training and infrastructure.

*availability of access to online data bases. :

The following facilities are available

� Wi-Fi campus with its digital library, and e-learning

� Digital library with 40Mbps broadband

� E-learning resources.

� Apart from central digital library, all the constituent constituents and hospital

have separate digital libraries.

� There are 2614 e-journals and 2470 e-books in the library

� The constituent colleges of Library has E-learning resources like e-database, e-

books, e-journals, ICT and smart class, production of teaching modules and

interactive learning.

3.1.4 How is interdisciplinary research promoted?

� between/among different departments /schools of the university and � collaboration with national/international institutes / industries.

� Research ideas often transcend the scope of any single discipline or program.

Hence, the University has adopted integration through multi-disciplinary / inter-

disciplinary / trans-disciplinary research which has inspired students and faculty

to undertake scientific challenges in innovative ways.

* between/among different departments / and

� PhD students are both encouraged and supported in undertaking

Interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research.

� 9 inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research programs are in progress

through Ph.D scholars.



� PG students/ faculty is encouraged and supported in undertaking

Multidisciplinary research through postgraduate research programs among

different departments.

* Collaboration with national/international institutes / industries.

� University and constituent colleges have collaborations with various Academic /

Research Organizations for development of mutually beneficial academic inputs

and for the purpose of mobility of academic staff for the purpose of teaching,

research and training.

� Interdisciplinary research is enhanced by establishing new MOUs with various

organizations of different disciplines.

3.1.5 Give details of workshops/ training programmes/ sensitization programmes

conducted by the university to promote a research culture on campus.

A total of 43 workshops/training programs/sensitization programs have been

conducted by the constituent colleges, University Department of Education for

Health Profession, Basic Sciences Research Centre and Clinical Skills Laboratory in

the last four years to promote research culture in the institution.

Year Workshop Training

Program

Sensitization

Program

2014 8 4 3

2013 7 3 2

2012 6 3 1

2011 4 2 -

3.1.6 How does the university facilitate researchers of eminence to visit the campus

as adjunct professors? What is the impact of such efforts on the research

activities of the university?

Guest speakers, eminent faculty and researchers are invited to the constituent

colleges on a regular basis. The college drives research projects in association with

research agencies like ICMR and DST. Eminent scientists from the institutions are

represented in the Governing body of various Universities in South India.

The faculty and students, by attending such seminars, are motivated to take up

research projects.



3.1.7 What percentage of the total budget is earmarked for research? Give details of

heads of expenditure, financial allocation and actual utilization.

The budget for research activities is provided by our University through its

Research Committee. The college also gets Research funds by the faculty from

other sources like ICMR and DST etc. All the research projects are adequately and

appropriately funded by the agencies mentioned and the details of projects and

further financial details will be provided to the peer team during visit.

3.1.8 In its budget, do the university earmark funds for promoting research in its

affiliated colleges? If yes, provide details.

Not applicable.

3.1.9 Does the university encourage research by awarding Post Doctoral

Fellowships/Research Associate ships? If yes, provide details like number of

students registered, funding by the university and other sources.

Yes. The concept is accepted in principle and Post Doctoral Research fellowship is

going to be granted on merit of the case.

3.1.10 What percentage of faculty have utilized the sabbatical leave for pursuit of

higher research in premier institutions within the country and abroad? How

does the university monitor the output of these scholars?

Not Applicable

3.1.11 Provide details of national and international conferences organized by the

university highlighting the names of eminent scientists/scholars who

participated in these events.

The constituent units of the University have been organizing national and

international conferences that have been providing meaningful platform for students

and faculty to update and enhance their knowledge, skill and competency.

A total of 270 conferences/workshops/seminars/symposia (national and

international) have been organized by the constituent colleges of the University, in

the last five years.

Following are some of the eminent scientists / scholars who participated in the

events:



Name Event

Prof.S.P.Thiyagarajan M.D. Ph.D., D.Sc

Former Vice Chancellor,

University of Madras,

Dean and Advisor Research,

Sri Ramachandra University,

Porur.

Speech on Obtaining Research grants

Research development

Dr.Balakrishna Moorthy

Director,

International institute of Biotechnology

and toxicology,

Padapai.

Speech on Research activities meet

Dr.V.R.Muthukarupan

Director of Research,

Aravind Medical Foundation,

Madurai

Speech on Stem cells and

regenerative medicine

Dr.K.B.Pawar,

Advisor,

Dr.D.Y,Patil University,

Puna and Former secretary, AIU

Speech on Sustaining research and

Deemed Universities

Dr.T.Ramasamy,

Secretary to Govt. of India,

Dept. of Science and Technology,

New Delhi.

Best Teacher and Research scholars

award function

Dr.M.Ramdoss,

Director,

SCi&PP,

Pondicherry University

Speech on Community College.



3.2 Resource Mobilization for Research

3.2.1 What are the financial provisions made in the university budget for supporting

students’ research projects?

Each constituent college has earmarked sufficient funds for promoting UG/PG

students and research scholars.

At present a total of 15 research proposals have been submitted to ICMR and

approval for 9 projects from 4 departments has been accepted. An amount of

Rs:50,000/-(Rupees fifty thousand only) have been sanctioned.

3.2.2 Has the university taken any special efforts to encourage its faculty to file for

patents? If so, how many have been registered and accepted?

Yes, in selected areas of innovation in diagnostic technology the following five

patents have been applied by our faculty:

1. Laser Infrared Dissymmetry – Visible Isodose Curve of Radiotherapy Bean by

Dr. Manimaran, Radio- Physicist

2. Laser Microwave Enhanced diffraction Imaging of (visible) Optical structural

Orientation of the Molecule in a Liquid sample by Dr. Manimaran, Radio-

Physicist

3. Visible AC/DC Electricity through conducting materials using Laser guided

imaging devices by Dr. Manimaran, Radio- Physicist

4. Transverse slice radiological images on paper using Maran technique for

invitro isodose distribution in the Radiography.

5. The novel bioactive protein discovered from the marine source –

by Dr. A.S.Smiline Girija

Invention:

1. Endosil - by Dr. M. Abarajithan

2. Chair Side Electrochemically activated water – Dr. Denzyle – PG student.

All the funding have been done by the constituent colleges of the University and

encourages them go for special training in patency submission.



3.2.3 Provide the following details of ongoing research projects of faculty:

3.2.4 Does the university have any projects sponsored by the industry / corporate

houses? If yes, give details such as the name of the project, funding agency and

grants received.

No

3.2.5 How many departments of the university have been recognized for their

research activities by national / international agencies (UGC-SAP, CAS;

Department with Potential for Excellence; DST-FIST; DBT, ICSSR, ICHR,

ICPR, etc.) and what is the quantum of assistance received? Mention any two

significant outcomes or breakthroughs achieved by this recognition.

Basic science departments and certain clinical departments have been recognised for

their research activities and all the research projects are adequately funded by the

office of the MAHER University. One of the ICMR funded projects is in the

pipeline which is “Potential role of adipocytokines as a novel biomarker for early

prediction of metabolic and CVS risk patients with psychosis- A prospective study.

Year

Wise Number Name of project

Name of

funding

agency

Total grant

received

A. University

awarded projects

Minor projects 2012

2014

64

1

Seed Money

Projects

Genetics

susceptibility of

systemic lupus

erythematosus

By

MAHER

University

Rs. 4.20

Lakhs

Rs 6 Lakhs

Major projects

B. Other agencies

- national and

international

(specify)

Minor projects 2014 3

Details of projects

enclosed ICMR Rs. 50,000/-

Major projects

2014 1 Details of projects

enclosed

WHO

project by

BILL &

Malinda

Gates

foundation

Rs. 1.5

Crore



3.2.6 List details of :

a. Research projects completed and grants received during the last four years

(funded by National/International agencies).

b. Inter-institutional collaborative projects and grants received

i. All India collaboration

ii. International

All the research projects are centrally funded by the University and various other

agencies like ICMR, DST etc. Details for the year 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 will

be shown at the time of the inspection at the constituent Colleges.

3.3 Research Facilities

3.3.1 What efforts have been made by the university to improve its infrastructure

requirements to facilitate research? What strategies have been evolved to meet

the needs of researchers in emerging disciplines?

The Constituent College has developed many facilities for basic and clinical

research and for meeting the needs of researchers in emerging disciplines. Some of

the facilities available for research are:

1. Well equipped basic laboratories in pre and para clinical departments.

2. Animal House

3. Ten Headed Microscope

4. Virology Laboratory

5. Flow Cytometry Facility

6. Public Health laboratory.

7. Computer lab with statistical software support of Statisticians

8. Basic and advance Electrophysiology facilities in various departments.

9. Molecular Biology Laboratories

10. All clinical departments have state-of-art equipments like Operating

Microscopes, flexible and Rigid Endoscopes with Still photography and Video

recording devices

11. CT Scan, MRI and Interventional Radiology facilities

12. Lasers for patients care



13. A library with large collection of books, medical journals and e-journal for the

faculty, postgraduate and undergraduate students.

14. Audiometry Lab for research in the field of sensorineural hearing loss,

Audiology and Electrophysiology.

3.3.2 Does the university have an Information Resource Centre to cater to the needs

of researchers? If yes, provide details of the facility.

Yes, Dept of Pharmacology acts as a Drug Information Centre. Details of faculty

mentioned in evaluative report of Dept of Pharmacology.

3.3.3 Does the university have a University Science Instrumentation Centre (USIC)?

If yes, have the facilities been made available to research scholars? What is the

funding allotted to USIC?

No

3.3.4 Does the university provide residential facilities (with computer and internet

facilities) for research scholars, post-doctoral fellows, research associates,

summer fellows of various academies and visiting scientists

(national/international)?

Yes

3.3.5 Does the university have a specialized research centre/ workstation on-campus

and off-campus to address the special challenges of research programmes?

Yes. The central research lab with all modern equipments is available in Dental and

Medical colleges to promote research.

3.3.6 Does the university have centres of national and international

recognition/repute? Give a brief description of how these facilities are made

use of by researchers from other laboratories.

Yes, all the resources & facilities available are good enough to support National

/International level research work and could be made use of by outsiders for

collaborative research after obtaining permission from the appropriate authorities.

The Research facilities are being upgraded on an ongoing basis as per the

requirements. However, in a few years time it is the objective of the institution to

gain such recognition.



3.4 Research Publications and Awards

3.4.1 Does the university publish any research journal(s)? If yes, indicate the

composition of the editorial board, editorial policies and state whether it/they

is/are listed in any international database.

No

3.4.2 Give details of publications by the faculty:

� Number of papers published in peer reviewed journals (national / international)

� Total Publication

� National

� International

Year 2009

National Publications 318

International Publications 78

Total 396

318

374

78106

396

480

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

National & International Publications

National Publications

International Publications

Total Publications

2009 2010


Research Publications and Awards

Does the university publish any research journal(s)? If yes, indicate the


is/are listed in any international database.

Give details of publications by the faculty:

Number of papers published in peer reviewed journals (national / international)

: 1141

: 698

: 443

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

318 374 465 539 615 673

78 106 161 257 356 431

396 480 626 796 971 1104

465

539

615

673698

161

257

356

431

626

796

971

1104


National Publications

International Publications

Total Publications

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Research, Consultancy & Extension

96

Does the university publish any research journal(s)? If yes, indicate the


Number of papers published in peer reviewed journals (national / international)

2014 2015 (as on jun’15)

673 698

431 443

1104 1141

698

443

1141


2011 2012 2013 2014 2015



� Monographs -

� Chapters in Books - 15

� Books edited - 3

� Books with ISBN with details of publishers - 10

� Number listed in International Database (For e.g. Web of Science, Scopus,

Humanities International Complete, EBSCO host, etc.)

� Citation Index – range / average

� SNIP

� SJR

� Cumulative Impact Factor – range / average

� h-index

3.4.3 Give details of

� faculty serving on the editorial boards of national and international journals

1. Prof. Dr. M. Chandrasekar, Professor & head, Dept. of Physiology,

MMCH&RI is currently the Managing Editor of Internationally acclaimed

International Journal of Medical Research and Health sciences from 2012

2. Dr. B. Sivapathasundhram , Professor& head, dept. of Oral pathology,

MADC– Editor – In—Chief in (JFDS) Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences

and (JEED) Journal of Education and Ethics in Dentistry

3. Dr. R. S. Neelakandan, Professor & Head - Editorial Board of Journal of

Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery – The official Journal of Association of

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India.

4. Dr. Shankar, Reader is the President of Indian Dental Association- Greater

Chennai branch.

� faculty serving as members of steering committees of international

conferences recognized by reputed organizations / societies

Senior Professors of all the three constituent colleges have been organising

secretary, chairman, treasurer, president of various committees for

international conferences apart from chairing scientific sessions and Judges

for Paper Presentation, which will shown at the time of Inspection.

All these details are

mentioned in evaluative

reports of each department.



3.4.4 Provide details of

� research awards received by the faculty and students

� national and international recognition received by the faculty from reputed

professional bodies and agencies

Many faculty members have received awards in their respective fields for

continuous service, support research directions and for conducting research in

core areas relevant to well-being of humankind.

Many faculties have chaired scientific sessions, delivered keynote addresses /

orations in both National and International Conferences and updates in their

field of speciality.

A total of 24 research awards have been received by faculty and students for

their contribution in research in various scientific forums.

3.4.5 Indicate the average number of successful M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars guided

per faculty during the last four years. Does the university participate in

Shodhganga by depositing the Ph.D. theses with INFLIBNET for electronic

dissemination through open access?

� 226 PhD scholars have registered and are being guided.

� So far, a total 42 candidates have been awarded Ph.D. degree in different

disciplines:

� 2010-2011 - 11

� 2011-2012 - 17

� 2012-2013 - 05

� 2013-2014 - 02

� 2014-2015 - 07

� 69 M.Phil students have registered in different disciplines out of which 32 have

completed successfully.

3.4.6 What is the official policy of the university to check malpractices and

plagiarism in research? Mention the number of plagiarism cases reported and

action taken.

� The University has clear policies against plagiarism, collusion, fabrication or

falsification of results that is likely to undermine the integrity.

� Awareness is created among researchers (faculty and students) regarding



plagiarism through circulars.

� There is an establishment of a Research Committee in its constituent colleges,

which has framed the rules and regulations, and reviews plagiarism regarding

the research projects.

� An undertaking is taken by the University from post graduates and doctoral

scholars prior to submission of their dissertation regarding plagiarism and

malpractices. The University also utilizes a specific software to check for

plagiarism and all dissertations undergo verification through this.

� The Institutional Research committee meets periodically to scrutinize and

approve proposals, identify eligible guides and monitor the research projects that

are being carried out by the various departments. The proposal, with the consent

from the involved disciplines, is presented to the ethics committee for ethical

approval.

3.4.7 Does the university promote interdisciplinary research? If yes, how many

interdepartmental / interdisciplinary research projects have been undertaken

and mention the number of departments involved in such endeavours?

Yes, the University promotes Inter-discipline research.

� The themes / topics are integrated around a unifying idea, by multiple

disciplines, encouraging the university to promote interdisplinary research.

Multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary research is carried out at postgraduate and

doctoral programmes.

� The institution encourages the faculty members to undertake interdisciplinary

projects in order to facilitate the research outcomes in high impact peer

reviewed journals.

� The promotion of interdisciplinary projects has been helpful to obtain

extramural funding from different funding agencies.

� Seven inter-disciplinary projects under the faculty of medicine, dentistry and

nursing have been undertaken by research scholars along with several

postgraduate research projects.

3.4.8 Has the university instituted any research awards? If yes, list the awards.

Yes



� In order to acknowledge and appreciate the fundamental discovery, new theory

or insights that may have a significant impact in respective disciplines the

University has instituted research awards.

� Incentives are available for publications in national and international peer

reviewed journals.

3.4.9 What are the incentives given to the faculty for receiving state, national and

international recognition for research contributions?

The University has always recognized the ability of students / faculty who has

clearly demonstrated his / her talents in research and has fostered professional

growth.

� Guidelines of the University for Cash Incentives to the faculty members for

publications are as follows:

Scientific Articles published in Grant given

a) Science Citation Index (SCI) Rs. 5,000/-

b) Chapter contribution in international

level book Rs. 4,000/-

c) Sole Author of Text Book / Reference

Book Rs. 6,000/-

d) Short communications/ Letter to the

editor/ Clinical Commentary/ Other

correspondences like Picture of the month

Rs. 1,000/-

� Cash Incentives to the faculty members/ Research scholars/ Post graduate

Students who get 1st /2nd / 3rd prize in paper presentations at National /

International level.

Prize

Quantum of Cash Incentive

(Amount in Rupees)

National level International level

1st Prize 3,000/- 5,000/-

2nd Prize 2,000/- 3,000/-

3rd Prize 1,000/- 2,000/-



3.5 Consultancy

3.5.1 What is the official policy of the University for Structured Consultancy? List a

few important consultancies undertaken by the university during the last four

years.

Transformation of knowledge system in health science, ventures by faculty

members in simplified operating environments, real time information and

experience have enabled many faculty members to provide consultancy services at

various levels.

Following are some important consultancy services undertaken by Medical and

Dental College:

♦ Cleft & Craniofacial - CCI Project, Zurich, Switzerland: Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate

operations are outsourced to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics

and Dentofacial Orthopaedics from. So far, the department has operated on 2500

children, in the last five years, free of cost.

♦ The Research foundation has also established collaborative research activities

with the State AIDS Research Centre on HIV

♦ The College of Medical and Nursing provide consultancy programs like training

on Drill and on obstetric and pediatric emergencies for skilled birth attendants

and staff nurses

♦ As the Medical college is situated in a rural campus, it provides consultancy

services for workers working in Corporate sectors in the form of Master Health

checkup and follow up

♦ The Nursing and Medical Colleges render free consultancy programs; provide

training among staff nurses who are working in labour room to teach neonatal

resuscitation techniques in resource-limited areas.

Following are the other areas of consultancy provided :

♦ Faculties of the Constituent colleges are members of Academic Council, Local

Inquiry Committee (LIC) for Ragging, Woman Grievance, Ethical Committee

and BOS of other health Universities.



♦ Faculties are inspectors for regulatory councils and expert members for staff

selection of public service commissions.

♦ Members of the Editorial Board and peer reviewers of Health Science Journals.

♦ The faculties are invited as resource persons by other institutions to participate

in workshops and other academic programmes.

♦ Many senior faculties are paper setters, UG and PG examiners, and Ph.D

examiners of the other universities.

♦ Most of these consultancy services are academic in nature.

♦ There has been a great increase in the number and horizons of consultancy

services provided by the faculty of the University.

♦ The faculties of three constituent colleges have been giving expert opinions on

National and private TV Channels creating health awareness to the public.

♦ The All India Radio Programmes on Health Related issues are regularly

rendered by various departments of the constituent colleges.

3.5.2 Does the university have a university-industry cell? If yes, what is its scope and

range of activities?

No

3.5.3 What is the mode of publicizing the expertise of the University for Consultancy

Services? Which are the departments from whom consultancy has been

sought?

� The University and all its constituent Colleges have well-designed websites on

which the consultancy services are regularly updated.

� The portfolio of researchers and consultants are also on websites. Thus, the

expertise of the institution is known to various stake holders.

� The health check-up camps serve to publicize the clinical expertise in the

community.

� The college websites provide information regarding the infrastructure and

consultants of the departments.

� The teaching hospital is recognized for providing health care facilities to several

health care insurance organizations, co-operative societies, government and

semi-government employees. Our satisfied patients serve to popularize the

clinical expertise of the consultants.



� The University publicizes an in-house bulletin in the form of ‘Voice of

Meenakshi’ which is issued every three months show casing the activities of all

three Constituent colleges in terms of publication, infrastructure development,

student progress and activities and important events of the colleges.

3.5.4 How does the university utilize the expertise of its faculty with regard to

consultancy services?

� The University is aware of the high caliber of staff and their wide range of skills

and research expertise. This enables the University to increase the academic

programs, promote research and patient care.

� The expertise of faculty is utilized to:

- Update the curriculum, Teaching learning enhancement, Preventive,

Promotive and Curative services, Undertake government/industry

sponsored projects, Start new certificate/diploma courses in their expertise

and Participate in radio and TV talks.

- The expert faculties share their knowledge in the high level university

committees which facilitates incorporation of these ideas / suggestions for

implementation.

� The experts identify and develop need-based programmes / projects for the

community. One of the outcomes of this exercise is an increase in the number of

academic programmes.

3.5.5 List the broad areas of consultancy services provided by the university and the

revenue generated during the last four years.

� The University has been providing free and paid consultancy services in various

healthcare sectors. The healthcare reforms, newer technologies and accountable

care have re-wired our consultancy channels that have been able to provide

healthcare to the community.

� Under the Government CM insurance schemes, our Medical college have

generated more than Rs. 3 Crores in the last 4 years. Wide publicity is given

to this aspect in the rural sector and a number of poor people have benefited

using this scheme in treating their ailments. This has greatly enhanced the

consultancy remuneration.



� There has been a significant enhancement in the revenue generated through

consultancy in last four years.

3.6 Extension Activities and Institutional Social Responsibility (ISR)

3.6.1 How does the university sensitize its faculty and students on its Institutional

Social Responsibilities? List the social outreach programmes which have

created an impact on students’ campus experience during the last four years.

� The University along with its constituent colleges have been carrying out social

outreach programs for those in the community, where access to quality

healthcare is beyond their reach. A team of the faculty from the University and

students are committed to work towards their social responsibilities along with

local volunteers and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

� As a part of the curriculum of all disciplines, students are required to undergo a

rotational internship programme. During the Community and Public health

posting students are posted in various urban and rural centres to cater to the

needs of the people. In this context our constituent college students and the

faculties, on a regular basis, are given community-based responsibilities to meet

health issues.

� As part of social outreach programs, the University and the constituent colleges

conduct health awareness programmes and medical camps through the NSS

units, in specific remote areas which are identified as places where health care

and medical management require prime importance.

� The University also organizes rallies and road shows on days like, ‘No Tobacco

Day’, ‘World Heart Day’, ‘World Arthritis Day’, ‘World Sight Day’, ‘World

Mental Health Day’, ‘World Organ Donation Day’, ‘Worlds AIDS Awareness

Day’ etc.

� The University conducts a seven-day mega health care annual camp in remote

places.

� The University has organized dental and medical exhibitions for school children

and civilians to make them aware of various diseases.

� The University along with the constituent colleges has conducted rallies, and 60

blood donation camps, where 2400 units of blood have been collected in the last

five years.



3.6.2 How does the university promote university-neighbourhood network and

student engagement, contributing to the holistic development of students and

sustained community development?

� The curriculum of all programs of University has been in-line with the aim of

holistic development that is ‘helping students to be the most that they can be’.

This has been achieved by promoting student involvement in community

related works throughout their course.

� The University promotes neighborhood network through the Department of

Community Medicine, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Department of

Community Physiotherapy and Department of Community Health Nursing.

During various health checkup camps in rural and semi urban areas, the interns

and post-graduate students get sensitized to social needs and acquire training

and also contribute to the sustainable community development.

� Our University has extended the CM health insurance scheme to our Medical

college in Kanchipuram. Under a public private partnership, two PHCs and one

UHCs have been adopted for providing complete health care.

� The 700 bedded teaching and training hospital at Kanchipuram provide primary

to tertiary health care facilities. Out of these 700 beds, 100 beds are part of a

charitable hospital which are free of cost to all the patients along with providing

free food, medicine, and investigations, pre and post-operative treatment to

needy patients.

� Interns are exposed to healthcare, social, economic and environmental problems

faced by the rural community. The students and interns thus, develop an attitude

for service and contribute to community development.

� Students also take part in NSS activities like study tours, community based

studies, epidemiological survey, field visits, etc.

� The NSS activities have greatly helped the students to encompass and integrate

multiple community related healthcare issues rather than limiting to defining

disease possibilities.

� The institution has identified the nearby areas/localities in which the institution is

located apart from the distant places; accordingly advanced tour plan is prepared

with the participant pooled from the faculty and the students. This regular

conducting of extension activities has inculcated among students and faculty a

holistic approach towards the community development.



3.6.3 How does the university promote the participation of the students and faculty

in extension activities including participation in NSS, NCC, YRC and other

National/ International programmes?

� The University has 3 NSS units with 520 volunteers .The NSS unit organizes

various social activities. They have programs which adopt villages and help the

state machinery to implement their schemes in the adopted villages. They also

carry out socio-economic surveys.

� The University promotes extension activities through the Department of

Community Medicine, Public Health Dentistry, Public Health, Community

Health Nursing. The Constituent colleges organize various health checkups,

diagnostic, treatment, and educational camps in rural and semi urban areas

where the interns and postgraduate students acquire training and also contribute

to the sustainable community development.

� In last four years, the University and its constituent colleges have conducted 320

camps through which 4,24,400 number of people were benefitted.

� A number of outreach programs are organised by the NSS unit of University

along with constituent units like:

� Health check up and treatment camps

� Blood donation camps

� Health education activities

� Movie screening on ‘World Environment Day’ and ‘Global

Warming’

� Awareness talks on World Organ donation day

� Importance of breast feeding during ‘World Breast Feeding Week’

� Essay writing and poster making competition on ‘World AIDS

Day’

� BLS training workshop

� Swasth Bharath and Swatch Bharath for National Cleanliness

awareness

� Talk and street play on No tobacco day

� University has also conducted Dental and Medical exhibitions for common

people and school children to make them aware of various communicable and

non-communicable diseases, plethora of diagnostics and treatment procedures.

It has also highlighted certain preventive and precautionary measures.



3.6.4 Give details of social surveys, research or extension work, if any, undertaken

by the university to ensure social justice and empower the underprivileged and

the most vulnerable sections of society?

� The college has adopted a nearby village PHC at Vadavamandal and it is taking

care of the needs of the villagers in all respects. In addition an urban health

centre in Kanchipuram is also being taken care of by the college. Regular OPD

is being run by the college students leading to hands on experience on the

diseases in community.

� Prevalence of Oral lesions and Periodontal health status among smokeless

tobacco users and smokers in migratory workers have been carried out.

3.6.5 Does the university have a mechanism to track the students’ involvement in

various social movements / activities which promote citizenship roles?

The student participation in the rural outreach camps in promoting health & Dental

health care is kept track.

Students participated in World No Tobacco Day – Expo and Rally held in

association with Indian Dental Association, Madras branch for the last five years

The university programmes provide an opportunity for personality and value-based

learning experience through involvement in community work. The extension

activities have been incorporated in the academic programme. Regular feedback is

obtained through constituent colleges and also through community participation in

college activities. Feedback is obtained from the parents of students during the

convocation ceremony

3.6.6 Bearing in mind the objectives and expected outcomes of the extension

activities organized by the university, how did they complement students’

academic learning experience? Specify the values inculcated and skills learnt.

The extension activities organized by the university have greatly motivated our

students to appreciate the common health problems faced by the community and the

methods of curing the same. This also makes them confident in tackling various

emergency cases in a rural setup, including normal delivery cases, accidents and

Communicable diseases.



3.6.7 How does the university ensure the involvement of the community in its

outreach activities and contribute to community development? Give details of

the initiatives of the university which have encouraged community

participation in its activities.

The constituent colleges of the University have institutional coordinators which take

care of rural health, primary health centre and programmes associated with it and

also an urban centre. Residents and faculty of the institution regularly undertake

healthcare programmes in association with the local community. Community

leaders are also invited to public health forums in the institution.

The Department of Public Health Dentistry organized street dramas, rally in various

places to motivate the community to practice good oral hygiene habits, awareness of

oral cancer and its self examination.

3.6.8 Give details of awards received by the institution for extension activities

and/contributions to social/community development during the last four years.

Nil

3.7 Collaboration

3.7.1 How has the university’s collaboration with other agencies impacted the

visibility, identity and diversity of activities on campus? To what extent has the

university benefitted academically and financially because of collaborations?

� The outlook of the University itself changed with the type of collaborative

research projects undertaken. This has not only improved the quality of research

work, but also publications and health care services, and facilitated development

of Evidence Based Medicine.

� University research is carried out with financial support from national research

organizations like, ICMR and DST

� The University has collaborations with the Government of Tamil Nadu through

the CM Health Insurance Scheme, a public private partnership under which

three primary health centres and one urban health centres are adopted to give

primary and secondary health care.

� The infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds with state of art facilities

for research and academic growth.



Academic and financial benefits

� Various new academic programs have been started.

� Many postgraduate students get industrial exposure by carrying out their

dissertations in industries and thereby, improve their employability. Joint

research efforts, proposals from funding agencies addressing the need of

industry and societies are made.

� Collaborations have helped to increase the number of scientific publications in

both quantity and quality. The publications have increased from 196 to 474

from 2004 to 2015

� Quality research has received recognitions through awards, distinctions and

grants.

3.7.2 Mention specific examples of how these linkages promote

The collaborative linkages (MCI, DCI, INC) and with various organization have

helped the University and its constituent colleges to prepare an innovative and

integrated teaching-learning process.

� Curriculum development

♦ It helped to learn and bring about reforms in curriculum by trained faculty.

For example, introduction of OSCE / OSPE, MCQs in formative and

summative assessment pattern.

♦ Multidisciplinary approach based curriculum could be built.

♦ Research linkages with national agencies like ICMR, DST etc. have

promoted research in the constituent colleges in purchasing sophisticated

equipments and appropriate changes in the curriculum based on the research

outcome was made

♦ Expert opinions and inputs from collaborating academic, Medical, Dental

and Nursing experts, supervisors and students are taken into consideration

for curriculum development.

� Internship

♦ Interns are posted to centers of excellence to enhance clinical skills and

expertise.



♦ Working in primary health centres during compulsory rotational internship

programmes gives opportunities for on-the-job training.

� On-the-job training

♦ On-duty leaves are provided to faculty to pursue on-the-job training at

centers with which University has created linkages. Financial support

towards travel and incidental expenses is provided.

♦ The linkages help in executing in-service programmes and continuing

learning activities. These linkages promote faculty development

programmes like, training and orientation on a continuous basis.

♦ The University has made provisions for in-service faculty to enroll for

higher studies like Ph.D., and fellowship programs.

� Faculty exchange and development

♦ Faculty is deputed to foreign universities and universities of national repute

for academic benefits, clinical skill enhancement, research training and

promotions.

� Research

♦ Linkages have helped involvement of more than 20% of faculty in research

activities.

♦ Amount generated from research grants has increased over the past five

years. Total grant of Rs. 20 Lakhs has been received.

♦ The linkages have helped the post graduates, research scholars and faculty to

obtain cross-sectional clinical data for their research work. Collaborative

research for postgraduate and doctoral degree is promoted through linkages.

� Publication

♦ The number of publications has shown a multifold increase in high quality

journals. In the last four years, 1141 papers have been published in national /

international / regional journals.

♦ Linkages have facilitated publications, which are covered under Pub MED,

Scopus, Google Scholar. This has facilitated faculty recognition on an

international platform and in the research arena.



♦ Linkages provide an opportunity for faculty and students to publish their

research work in the journals / bulletins / conference proceedings released by

them.

♦ Around 13 popular books and 11 chapters have been authored by our faculty

of all the three constituent colleges.

� Consultancy

♦ There has been marked increase in the number of consultancies provided by

the faculty and the institutions in terms of academics, research and health

care services.

♦ In last five years, Rs. 1,78,95,609.90/- has been generated through

consultancy services.

♦ Consultancy services have benefited all the stakeholders. It has enhanced

exposure, knowledge and skill of students and faculty. It has also helped the

faculty in terms of development of expertise, experience and revenue.

� Extension

♦ Apart from 420 health camps, several rallies and other health care programmes

have been conducted in last four years.

♦ The MAHER University acts as a catalyst in developing institutional

community network.

♦ Linkages with the Government of Tamil Nadu for various health schemes has

increased extension activities.

♦ Linkages provided opportunities to carry out joint ventures of health

awareness programmes, various workshops, conferences and extension

activities like health camps.

� Student placement

♦ The students are sensitized to national and social issues through the

organization of various programmes.

♦ Job opportunities in various Medical, Dental and Nursing colleges, and other

public sectors are provided.



♦ Student credibility is enhanced by participation in research projects

undertaken in association with national linkages.

♦ Linkages (ICMR) for research projects have helped the research scholars in

placement as faculty.

� Any other (please specify)

♦ Community-oriented services and programs have been emphasized.

♦ Linkages have helped in student support and progression by providing them

opportunities for learning, skill enhancement, research and job placement.

3.7.3 Has the university signed any MoUs with institutions of national/international

importance / other universities / industries / corporate houses etc.? If yes, how

have they enhanced the research and development activities of the university?

Yes

University had 3 MoU’s in with National Organization and agencies. The

University has been providing support and training to the faculty and students for

grant writing, filing patents and collaborative research.

3.7.4 Have the university-industry interactions resulted in the establishment /

creation of highly specialized laboratories / facilities?

Yes

� The constituent institution-industry interaction has resulted in the establishment

of highly specialized laboratories and facilities in its constituent colleges

� The University has created a state-of-art Clinical Skill Laboratory worth Rs.15

lakhs for training and this has attracted students from other institutes.

� OSCE / OSPE laboratory has been established.

� Off-campus Central Research Lab Center with highly sophisticated equipments

and specialized software has been established at Dental and Medical College

� It has helped in the procurement/maintenance of equipment in highly specialized

laboratories

Any other information regarding Research, Consultancy and Extension, which the


Nil

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion IV - Infrastructure & Learning Resources


CRITERION IV :

INFRASTRUCTURE AND LEARNING RESOURCES

4.1 Physical Facilities

4.1.1 How does the university plan and ensure adequate availability of physical

infrastructure and ensure its optimal utilization?

a. The Institute through its committees envisions its future expansion plans for the

next few years and accordingly tries to build on their expansion activities with

regard to academics, teaching and learning facilities, sports infrastructure, hostel

facilities etc. Once the expansion plans are decided upon, then a separate budget

is allocated for such expansions.

b. All such facilities are put into maximum use by the different stakeholders on a

shared basis. Separate authorities are appointed to ensure such facilities are

maintained, shared on a scheduled time basis, and thereby ensuring that the

facilities are optimally utilized. New constructions are initiated every year after

a proper assessment of necessity/relevance.

c. Adequate funding is ensured for repair, maintenance, additions and alterations to

existing buildings. A dedicated agency of MAHER is available fulltime for this

purpose.

d. Standard operating procedures are in place for demand initiation, processing and

procurement of equipments and their use

e. The Constituent Colleges provides excellent auditoriums, lecture halls, seminar

halls and clinical teaching facilities in the attached hospitals that are fully ICT

enabled for a very high quality teaching-learning experience for its students.

f. E-learning module for access by all students & faculty has been recently

established in-house & is used extensively. ICT is accorded high priority in all

teaching & learning activities and there is constant endeavor to improve IT and

computer infrastructure with dedicated annual funding.

g. Library services are a key result area and there is constant effort to bring it up to

a very high standard. A substantial annual funding is ensured for library and e-

learning resources.

h. Co-curricular, extra-curricular activities and sports are accorded the highest

priority for an all-round development of students. Infrastructure for sports is of

very high standards, which are available to students.



4.1.2 Does the university have a policy for the creation and enhancement of

infrastructure in order to promote a good teaching-learning environment? If

yes, mention a few recent initiatives.

Yes, in tune with the vision and mission of the university, and through

environmental scanning, newer facilities as exemplified below are added:

a) Auditorium: There are two fully equipped auditoriums that are air-conditioned

with theatre-style seating arrangement and full multimedia facilities. One of

them has a seating capacity of over 1500 and other one has a seating capacity of

400. Both of them are fully air-conditioned. Internet connection has been

established along with video-conferencing facility/webcasting etc.

b) Lecture Theatres: There are 14 well-equipped lecture theatres with seating

capacity varying from 100 to 400. These are equipped with computers,

multimedia and LCD projection system. All of them are well-lit and have good

ventilation. Many of them are air-conditioned with ergonomic seating. Many of

the lecture halls are of a very high standard and can qualify as ideal class rooms.

c) Demonstration Halls: There are 40 departmental demonstration halls with

seating capacity of 25-75. Many of these are air-conditioned with sufficient

lighting systems and comfortable seating arrangements. These are also

equipped with computers, multimedia and LCD projection system. Internet has

also been provided in each of these.

d) Library Facilities: A well-furnished and spacious central library which consists

of a variety of books, reference books, various journals are available. The library

was updated into a computerized network. The Library Network connects this

college with national and international libraries. The Main library of the

constituent college has a broad-band connection with a speed of 2 Mbps.

e) Digital Library: There are two state-of-art Digital Libraries in the constituent

colleges with 40 terminals in the Medical College and 7 terminals in the Dental

College. In addition to this, all the departments have a requisite number of

computers with internet facility.

f) Museums: Many departments have their own museums which contains a lot of

exhibits and training charts for the benefit of the students. The museum of

Department of Community Medicine, Anatomy, Pathology, Oral pathology and

Microbiology have been rated amongst the best in the State.



g) Academic Departments: These are well-equipped with state-of- art equipment

and training aids for a teaching & learning experience of the highest class. A

large number of mannequins are available for effective practical training of

medical, dental and nursing students. There are full-fledged teaching aids cell

for helping the students in preparing teaching aids and materials.

h) Equipments : like C-arm in Ortho theatre, Cath Lab, Advanced Multi Slice

Spiral CT scanner, 1.5 T-MRI, 4D – color Doppler for Mammography for early

deduction of breast cancer are provided for better diagnostic procedures and for

learning advanced concepts in the management of a disease.

i) Co-curricular activities: A large number of conferences, CMEs & updates and

workshops are held in the College in various departments in collaboration with

other professional associations and scientific institutes of repute. Students take

active part in these activities. In addition most departments organize field visits

and hands-on training activities for augmenting the academic inputs. There is a

Student Scientific Society which is very popular and students take part in many

scientific presentations and competitions with remarkable success.

4.1.3 How does the university create a conducive physical ambience for the faculty in

terms of adequate research laboratories, computing facilities and allied

services?

� The University have created excellent physical ambience for the faculty for

conducting research in various ways, say by way of developing state of art

Central Research Lab in Medical and Dental Constituent colleges at a cost of

Rs. 25 Lakhs and Rs. 40 Lakhs respectively.

� This initiative has made our faculty to compete at the highest level in terms of

publication and presentation at various scientific forums.

� The hi-tech ICT infrastructure in the respective constituent colleges have made

computing facilities better by way E - journaling and blended learning.

4.1.4 Has the university provided all departments with facilities like office room,

common room and separate rest rooms for women students and staff?

Yes

� As a responsible institution of higher education, the University has ensured and

taken care in creating an environment where female students, faculty and staff



feel safe to learn, work and live.

� The constituent colleges of the University have provided office rooms, separate

common rooms for women in the colleges and Hospitals. There are separate

dining and wash rooms for women students and the faculty. Separate female

staff is appointed to maintain these wash rooms.

� 24x7 helpline for female students is available.

� CCTV in the campus and hospital ensures safety of female students and female

staff.

4.1.5 How does the university ensure that the infrastructure facilities are disabled-

friendly?

� At present, there is no physically disabled student in the campus.

� However, the Constituent Colleges of the University have provided for easy

access of differently-able people to the colleges and hospitals by providing;

Lifts, ramps and wheel chair facilities in all the buildings of the constituent

colleges of the University.

� Lift operators (women) and security personnel are always available to take care

of differently-able people for their easy accessibility in the campus.

� Separate wash rooms are provided for differently-able people.

4.1.6 How does the university cater to the requirements of residential students? Give

details of

� Capacity of the hostels and occupancy (to be given separately for men and

women)

Medical Dental Nursing

Boys Girls Boys Girls Boys Girls

No. of Hostels 03 02 01 04 01 01

No. of Inmates 450 360 99 238 03 40

� Recreational facilities in hostels like gymnasium, yoga centre, etc.

� The Constituent Colleges of the University promotes extracurricular

activities.

� The students are encouraged to participate in a large number of cultural

event both inside and outside the campus.



� The students take active part in cultural festivals all over the country and

have performed creditably. The students of the college also organize their

own intercollegiate festival which is a major event in the intercollegiate

calendar.

� The University gives much importance to games, sports and physical

training because a majority of students participate in the annual cultural and

sports event conducted by the MAHER University.

� The University has extensive sports facilities for the students. Moreover, all

these facilities are absolutely free of cost. The physical facilities available

are:-

� Cricket : Full specifications ground

� Volleyball : Two courts

� Basketball : Concrete court with lighting

� Table Tennis : Two tables

� Billiards : Four table s

� Indoor games : Chess and carom

� Gymnasium: Two gymnasia fully equipped with fixed exercise

stations, moveable weights, treadmills and other equipment.

� Football : Full specification ground

� Broadband connectivity / wi-fi facility in hostels.

� Broadband connection is provided in the main library for the students to get

access to E-journaling and preparing for seminars, conferences, symposia

and for publications.

4.1.7 Does the university offer medical facilities for its students and teaching and

non-teaching staff living on campus?

Yes

4.1.8 What special facilities are available on campus to promote students’ interest in

sports and cultural events/activities?

Sports:

� The institution organizes the annual intra-college and inter-college sports and

cultural events.



� Indoor facilities are provided for Table Tennis, Carom Board, Chess, and

gymnasium.

� Separate gymnasium is provided in boys and girls hostels

� Outdoor facilities include cricket ground, football grounds, volleyball, basket

ball etc.

Co-curricular Activities:

� An air-conditioned auditorium, with seating capacity of 1500, provides

opportunity to the students to conduct cultural activities.

� A separate music troop is available for the students to get trained in music and to

participate at the national and state level..

� Yoga coaching classes with special trainers is available in the constituent

colleges to develop concentration skills and a state of mental relaxation

� Through the NSS Unit of the University, the students of the constituent colleges

take part in community health awareness programmes throughout the year

� The University has promoted participation of students from all the constituent

colleges to take part in the Annual Sports and cultural festival of the University.

� Apart from the University events, the constituent colleges conduct their own

annual sports and cultural events

� Celebration of National Days such as Independence Day, Republic Day,

International Non-violence Day, etc to promote patriotic spirit among the

students and staff.

� Recreation room is available in every constituent colleges and in the hostels.

4.2 Library as a Learning Resource

4.2.1 Does the library have an Advisory Committee? Specify the composition of the

committee. What significant initiatives have been taken by the committee to

render the library student/user friendly?

Yes

� The University believes that a library is a necessity in one’s academic life, and

the library at the University gives a fabulous learning environment to research

and is indeed the ‘room for the birth of ideas’

� Each constituent college of the University has institutional and departmental

libraries with their own Advisory Committee.

� The Library Committee is headed by the Vice chancellor and has the Dean,



Principal and all Heads of Departments as its members. The main

responsibilities of this committee are to procure various books and journals, up

gradation of the library and maintenance of the infrastructure.

� The Advisory Committee has implemented the following:

� Students are provided with user IDs for entry into the library and to

access the broadband connection.

� Automated machine has been provided at the entrance of the library for

quick and easy access to book / journals search for students.

� E-learning and E-journaling resources for undergraduate, postgraduate

and faculties are available in the library

� Book Bank facility is available in the library.

� Dissertations, thesis and question papers of previous years etc., have

been kept for reference in an user friendly mode.

� All the libraries conduct book exhibitions by different publishers

regularly for the benefit of students and faculty.

� Initiatives have been taken by the library committee members to

encourage and increase the in-flow of staff and students to the library.

4.2.2 Provide details of the following:

� Total area of the library (in Sq. Mts.)

� Total seating capacity

� Working hours (on working days, on holidays, before examination, during

examination, during vacation)

� Layout of the library (individual reading carrels, lounge area for browsing and

relaxed reading, IT zone for accessing e-resources)

� Clear and prominent display of floor plan; adequate sign boards; fire alarm;

access to differently-abled users and mode of access to collection

Each Constituent college of the University has a full fledged Central library.

The details provided here as follows:

Medical College:

∗ Total area of the library (in Sq. Mts.)

Library has three floors with a carpet area of 4,179 Sq mtrs.

∗ Total seating capacity

Over 425



∗ Working hours (on working days, on holidays, before examination, during


The issue section is open from 08:00am to 08.00pm and Sunday 9.00 am

to 1 pm. before the examination 08.00 am to 12.00 am

∗ Layout of the library (individual reading carrels, lounge area for browsing

and relaxed reading, IT zone for accessing e-resources)

There are individual multiple reading carrels, lounge area for group

reading is 300 sq.ft, areas separately ear marked for discussions, relaxed

reading and IT Zone for accessing e resources – 40 terminals.

∗ Clear and prominent display of floor plan; adequate sign boards; fire

alarm; access to differently-abled users and mode of access to collection

YES

∗ List of library staff with their qualifications

4 (four) Librarians with Masters in Library Sciences

Dental College:

∗ Total area of the library (in Sq. Mts.)

Library with a carpet area of 8000 Sq ft.


Over 120 and separate section for PG for a capacity of 20



The issue section is open from 08:00h to 16:00 h



There are individual reading carrels, lounge for group reading, areas

separately ear marked for discussions, relaxed reading and IT Zone for

accessing e resources.



YES


One Librarian with Masters in Library Sciences

One Asst. Librarian with Bachelors in Library Sciences



Nursing College:

Total area of the library (in Sq. Mts.)

Library with a carpet area of 3240 Sq ft.


Over 55 and separate section for PG and faculty for a capacity of 45



The issue section is open from 08:00h to 16:00 h



There are individual reading carrels, lounge for group reading, areas

separately ear marked for discussions, relaxed reading and IT Zone for

accessing e resources.



YES


One Librarians with Masters in Library Sciences

4.2.3 Give details of the library holdings:

a) Print (books, back volumes and theses)

b) Average number of books added during the last three years

c) Non Print (Microfiche, AV)

d) Electronic (e-books, e-journals)

e) Special collections (e.g. text books, reference books, standards, patents)

f) Book Banks

g) Question Banks

Medical College:

� Books – 13,340

� Journals – 145

� E- Journals – 1541

� Thesis – 133

∗ Average number of books added during the last three years

� More than 1000 More than 500 e-books.

∗ Non Print (Microfiche, AV) – 180 Educational CDS

� Electronic (e-books, e-journals) - More than 750 e-books.

∗ Special collections (e.g. text books, reference books, standards, patents)



� Free access is provided for 169+ indexed journals online from this

library for the students and staff. 750 e-books, 1500 e-journals.

∗ Book bank - Available

∗ Question bank - Available

Dental College:

� Books – 9,606

� Journals – International – 52 National - 36

� Back Volume – 77

� Thesis – 917

� Library Dissertation - 433


� More than 2481 More than 15 e-books.


� Electronic (e-books, e-journals) - More than 150 e-books. 9 e -

journal


� Free access is provided for 9 e – journals online from the library

for the students and staff. 15 e-books, 88 -journals.



Nursing College:

� Books – 4,080

� Journals – International – 10 National – 05

� E- Journals - 36

� Back Volume – 32

� Thesis – 134


� More than 1887 books


� Electronic (e-books, e-journals) - 36 e - journal


� Free access is provided for 36 e – journals online from the library

internet for the students and staff.



4.2.4 What tools does the library deploy to provide access to the collection?

� OPAC

� Electronic Resource Management package for e-journals



� Federated searching tools to search articles in multiple databases

� Library Website

� In-house/remote access to e-publications

To provide access to faculties and students to the vast collection of library

materials like Online public Access catalogue (OPAC), Electronic E-Journals and

in house verification of e-publication and articles along with provisions for

searching articles in multiple data base such as MEDLARS, Pub Med, Cochrane,

the University has employed a computer technician to assist and enable the users

with the required skills to get access to the above materials.

4.2.5 To what extent is ICT deployed in the library? Give details with regard to

� Library automation

� Total number of computers for general access

� Total numbers of printers for general access

� Internet band width speed - 2mbps, 10 mbps, 1 GB

� Institutional Repository

� Content management system for e-learning

� Participation in resource sharing networks/consortia (like INFLIBNET)

In the last five years, the University has been providing electronic sources

delivery and network information to all the constituent colleges. The Broadband

connection, Wi-Fi facility and internet access have been prominent

technological advancements for learning experience.

∗ Library automation

All the library operations are computerized by using Easy-lib 4.3.2/4.3.6 with

SQL 2005 server. This has facilitated wider and deeper acquisition of

information to improve the existing library services, to introduce new

information services and to retrieve stored information easily. The libraries

follow Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme for the classification of the books

and accordingly, books are arranged on the book shelves. Colon classification is

followed for the classification of the back volumes of the journals.

∗ Total number of computers for general access – 49

∗ Total numbers of printers for general access – 5

∗ Internet band width speed 2mbps, 16mbps



Internet facility with broad-band connectivity is provided in the digital library of

the constituent colleges & hospital where simultaneously, 250 students can

access the facility.

∗ Institutional Repository

The University’s Institutional Repository is the digital archive of the research

output of PG dissertations submitted by PG Students and PhD thesis of various

faculty. Anyone can browse the documents by title, author, department, date,

key words, etc. It also includes question papers of previous years.

∗ Content management system for e-learning

All the digital library computers are centralized and managed with WINDOWS

2008 Active Directory and Group Policy Security System based HP server, 106

Client Computers, 2 VMware Virtual DNS & DHCP Servers, networked with 1

GB LAN and Central Managed Antivirus System.

The Medical and Dental Education Departments utilizes the Educational

Technologies in digitally enabling healthcare education.

The enhancement in the library facility has been revolving around advancements

in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which has gone a long

way in influencing the mode of information gathering, storage, retrieval and

dissemination.

4.2.6 Provide details (per month) with regard to

Medical Dental Nursing

Average number of walk-ins 95 50 20

Average number of books

issued/returned 25 20 10

Ratio of library books to students

enrolled 19:1 16:1 5:1

Average number of books added

during the last four years 4500 2481 750

Average number of login to OPAC

Average number of e-resources

downloaded/printed 350 120 42

Number of IT (Information

Technology) literacy trainings

organized

6 - -



4.2.7 Give details of specialized services provided by the library with regard to:

♦ Manuscripts - YES

♦ Reference - YES

♦ Reprography / scanning - YES

♦ Inter-library Loan Service - YES

♦ Information Deployment and Notification - YES

♦ OPACS - YES

♦ Internet Access - YES

♦ Downloads - YES

♦ Printouts - YES

♦ Reading list/ Bibliography compilation - YES

♦ In-house/remote access to e-resources - YES

♦ User Orientation - YES

♦ Assistance in searching Databases - YES

♦ INFLIBNET/HELINET/DELNET – YES

� The Central library uses internet facility for inter-library communication. The

departmental and central libraries are connected by intra-net. The record of all

the available books, references and journals are computerized. The issue of

books and journals is well indexed and computerized as well as documented.

� Inter-library borrowing facility is available between the central library and the

departmental libraries. However there is no facility for inter-library borrowing

from libraries of other institutions. The archives section contains a large variety

and collection of reference books and bound journals of more than 10 yrs. The

same is being widely used by students and faculty for the purpose of teaching

and research.

4.2.8 Provide details of the annual library budget and the amount spent for

purchasing new books and journals.

As per the decision taken by the Library Advisory Committee which in turn, is

based on recommendations of the HODs of all departments, there is a dedicated

library grant every year for the colleges which is provided by MAHER.

Annual Budget Allocated by the University :

MMCH&RI

Medical College

MADC

Dental College

MCON

Nursing College

Rs. 32 Lakhs Rs. 20 Lakhs Rs. 5 Lakhs



4.2.9 What initiatives has the university taken to make the library a ‘happening

place’ on campus?

The university with the installation of ICT in all the constituent colleges has been

impressive in providing fast access to the latest information in areas of Medicine,

Dentistry and Nursing. This has made the students take keen interest in academic

aspects and also communicate with the professors in order to clarify doubts in any

subject. The pursuit of knowledge in library has become an enjoyable experience for

the students.

4.2.10 What are the strategies used by the library to collect feedback from its users?

How is the feedback analysed and used for the improvement of the library

services?

The Library Committees meet regularly and evaluate the feedback forms and take

appropriate measures for further improvement.

Structured feedback forms regarding library services are placed near the entrance

lobby and students are encouraged to provide feedback on any necessary

improvement in library services. The feedback is analysed statistically and measures

have been taken to address the most common complaint

In addition, suggestion boxes are placed in the library for any complaints.

Catalogues are sent to all departments for the latest upgrade in books and numbers

every year.

Based on an analysis of the feedback collected, the Library Committee has

introduced facilities like Institutional Repository .

4.2.11 List the efforts made towards the infrastructural development of the library in

the last four years.

� All latest acquisitions in the library are kept separately. The list of the same is

displayed centrally. Letters are reissued to all departments regarding acquisition

of the latest books and journals. The central library has its own Digital library

for the UG and PG Student.

� Central library possesses a broadband connection with the capacity of 6 mbps.

Installation of security cameras have been carried out. Additional seating and

reading cubicles for privacy have been provided in the Central Library. The UG



Library has been renovated and additional seating has been provided. Lighting

and ventilation have been ensured. 49 Computers with internet facility have

been provided.

� Bar-coding has been implemented for tracking of issues and receivables

� Sufficient number of computers provided

� E learning resources has been enhanced

4.3 IT Infrastructure

4.3.1 Does the university have a comprehensive IT policy with regard to

� IT Service Management - YES

� Information Security - YES

� Network Security - YES

� Risk Management - YES

� Software Asset Management - YES

� Open Source Resources - YES

� Green Computing - YES

4.3.2 Give details of the university’s computing facilities i.e., hardware and software.

1. Number of systems with individual configurations

� The institution has modern computer facilities. All the departments in the

Colleges have computers of their own - the details of which are mentioned in

the inputs from the departments. In addition, all the administrative

departments of this institution are fully equipped with computers and

accessories.

� The computers held by the respective department are PCs. Though the

configuration vary slightly, in general, they have the latest configurations,

(Windows 7, 2GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Disk and colour monitors with

printers).

� No of computer terminals - 215

� No of computers in college – Medical – 130 – Dental – 70

Nursing - 25

� No of departments with computer facility - 64

� Central computer facility: 49 terminals with digital facilities.



2. Internet connection facility :

� Broad Band Connection - 4 mbps – 2 Nos , 512 kbps – 3 Nos,

NKN – 5 Lines with 2 mbps

� Dedicated computing facilities – Available

� LAN facility - YES

� Wi-Fi facility - YES

� Proprietary software – YES

3. Computer-student ratio

Approximately 1:8 in addition Students UG & PG are using their own

laptop devices.

4.3.3 What are the institutional plans and strategies for deploying and upgrading the

IT infrastructure and associated facilities?

Most of the faculty has more than a basic knowledge of computers and computer-

aided-learning. Use of computers in medical, dental and nursing education forms

part of faculty development programmes. Some formal courses are also conducted

facilitating faculty to prepare computer -aided -teaching/learning resources. Every

classroom is provided with computer with LCD projectors and interactive boards for

optimal use of computers in teaching.

4.3.4 Give details on access to on-line teaching and learning resources and other

knowledge and information database/packages provided to the staff and

students for quality teaching, learning and research.

Yes, the constituent college has a website which gives detailed information about

classes, tests, practical’s, and test marks of each of the departments. All the classes

taken by the faculty is made available in the online form in the digital library and

the appropriate link to the relevant website is given to the students for enhanced

learning.

4.3.5 What are the new technologies deployed by the university in enhancing student

learning and evaluation during the last four years and how do they meet new /

future challenges?

There are central computer facilities. There are 49 computers which are networked

and containing multimedia facilities. The digital library is available for UG and PG

students and for the faculty. The college has a wide network with an internet portal



for the college as well as an E-learning portal accessed widely. Video-conferencing

of lectures, live procedures, etc. have been installed to enhance the learning

experience

4.3.6 What are the IT facilities available to individual teachers for effective teaching

and quality research?

All the departments are provided with an adequate number of computer terminals

with internet facilities for preparing presentations and for carrying out research

work. E-leaning is carried out in departments. Most of the class rooms are provided

with interactive boards. Some of the departments have facilities for transmission of

live procedures carried out in Operation Theatres to class rooms in the department.

4.3.7 Give details of ICT-enabled classrooms/learning spaces available within the

university? How are they utilized for enhancing the quality of teaching and

learning?

Yes

� Lecture Theatres: There are 14 lecture theatres with seating capacity varying

from 100 to 350. New lecture halls have been provided with internet facility and

lectures are presented using multimedia facility and LCD projection system with

internet services.

� Demonstration Room: There are 54 departmental seminar halls with seating

capacity of 75-100. Many of these halls are equipped with computers with

multimedia and LCD projection system. Internet has also been provided in all of

them.

� Library Facilities: The libraries in the constituent colleges has been

dynamically updated with computerized network.. The main library has a

broadband connection.

� Wi-Fi Zones: The Dental college campus has designed Wi-Fi zones for the

benefit of students and faculty.

4.3.8 How are the faculty assisted in preparing computer- aided teaching-learning

materials? What are the facilities available in the university for such

initiatives?

Most of the faculty has more than basic knowledge of computers and computer

aided learning. Use of computers in medical education is a part of the faculty



development programme. Some formal courses are also conducted facilitating

faculty to prepare computer-aided teaching/learning resources. Every classroom is

provided with computer facility with LCD projectors and interactive boards for

optimal use of computers in teaching. A photographer is provided with digital still

and video camera for taking clinical pictures for student presentations. The scanning

facility available in the library helps in scanning pictures from books.

4.3.9 How are the computers and their accessories maintained?

� Since its inception the University has regular annual maintenance contract with

reputed companies as per the standard norms.

� Normally, computers and its accessories are purchased within a three years

inbuilt onsite warranty and thereafter, they are maintained by way of an annual

maintenance contract (AMC).

� The computers are usually replaced once in 5 years with new units.

� Each constituent colleges has a team of qualified, well-trained and experienced

computer engineers and technicians engaged in maintaining the IT infrastructure

and its accessories, server maintenance, network services, hardware services.

� The University has appointed vendors to collect e-waste. The plastics and cast-

off waste is recycled and other waste is dispatched as per norms.

4.3.10 Does the university avail of the National Knowledge Network connectivity? If

so, what are the services availed of?

Yes the institution is connected to the National Knowledge Network thorough NIC.

More than 100 books are available through six publishers, ERMED National

consortium. The Constituent Colleges Library utilizes e-resources like e-journals,

books etc.

4.3.11 Does the university avail of web resources such as Wikipedia, dictionary and

other education enhancing resources? What are its policies in this regard?

Yes, the Constituent Colleges avails such resources with necessary filtrations.

4.3.12 Provide details on the provision made in the annual budget for the update,

deployment and maintenance of computers in the university.

The Constituent Colleges every year procure the required number of computers of

the latest configuration to replace older computers. In addition new computers are

also procured for departments which indicate their justified requirement. The



constituent college receives a substantial IT grant from the University for procuring,

updating and maintenance of computers and peripherals. There is budgetary support

for conduction formal computer training courses for faculty. The annual IT grant for

last two years is adequate.

4.3.13 What plans have been envisioned for the gradual transfer of teaching and

learning from closed university information network to open environment?

MAHER provides e-learning modules to all its constituent colleges. All the

departments in the College have computers of their own. In addition, all the

administrative departments of the University are fully equipped with computers of

high speed internet facility. The Constituent Colleges are planning to install webinar

at frequent intervals of time for enhance learning and transfer of teaching and

learning to open environment.

4.4 Maintenance of Campus Facilities

4.4.1 Does the university have an estate office / designated officer for overseeing the

maintenance of buildings, class-rooms and laboratories? If yes, mention a few

campus specific initiatives undertaken to improve the physical ambience.

� All the maintenance of buildings, class room and laboratories is the

responsibility of the University. All major budgetary allocations are as per

projected requirements. The constituent colleges have mechanisms to monitor

expenditures in the budget allotted for various activities. There is an in-house

team led by a senior manager and ably assisted by a team for the various areas to

manage and maintain the campus infrastructures. All the agencies have to submit

the progress reports for various expenditures which are verified. All

expenditures are planned and approved at different levels.

a) Land: All land in the campus has adequate space and greenery with good

landscaping and is well-maintained.

b) Building: Regular day to day maintenance is carried out by housekeeping.

Major maintenance including additions and alterations are carried out by

experienced civil engineers. Periodical maintenance of civil infrastructures is

done for the upkeep of the outlook.



c) Furniture: Repair and maintenance of furniture is done by the constituent

colleges with their own budget. Special furniture is procured and repaired by

the university.

d) Computers: Computers and accessories are procured out of IT funds

allotted to the colleges.

e) Vehicles: Each constituent college is authorized to procure and repair

vehicles as per requirement and the fund is provided by the constituent

colleges. The vehicles are maintained at the respective Station Workshop of

constituent colleges.

4.4.2 How are the infrastructure facilities, services and equipments maintained?

Give details.

Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for Intercom Exchange exists. The Civil

Department of the constituent colleges are fully dedicated to the task of repair and

maintenance of buildings, furniture, electrical fittings, air conditioners and

generators. The college has a full-time department which monitors and supervises

the maintenance programme. There is a biomedical repair cell for immediate and

emergency repairs. There are two Bio-Medical Engineers available in the medical

college to provide services for repair and maintenance of the various Bio-electro-

medical equipments round-the-clock. There are two Dental Chair Mechanics

appointed in Dental College for service and repair of Dental Chairs and equipment.

All major and sophisticated medical equipment are directly maintained by

manufactures and suppliers through CMCs/AMCs. A preventive maintenance

schedule is carried out for all the critical areas. Minor consumables are stocked

within the campus so as to attend to breakdown calls immediately and solve it. All

such breakdown calls are recorded and analyzed for further preventive actions.

Any other information regarding Infrastructure and Learning Resources which the


Nil

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion V – Student Support & Progression


CRITERION V :

STUDENT SUPPORT AND PROGRESSION

5.1 Student Mentoring and Support

5.1.1 Does the university have a system for student support and mentoring? If yes,

what are its structural and functional characteristics?

Yes

� The University has a well structured tutor-ward system for student support and

mentoring in all the constituent colleges. The mentorship is completely managed

by the faculty of the college. Each student is allotted a mentor during the first

year of admission to the UG course, which continues till the completion of

his/her course. Each mentor shall have a maximum of 15 students (mentees).

Postgraduates are mentored by their respective HODs.

� The mentors report to the faculty in-charge of the mentorship program about

their meetings with the students. The students apprise their mentors with regard

to their curricular and extracurricular activities on a quarterly basis. The mentors

keep in contact with their parents and guardians whenever necessary. Issues of

personal nature are also addressed by the mentors.

� Senior students also act as mentors for junior students.

� The Vice-Principal of the respective college is in-charge of curricular and co-

curricular activities and regularly monitors student related activities.

Mentoring System

� The mentors meet the mentees regularly, record the proceedings and counsel

them.

� The mentors update the mentee’s parents directly or through the principal about

the progress of the mentees.

Aspects of Mentor’s Review of His / Her Mentees

� Attendance - The mentors monitor the attendance of the mentees. The attendance

in class, clinics, laboratory and practicals is monitored periodically. Mentors

advise and take necessary follow-up actions with regard to students.

� Academic matters - The mentors also address the academic matters of mentees

dealing with previous academic performance, internal assessment marks,



semester/annual results and remedial classes, if necessary. The mentor interacts

with the mentees who have scored low in their internals and advises them to

improve their performance. Parents /guardians are informed about the

performance of their wards.

� Other areas of care - The mentors also look into behavioral and disciplinary

problems and related matters including, health and overall development of the

mentee as well as, extra-curricular and co-curricular achievements.

� Care and Counseling - The mentor, during the periodic review meeting, counsels

the students. In cases where expert care and counseling is required, the mentor

consults the counselor.

� Personality Development - The mentors encourage the mentees to develop and

channelize their skills and talents through an appropriate forum or activity of the

University (sports, extension activities, workshops, conferences, association

activities, etc.). These are aimed at the overall development of the personality of

the students.

� Student support is provided through various committees Viz., Student Council,

NSS Units, Anti-Ragging Committee, Career Guidance cell, Grievance And

Redressal Cell, Women Empowerment Cell, etc.

� The functional features of mentorship program are:

1. To be compassionate and caring towards students.

2. To create a healthy environment for students to nurture their

academic talent through constant mentoring.

3. To bring down the dropout rate, boost the morale of the students by

counseling and providing personal attention throughout the course.

4. To create a homely environment, free from harassment.

5. To enable students in identifying their skills, interests and aptitudes.

6. To provide information about further course pre-requisites, financial

aid, academic planning, entrance examinations, etc.

� Mentorship program is successfully being carried out in all the constituent

colleges and has led to the overall development in the academic performance and

personality of the students.



5.1.2 Apart from classroom interaction, what are the provisions available for

academic mentoring?

� The purpose of Academic Mentoring in addition to classroom interaction is to

support the professional development of students in their careers and to promote

excellence in teaching and in learning, research and academic leadership.

� In addition to academic mentoring, the faculty also prepares the students for the

common entrance test conducted for post-graduate and super-speciality

programmes. They also help the students to prepare for the examinations like

USMLE, International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

� The central library displays information related to training programmes,

entrance tests for higher studies. At the library, students access information on

course syllabus, hand books, teaching schedule, multiple choice question bank,

learning materials, co-curricular learning information, model question papers,

exam schedule and teacher contact information which are uploaded by faculty.

� Encouraging the students to participate in professional conferences/

workshops/seminars. The students are given an opportunity to visit industry,

reputed national organizations and research centers to know about the recent

trends. The college arranges these visits on regular basis.

� Programs like Field work which are directly related to course work are

conducted.

� The students are regularly trained in clinical skill laboratory and are exposed to

museums, teaching hospitals and peripheral health centers.

� Participation in various community outreach programmes through NSS and

other sponsored activities enhance the quality of social service undertaken by

the University. All the students are encouraged to become members of various

student organizations through which they are exposed to the community service.

� The students of the undergraduate level are encouraged to carry out the ICMR

research projects during their course in order to motivate them to undertake

research work. The interns and PGs are given short projects to develop research

culture and are helped to prepare for higher studies.



5.1.3 Does the university have any personal enhancement and development schemes

such as career counselling, soft skill development, career-path-identification,

and orientation to well-being for its students? Give details of such schemes.

Yes

� Career Counseling Cell is established in all constituent colleges

� The main emphasis of the Career Guidance Cell is on the process of career

development viz, soft skills, career awareness, career exploration, career

preparation and work experience.

� This Cell conducts workshops, seminars and guest lecturers to provide

information and resources that help students in making career-related decisions.

� The Cell also conducts activities on topics like life skills, personality

development, communication skills, leadership skills and assertiveness, resume

writing, covering letter writing, successful interview techniques, etc.

� Orientation classes are conducted for the freshers for career counseling.

� Coaching for postgraduate entrance examination is organized in most of the

constituent units. The faculties are involved in coaching the interns, which help

them in the preparation of their PG CET examination.

� Soft-skill development is attained by organizing guest lecturers / workshops on

interpersonal relationship building, ethical issues and moral values in patient

interactions and peer relations. Programs like confidence building and

leadership qualities are also being conducted.

� The University has increased collaborations with other college training and

placement cells that help in sharing information, sources and expertise.

5.1.4 Does the university provide assistance to students for obtaining educational

loans from banks and other financial institutions?

Yes, the Constituent Colleges of the University provide all the necessary assistance

to students for obtaining educational loans from banks and other financial

institutions. The Constituent Colleges provide Educational Expenditure Certificate

to the student, which is one of the necessary documents for availing loans.

5.1.5 Does the university publish its updated prospectus and handbook annually? If

yes, what are the main issues / activities / information included / provided to

students through these documents? Is there a provision for online access?

Yes



� Constantly updated information is posted on the website,

www.maheruniverty.org of the University.

� The prospectus contains the profile of the University, vision, mission and values

of constituent units and hospitals, details regarding various programmes offered,

information about the hostel facilities, etc.

� It also has information on the layout of the campus, the colleges, hostels,

hospital, library, auditorium, indoor sports complex, outdoor stadium and

various amenities available to the students.

� Important postal addresses, telephone numbers and the college website address

are also mentioned in the prospectus.

� The University also publishes a yearly Calendar of Events which contains

month-wise and year-long academic and administrative activities of the

University.

� The University publishes a book containing the syllabus of all the programs

including the revised syllabus. It provides information to students regarding

courses offered, rules and regulations and course-wise credit requirements. The

university publishes a newsletter called the “Voice of Meenakshi” every

quarterly which publishes important activities and events of the constituent

colleges.

� The University publishes a hand book - “Student Code of Conduct” which

provides information on behavior of students in campus, their rights and

responsibilities, disciplinary measures, etc.

� The University publishes an Annual Report which has information pertaining to

outstanding achievements of the University, awards and recognitions, research

activities, infrastructure enhancement, major curricular and extracurricular

activities, etc.

5.1.6 Specify the type and number of university scholarships / freeships given to the

students during the last four years. Was financial aid given to them on time?

Give details (in a tabular form) for the following categories:

UG/PG/M.Phil/Ph.D./ Diploma/others (please specify).

Yes



The University has instituted a system of scholarships for UG, PG, Ph.D. and Super-

Specialty students. It also provides scholarships for SC/ST and female students. The

financial aid is given well before time.

The Constituent Colleges helps the student avail various scholarships that are

available, like the first graduate in the family provided by the Tamil Nadu

Government, Adi Dravidar Welfare Scholarship etc.

5.1.7 What percentage of students receive financial assistance from state

government, central government and other national agencies (Kishore

Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), SN Bose Fellow, etc.)?

The financial assistance by the government for SC/ST students is not only for those

with the highest academic achievements, but also for students of all academic and

economic backgrounds.

5.1.8 Does the university have an International Student Cell to attract foreign

students and cater to their needs?

No, however the student counseling centre acts as one for such international students in

solving their issues.

5.1.9 Does the university provide assistance to students for obtaining educational

loans from banks and other financial institutions?

Yes, the Constituent Colleges of the University provide all necessary assistance to

students for obtaining educational loans from banks and other financial institutions,

by guiding and helping them with paper work to facilitate this process. The

constituent units provide Educational Expenditure Certificate to the student, which

is one of the necessary documents for availing loans.

Year No. of

students

2010 5

2011 3

2012 6

2013 4

2014 5

Total 23



5.1.10 What types of support services are available for

� overseas students

� physically challenged / differently-abled students

� SC/ST, OBC and economically weaker sections

� students participating in various competitions/conferences in India and

abroad

� health centre, health insurance etc.

� skill development (spoken English, computer literacy, etc.)

� performance enhancement for slow learners

� exposure of students to other institutions of higher learning/

corporates/business houses, etc.

� publication of student magazines

The University, since its inception has developed adequate support services for

various categories and needs of students which includes an NRI Cell for overseas

students, infrastructure facilities for physically challenged, scholarships for SC/ST,

financial grants for participation in competitions, health insurance for students and

involvement of students in publication of student magazines, news letter, etc.

∗ Overseas students –

� Availability of International Student Cell.

� The overseas students are exempted from appearing in entrance examination,

and their admissions is based on their score / grade in the qualifying

examination of their home countries; Age limit for them is relaxed.

� The University helps them in complying with legal formalities like No

Objection Certificate from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of

External Affairs, registration with Foreigners Registration Office (FRO),

equivalence certificate from AIU, getting residential permit and execution of

affidavit.

� Identified Faculty from the University act as Counselors/Advisors and also act

like local guardians of these students. The Advisors keep a complete profile of

these students.

� These students are taught the regional language so as to help them converse with

the patients.

� A remedial coaching in English language, where ever required, is also offered.

� Orientation of the overseas students regarding facilities available in the campus

and off-campus is done regularly.



*Physically challenged / differently-abled students

� Even though there are no physically challenged students, the institution may in such

cases would help them by giving priority in hostel accommodation, Medicare,

modification in toilets, classrooms etc to suit his/her learning environment

� Currently there are ramps, wheel chair and elevator facilities available in all the

buildings.

� The library staff helps the physically challenged persons to get the books and

journals for them to read in the ground floor hall of the library. Wheel chairs are

also provided to them.

∗ SC/ST, OBC and economically weaker sections

� The SC/ST student community belonging to economically weaker sections is

provided with a book bank in the library student have facility of book bank in

library.

� University provides information/guidance regarding scholarships and

concession in the fee structure for SC/ST students.

� SC/ST students are given a 10% relaxation in eligibility criteria for admission.

� The University provides assistance to economically weaker students for availing

educational loans.

∗ Students participating in various competitions/conferences in India and

abroad

� Financial assistance and travel grant is provided to the students participating in

various cultural/ sports/ NSS and other extracurricular activities. Official leave

is granted for these students.

� The staff members accompany the students who participate in various inter-

collegiate, state level and national level competitions / conferences.

∗ Health centre, health insurance etc. –

� All students have access to yoga and meditation classes.

� Gymnasiums are provided

� Facilities for indoor and outdoor sports are provided.

∗ Skill development (spoken English, computer literacy, etc.)

� Workshops and regular classes are conducted for skill development

� The ICT facility of the campus is available to students for acquiring basic

computer knowledge.



∗ Performance enhancement for slow learners.

� The University has established a mechanism to identify slow learners based on

the results of their first internal assessment, following which they are counseled

regarding their academic performance and thereafter are guided for

improvement of the same.

� Remedial classes (Theory and Practicals) are held for slow learners after

working hours.

� Assignments are given for performance enhancement.

� Individualized attention by the faculty for slow learners is provided, as and

when needed.

� Small group discussions and question-answer sessions are conducted.

� Question papers of previous years are discussed to help students improve their

performance.

∗Exposure of students to other institutions of higher learning/ corporate /

business houses, etc.

� Students are posted /deputed to institutions of higher learning at national and

international level especially for research and enhancement of skill in the

concerned disciplines.

� Students are sent to higher learning institutions during their internship and PG

periods.

∗ Publication of student magazines, newsletters.

� Every constituent college publishes its annual student magazine and newsletters.

These measures provide an excellent opportunity to the students to express their

creativity and literary talents.

� The magazines include scientific articles, social messages, poems, phrases, short

stories, photographs and annual reports.

5.1.11 Does the university provide guidance and/or conduct coaching classes for

students appearing for Civil Services, Defence Services, NET/SET and any

other competitive examinations? If yes, what is the outcome?

Yes

� Career Guidance Cell of the University has been actively involved in providing

guidance to students for appearing at competitive examinations in different



disciplines. The institution provides guidance and/or conducts coaching classes

for students appearing for competitive examinations.

� Special classes are being conducted by the faculty with respective subject

experts

� During the last 4 years, around 46 students have passed PLAB / ECFMG /

USMLE, IELTS and NET/SLET in the constituent colleges.

� Orientation lectures are conducted by internal and external resource people for

guiding students.

� The Constituent Colleges of the University arrange on-campus regular

training/coaching facility for PG entrance examinations and access to library

facilities.

5.1.12 Mention the policies of the university for enhancing student participation in

sports and extracurricular activities through strategies / schemes such as

� Special dietary requirements, sports uniform and materials

� Additional academic support and academic flexibility in examinations

The University has a scheme of separate student counselors, who monitor the

activities of the students. It has well-established policies/strategies for enhancing

student participation in sports and extracurricular activities.

∗ Additional academic support and academic flexibility in examinations

� The students are given special leave for participation in sports and


� Extra classes are conducted for students who miss classes/ practicals due

to their participation in sports and extracurricular activities.

� Extra weightage is given to students who participate in extracurricular

activities.

� Awards/prizes are given to those winners in the extracurricular activities.

Their names are displayed on the main notice board. Their photographs

are published in the college magazine and the activities are reflected in

the annual report of the college.

∗ Special dietary requirements, sports uniform and materials

� Sports in-charge of the respective colleges advises students regarding

special dietary requirements.



� The University provides sports uniforms and material for students

participating in college / University / intercollegiate / state / national /

international level sports, both for athletic and team events.

∗ Any other (specify)

� The institution supports students for participation in NSS, and for

extracurricular activities like National integration camp, NSS Adventure

camp, Republic Day parade, etc.

� Students are encouraged to participate in cultural events and

intercollegiate and inter-university events.

� The University hosts inter-collegiate athletic sports meet every year and

student cultural festivals every year.

5.1.13 Does the university have an institutionalized mechanism for students’

placement? What are the services provided to help students identify job

opportunities, prepare themselves for interview, and develop entrepreneurship

skills?

� Each Constituent Colleges has a separate student counsellor who provides

appropriate information about the procedures for applying for higher studies and

employment.

� Recommendation / reference letters to students are processed faster for higher

education and placement.

� Letters of enquiry for credential verification of students who go abroad for

higher studies or employment are promptly replied to, to help the students.

� Personality and skill development programmes / workshops, CME and

orientation programs are conducted for interns and PGs to address multiple

issues like setting up private nursing homes, group practice dynamics; rural

practice; techniques of successful interview; leaderships; etc., Many of these

issues help develop entrepreneurial skills.

� Career guidance is also provided through mentors.

5.1.14 Give the number of students selected during campus interviews by different

employers (list the employers and the number of companies who visited the

campus during the last four years).

Not applicable



5.1.15 Does the university have a registered Alumni Association? If yes, what are its

activities and contributions to the development of the university?

Yes

� All the constituent colleges of the University have their respective registered

Alumni Associations.

� The Alumni Associations conduct regular alumni meets for undergraduate and

postgraduate batches. Alumni meets are held once a year.

� The valuable suggestions and feedback gathered at alumni meets are utilized to

implement constructive changes in the university.

� The alumni have contributed to the development of institution by providing

funds, books, instruments, instituting gold medal award for the highest marks in

different specialties, establishment of faculty recreation club. Organizing

interactions with entrepreneurs among the alumni with student aspirants has

helped them financially and emotionally in various ways.

� The alumni share their expertise and skills by giving guest lectures and

conducting workshops during the alumni meet.

� The number of alumni registered as members in the alumni association of the

constituent colleges has increased progressively. Till date more than 1547

alumni are registered.

� Distinguished alumni are felicitated during the alumni meets to honor their

contributions and services to the society.

� The alumni directory is updated.

� Alumni are also involved in conduct of social awareness programs like, blood

donation and free health check-up camps.

5.1.16 Does the university have a student grievance redressal cell? Give details of the

nature of grievances reported. How were they redressed?

Yes

� The constituent colleges of the University have set up a Redressal Cell to

address various grievances of the students. The Committee is composed of

Principals of the constituent colleges, executive officer, secretary, senior facility

as its members.

� This Committee meets as and when required, and effectively addresses the

grievances of the students in relation to personal and academic problems.



� Suggestion boxes are placed in all the Constituent Colleges to help the students

express their grievances.

� On receipt of the complaint, the Cell investigates and an enquiry is conducted. A

fair and impartial redressal mechanism helps to promote a responsive and

accountable attitude and cordial relationships.

� Verbal, as well as, written grievances including e-mails related to academics,

hostel, food, are addressed by the institutional committee. Issues which cannot

be resolved within their purview are further brought to the notice of higher

authorities in the University.

� The University has also provided grievance redressal mechanisms for

examinations. The grievances of the students related to examinations are

addressed by providing facilities like re-totaling or verification of marks.

� The University administration is participatory, pro-active and student-centric; as

such there were no major grievances of the students during last 4 years.

However, till now, 43 student grievances were received and solved.

� Some of the nature of grievances was - request for additional wash rooms for

female students, addition of more number of reference books, uninterrupted

broadband internet facility, permission to work in PG laboratories after college

hours for research purpose, subscription of additional scientific journals, food

problems, hostel problems, etc. The major grievances received so far have been in

the area of a. Students conflicts b. Hostel timings c. Theft d. Library timings. The

above grievances have been received by the student grievance redressal cell and

have been amicably solved with the help of the concerned authorities and other

stakeholders who are involved in the respective issues.

� The University has appointed Anti Ragging Nodal Officer, Chief warden,

supervisors and student counselor, who deal with students grievances.

� The tutor-ward-system in the constituent colleges also addresses student

grievances.

� The University Cell for Women addresses all grievances of the female students.

5.1.17 Does the university promote a gender-sensitive environment by (i) conducting

gender related programmes (ii) establishing a cell and mechanism to deal with

issues related to sexual harassment? Give details.

Yes



� The institution promotes a gender-sensitive environment by regularly

conducting gender-related programs in all its constituent colleges.

� The University has established University Cell for Women and Sexual

Harassment Redressal Cell as per Vishaka guidelines. This cell is very active

and plays proactive role by arranging lectures on various issues related to

women.

� About 8 gender related programs have been conducted in the constituent

colleges in the last 4 years.

� 24x7 helpline for female students is available in the campus.

� Regular orientation programmes for female students are also conducted.

� University Cell for Women deals with issues related to sexual harassment in the

campus and hospital premises if any. It deals with cases of sexual harassment, in

a time-bound manner, aiming at ensuring support services to the victim,

termination of the harassment, and appropriate action against the offender.

� The female students participate in ‘Women Doctors Association Conference’

every year and present papers regularly

5.1.18 Is there an anti-ragging committee? How many instances, if any, have been

reported during the last four years and what action has been taken in these

cases?

Yes

� There is strict code of conduct laid down by the University and the constituent

colleges to prohibit ragging within or outside the college campus (Zero tolerance

to ragging).

� Each constituent college of the university has a separate Anti-ragging

Committee and vigilance squads are sent every day to inspect the hostel and

college campus for the first three months after the new comers join the colleges.

� There is zero-tolerance towards ragging.

� As a proactive measure, a student-led awareness campaign against ragging is

initiated at the beginning of the academic year.

� Anti-ragging CDs are played on the orientation day for the freshers and senior

students as per the UGC guidelines.

� No case of ragging has been reported in the last 4 years, as the University has

strict vigilance by the faculty on ragging activities through its Anti-ragging

committee and anti-ragging squad. The anti-ragging squad members make



surprise visits to hostels, canteen, library and other places in the campus as an

anti-ragging measure.

� Information regarding central anti-ragging helpline, which is a toll free number,

is given to the students.

� Mobile numbers of Anti-ragging Committee and squad are prominently

displayed in the colleges, hostel, canteen and library, so that the students can

contact in case of emergency.

� Display boards on the consequences of ragging are put up at prominent places in

the campus.

� Hostel blocks are earmarked with strict security arrangements for freshers

during the initial 3 months of their study period.

� The students involved in ragging are identified and enquiry is conducted by

committee constituted by Dean and Principal of the respective colleges. Based

on the severity and nature of ragging, action is initiated by the University.

Actions include suspension, cancellation of admission, rustication, fine of up to

Rs. 50,000/- and there is provision to refer the matter to the legal authorities for

penal action.

� The Institution obtains an affidavit from students and their parents for abstaining

from ragging activities based on the guidelines of UGC.

� CCTV camera surveillance and security personnel have been placed at

prominent places in the campus to prevent untoward incidents of ragging in the

campus.

5.1.19 How does the university elicit the cooperation of all its stakeholders to ensure

the overall development of its students?

� The main stakeholders are parents, students, alumni, industries, employers,

external academic experts and community.

� The constituent college has well-established Alumni Association, Parent

Teacher Association and external experts in statutory bodies. Meetings are held

regularly and feedback is obtained from the stakeholders. As per the feedback,

relevant modifications are done.

� The stakeholders of the institution are involved as members of various important

statutory and non-statutory committees of the University, who actively

participate in decision making and overall development of the institution.



� The fruitful suggestions of the parents in the PTA meetings contribute to the

development of the students. Suggestion boxes have been kept at colleges to

obtain suggestions from various stakeholders.

� Parents receive the performance appraisal of their wards by post after every

examination.

� The Board of extra-mural studies has student representation.

� A Student Council of all the constituent colleges actively participate and

organize sports events, cultural activities, annual day functions, celebrations of

national days and festivals.

� Regular guest lectures and workshops are conducted by inviting eminent

personalities from renowned institutions.

� Students are exposed to community health care system through two Primary

Health Centers and one Urban Health Center, which are under the administrative

control of the Medical College.

� The public extend their co-operation in organization of NSS camps and

activities of the institute in the adopted villages.

� The Alumni contribute to the development of the institution by delivering guest

lectures; providing research inputs for the UG and PG students; training in

specialized instruments; and also creating awareness in employment

opportunities for the students.

� Syllabus and curriculum are updated and modified regularly based on the

feedback obtained from stakeholders.

� Quality of patient-care in teaching hospitals and peripheral health centers has

been upgraded based on feedback obtained from the community.

� Campus amenities get upgraded based on the suggestion of the stakeholders.

� Parents of the freshers undergo orientation programmes regarding the rules and

regulations of the constituent colleges through Parent Teacher Association.

� Interaction with parents is done during the Convocation/Graduation Day.

� Student Council meetings encourage students to participate actively in the

institutional activities.

� A student counselor along with the students organizes students youth festivals,

sports meets and cultural events.



5.1.20 How does the university ensure the participation of women students in intra-

and inter-institutional sports competitions and cultural activities? Provide

details of sports and cultural activities where such efforts were made.

� The University believes in gender equality, hence provides equal facilities and

opportunities to women students for participation in intra- and inter-institutional

sports and cultural activities. Around 65% -70% of the total intake belong to

woman students in the present scenario. Hence the woman participation in the

above activities is enormous.

� The Student Council has equal representation from girl students. This

automatically ensures their full participation in all activities. The Co-General

Secretary and Co-Secretaries of all committees of the Student Council are

mandatorily female students.

� The institution encourages equal participation of both male and female in intra-

and inter-institutional sports competitions (throw ball, volley ball, basket ball,

badminton, lawn tennis, chess, table tennis, athletics, etc) and cultural activities

(dance, singing, fashion show, skits, mimes, one-minute-to-fame, etc).

� The University encourages participation of girl students in cultural events, NSS

camps, etc.

� The University has a pro-active Women Cell, which ensures participation of

women students in sports and cultural activities. They conduct competitions

like, painting, rangoli, cooking, flower decoration, vegetable carving, mehandi,

etc. wherein girl students participate in large numbers to exhibit their talents.

5.2 Student Progression

5.2.1 What is the student strength of the university for the current academic year?

Analyse the Programme-wise data and provide the trends for the last four

years.

Student Progression %

UG to PG* 6.6%

PG to M.Phil.* -

PG to Ph.D. 1%

Ph.D. to Post-Doctoral -

Employed

• Campus selection

• Other than campus recruitment

-

5%



5.2.2 What is the programme-wise completion rate during the time span stipulated

by the university?

� Each constituent colleges has its own time span for completing the course as

stipulated by the University.

� In Medical College 90% of the UG and 98 % PG students complete the course

in 5 ½ years and 3years respectively.

� In Dental College 80% of the UG and 99 % PG students complete the course

in 5 years and 3years respectively.

� In Nursing College 88% of the UG and 99 % PG students complete the course

in 4 years and 2 years respectively.

5.2.3 What is the number and percentage of students who appeared/ qualified in

examinations like UGC-CSIR-NET, UGC-NET, SLET, ATE / CAT / GRE /

TOFEL / GMAT / Central / State services, Defense, Civil Services, etc.?

Not Applicable

5.2.4 Provide category-wise details regarding the number of Ph.D./ D.Litt./D.Sc.

theses submitted/ accepted/ resubmitted/ rejected in the last four years.

Category-wise details of post graduate dissertations, Ph.D. and M.Ch / DM theses

submitted/accepted/ rejected in the last 4 years (2011-2015)

5.3 Student Participation and Activities

5.3.1 List the range of sports, cultural and extracurricular activities available to

students. Furnish the programme calendar and provide details of students’

participation.

� The University and its constituent units encourage students to take part in a wide

range of activities like sports, cultural and extra-curricular activities to improve

their leadership skills, interpersonal skills, self-confidence and academic

knowledge with practical experience.

S. No Degree

Number of Dissertations in the last

4 years

Submitted Accepted Rejected

1 Ph.D 42 42 -

2 PG 403 403 -

3 M.Phil 33 33 -

4 M.Ch/DM 5 5 -



� Range of sports activities available to students: Track and field events, team

events, indoor games, fun games, etc. These include games like running, relay,

shot-put, discus throw, volley ball, throw ball, cricket, basket ball, foot ball,

table tennis, badminton, carrom, chess, tug of war, etc.

� Range of cultural activities available to students:Rangoli, antakshari, fashion

show, T-shirt painting, face painting, drama, duet singing, debate, dandiya

dance, pair dancing, folk dance, classical dance, classical vocal and instrumental

music, battle of bands, mimes, one-minute-to-fame, etc.

� Range of extra-curricular activities available to students : Essay

competition, quiz, debates, mock press, street plays, participation in First Aid

training camps and Fire fighting training/demonstration.

� NSS volunteers get involved in extra-curricular activities on socially relevant

issues; viz; Special annual camps in adopted villages; free health check up

camps; blood donation awareness rallies; representation in republic day parade;

national integration camps; participation in Swatch Bharat Abhiyan etc.,

� The University releases Calendar of Events every year before commencement of

New Year which includes sports, cultural, literary, extracurricular / NSS

programmes of the University and its constituent colleges.

� Each constituent college has its own Calendar of Events for sports, cultural,

extracurricular and curricular activities.

No. of students participated in sports

Year College

level

University

level

Inter-

collegiate

level

State

level

National

level

2010-11 25 10 6 - 1

2011-12 32 14 8 - 1

2012-13 36 30 13 - 1

2013-14 48 34 22 1 1

Total 141 88 49 1 4



No. of students participated in cultural / literary events

Year College

level

University

level

Inter-

collegiate

level

State

level

National

level

2010-11 55 24 6 - -

2011-12 67 30 12 - -

2012-13 85 42 18 - -

2013-14 105 56 23 1 -

Total 312 152 59 1 -

5.3.2 Give details of the achievements of students in co-curricular, extracurricular

and cultural activities at different levels: University / State / Zonal / National /

International, etc. during the last four years.

The University has always encouraged participations of students in co-curricular,

extracurricular and cultural activities for overall development of students. They

have won many prizes at university, state and national levels.

Year College

level

University

level

Inter-

collegiate

level

State

level

National

level

2010-11 387 119 34 2 1

2011-12 415 124 45 2 1

2012-13 402 132 47 6 1

2013-14 425 142 52 3 1

Total 1629 517 178 13 4

5.3.3 Does the university conduct special drives / campaigns for students to promote

heritage consciousness?

Yes, through lectures from experts who are invited to talk, in all the three

constituent colleges, and the community health departments and NSS conduct

special campaigns to highlight the importance of heritage of their regions by show

casing, role play and the need for the public for to understand their heritage better.



5.3.4 How does the university involve and encourage its students to publish materials

like catalogues, wall magazines, college magazine, and other material? List the

major publications/ materials brought out by the students during the last four

academic sessions.

� The faculty motivates and guides students to publish materials like catalogues,

wall magazines, college magazine and other material. The institution provides

financial and technical support for the same.

� The Student Councils of all the constituent colleges have Magazine Committees

with staff member as magazine-editor and the students as co-editors. Publication

of the college magazine is a regular annual activity of the Council. It provides

an excellent opportunity to the students to express their creativity and literary

talents.

� All the specialty departments of the institution are involved in guiding and

encouraging the students to take up short term projects. The students are trained to

prepare the review and the inferences of the projects and make them appropriate for

publication in the form of paper presentations, posters and journals. Apart from the

above mentioned, topics of their choice are allotted in groups or as individual

assignments and library dissertations in order to train them in writing article,

reviews and chapters for publication.

� Postgraduate students are involved in publication of scientific articles in reputed

journals and in writing the proceedings of the conferences and seminars

conducted in the institution.

5.3.5 Does the university have a Student Council or any other similar body? Give

details on its constitution, activities and funding.

Yes

� Student Council is of the students, by the students and for the students. It is a

forum where the students can express their problems and plan a strategic

approach for execution of student-centric activities.

� The Student Council consists of elected and nominated student members based

on their merit and extracurricular activities.

� It helps the students in solving their problems on various issues like academic,

administrative, personal, social and emotional.

� The constituent units of the University have their respective Student Councils. It

is constituted every year by nomination or election.



� The constitution of the Student Council includes the following members;

President, Vice-President, General Secretary, Co-General Secretary, Sport

Secretary, Cultural Secretary and members. The members include NSS

representative, Ladies representative, Postgraduate representative, Overseas

representative and Class representatives.

� There are several committees under a Student Council like cultural/ literary/

magazine/ sports/ transport/ community service/ and community allied council.

The Student Council conducts various activities like, sports, cultural and

extracurricular activities viz; quiz competitions, exhibitions, debate, etc.

� The activities of the Student Councils are funded by the constituent colleges and

the University. In last 4 years, an amount of Rs. 16, 00,000/- has been

sanctioned for activities of student councils.

5.3.6 Give details of various academic and administrative bodies that have student

representatives on them. Also provide details of their activities.

� The Students are members of various academic and administrative bodies at the

college level. The student members are active and provide valuable suggestions

for conducting various activities. They are members of Student Councils/ hostel/

cooperative society/ anti-ragging/ transport/ mess/Grienances/ research and

library committees.

� The administrative bodies that have student representatives at the

University/Institutional level are, NSS Board, Board of Sports & Physical

Culture, Board of Extra-mural Studies, Students Council and Anti-ragging

Committee.

� Students participate and provide suggestions in meetings of various academic

and administrative bodies.

� They conduct activities like sensitization programmes on ragging, orientation

program for freshers; arranging activities through Placement and Career

Guidance Cell; organizing various activities for NSS; planning and preparation

of Calendar of Events for sports and cultural activities.

� The involvement of students in the academic and administrative bodies of the

University has led to improvement in the teaching-learning experience,

curricular reforms and promotion of student-centric activities.

Any other information regarding Student Support and Progression which the


Nil

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion VI –Governance, Leadership & Management


CRITERION VI :

GOVERNANCE, LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

6.1 Institutional Vision and Leadership

6.1.1 State the vision and the mission of the university.

The University made its humble beginning with a clear vision and mission in mind

and also guided by the vision and mission of the Meenakshi Ammal Trust with the

sole aim of imparting quality education.

Vision:

“To be an outstanding Multiversity of excellence ever in pursuit of newer horizons

to build self-reliant responsible citizens through its assured quality health science

education and research programmes”

Mission:

� To develop MAHER into a Multiversity inclusive of various faculties like

Physiotherapy, Humanities & Sciences and Health related Sciences etc.,

� To provide and plan constantly upgraded infrastructure and learning resources

required for meaningful teaching-learning process.

� To stimulate and extend the frontiers of knowledge through the faculty

development and continuing education programmes.

� To make research a significant activity involving faculty, students and other

stakeholders of education.

� To offer quality health services to all strata of society.

� To facilitate independent, innovative research and share this knowledge and

understanding with the society.

� To contribute to the social, economical and national development

� To promote university-industry collaborations at regional, national and

international levels with other bench marked universities.

� To establish a health system for communication among all stakeholders for

vision-oriented growth.

� To fulfill the national obligation through Rural Health Mission.

� To become a national leader in the highest quality patient care, research,

education and public service.



6.1.2 Does the mission statement define the institution’s distinctive characteristics in

terms of addressing the needs of the society, the students it seeks to serve, the

institution’s tradition and value orientations, its vision for the future, etc.?

� MAHER has a curriculum which is up-to-date and comparable with the best

global standards.

� It prepares doctors and nurses who provide their dedicated services to the

society.

� The teaching at all levels in the constituent colleges make liberal and effective

use of state of art technological aids.

� Curricula are based on MCI, DCI & INC syllabus and as such there is limited

flexibility to change it. However, topics of special relevance to lndian

subcontinent viz Tuberculosis, Malaria, Diabetes, Liver Diseases,

Communicable Diseases Oral Cancer and Oral hygiene are covered through

modular multidisciplinary symposiums with faculty members as well as

students as panellists.

� Topics of socio-medical importance like Smoking, Alcoholism and Sex

Education are covered in the form of faculty supervised student symposiums

coordinated by Student Scientific Society.

� The ongoing research projects at all levels are of immense importance to fill the

lacunae of knowledge in various fields of medicine, dentistry and nursing,

fulfilling the national and global research demands.

� MAHER is true to its vision which has made considerable impact in providing

the following for the present and the future –

� Quality infrastructure and a suitable green environment for effective student

learning

� Faculty with experience

� Promoting research among faculty and students by funding, upgrading research

labs etc

� Providing state of art dental health care at a nominal cost in the region its

located



� Outreach activities like free health camps, awareness camps etc for the

community

� Various extra-curricular projects including participation in games, competitive

events, and involvement in NSS etc are aimed at self development and in

imbibing value-based development.

6.1.3 How is the leadership involved

� in ensuring the organization’s management system development,

implementation and continuous improvement?

� in interacting with its stakeholders?

� in reinforcing a culture of excellence?

� in identifying organizational needs and striving to fulfill them?

� The top governing council, management, Dean/Principal and faculty play a

great proactive role in the governance and management of the institution.

They ensure that academic, financial and logistic planning is carried out well

in time and implemented.

� The Dean/Principal ensures that he/she acts as an effective interface between

the faculty and the non-teaching staff of the institution with the higher

authorities. They ensure that there is equitable distribution of staff and

resources to various departments for optimal functioning.

� They ensure that all checks and balances are in place to oversee all activities.

They meet all functionaries periodically to ensure effective management of

college affairs. They also ensure that sufficient budgetary support is

available for all activities of the colleges. They coordinate the functioning of

affiliated hospitals keeping the patient and training requirements. They

ensure reasonable decentralization of decision making to effectively bring

out the initiatives, administrative and managerial skills of various

functionaries of the institution.

� The University strives to establish a culture of excellence in administration,

academics, research and other extracurricular activities. Culture of

excellence is reinforced by establishing policies, planning strategies for

implementation and obtaining feed back towards improvement.

� Encouragement and motivation by the leader to excel in academics and

research has enabled establishment of state of art research laboratory



facilities, incentives for faculty for research activities & promotions based

on academic merit, etc.

� The Head of the University, the Chancellor is a great visionary, who

understands the organizational needs of the University and he persistently

strives to fulfil the same to ensure that a high quality of education is

imparted to the students.

� The leadership is conscious of the requirements of organization for its

overall academic and professional growth, along with a strategic approach

for achieving the set targets.

� Initiation of E-governance has enhanced better and faster connectivity

options.

� The governance fosters a culture of excellence and accountability to

continuous quality improvement by rewarding performance of the staff

6.1.4 Were any of the top leadership positions of the university vacant for more than

a year? If so, state the reasons.

No

6.1.5 Does the university ensure that all positions in its various statutory bodies are

filled and meetings conducted regularly?

Yes

6.1.6 Does the university promote a culture of participative management? If yes,

indicate the levels of participative management.

Yes

� The Institution promotes a culture of participative management, from the

University level to the Department levels.

� The policies, regulations and decisions taken by the University involve active

and constructive participation of the faculty members, Heads of the

Departments, Dean/Principals of constituent colleges who are the representative

members of various committees, Academic Council and Boards of the

University.

� All statutory and non-statutory committees have representation from

stakeholders.

� At the Institutional level, participative management is achieved through College



Council, Department Meetings and Monthly Review Meetings that are held

regularly.

� The management along with various committee representatives reviews those

opinions and arrive at better solutions and improvements. This helps in

formulating policies and strategies to achieve excellence in critical quality

parameters.

� Participative management has allowed innovation and knowledge sharing

between the management, teaching and non-teaching faculty as they are

contiguous with the students and the whereabouts of surrounding.

6.1.7 Give details of the academic and administrative leadership provided by the

university to its affiliated colleges and the support and encouragement given to

them to become autonomous.

Not applicable

6.1.8 Have any provisions been incorporated / introduced in the University Act and

Statutes to provide for conferment of degrees by autonomous colleges?

Not applicable, as all the institutes of University are constituent Units and the

degree will be conferred by the University.

6.1.9 How does the university groom leadership at various levels? Give details.

� The University believes that the performance of an institution of higher learning

depends on its leadership and its effectiveness in creating a pleasant teaching

environment for the faculty and in providing students with quality education.

� The University provides opportunities to the staff to exhibit their competency

and acquiring necessary skills to become useful academic- administrators.

� The Chancellor, Vice- Chancellor and Registrar of the University have been

able to motivate staff members to undertake quality research and impart quality

education to the students.

� The University adopts various strategies to keep staff members abreast of the

changing world by conducting various workshops and training programmes

through collaborations / MOUs with nationally and internationally reputed

universities / institutions. This helps in development of leadership qualities in

the faculty and students.



� The faculty is encouraged for training programs like FAIMER, MCI/DCI

organized Teaching & Research Methodology workshop, etc.

� The faculty is involved in administrative posts on a rotational basis at

Constituent Units and the University helps them to acquire administrative skills

by providing equal opportunities at various levels.

� Grooming of leadership at various levels has definitely improved the efficiency

and effectiveness of the organization.

6.1.10 Has the university evolved a knowledge management strategy? If yes, give

details.

Yes

� The excellent infrastructure facility with digital library, Wi-Fi facility has

always been a hub for all the faculty and students to have access to global

information resources.

� High speed data communication network is available to facilitate knowledge

sharing and collaborative research.

� The library is equipped with data repository facilities which are accessible

across the campus. These are organized in a way that facilitates local or remote

information retrieval.

� The University strives hard for the management of people, process and

technology.

* InformationTechnology

� The University believes in use of IT technology for academics and

administration. It has a definite budgetary allocation and has invested in human

resources and has imbibed IT technology into its infrastructure.

* National Knowledge Network (NKN)

� The constituent colleges avail the National Knowledge Network (NKN)

connectivity.

� Service window is open from 10 hrs to 18 hrs on all working days.



*Generic Services:

� Internet, Intranet, Networking, e-Mail, messaging Video Portals, SMS, Video

Streaming etc are available.

Community Services:

Special Services:

Data Bank:

� The University has developed an indigenous and a tailor-made database to

bank all vital information pertaining to students and human resource.

� Other open access resources along with effective intranet facilities with

unrestricted access to learners. Round the clock free access to internet

facilities through structured and Wi-Fi networks

� Documentation of explicit and tacit knowledge available with the senior and

learned faculty members has greatly improved the activities at department

levels and at University level.

6.1.11 How the following values are reflected in the functioning of the university?

� Contributing to national development � Fostering global competencies among students � Inculcating a sound value system among students Promoting use of technology � Quest for excellence

The University along with its academic, non-academic and administrative

departments has been striving hard to review the national development

programmes and inculcate them into the health care curriculum.

The students are made aware of the catalytic impact, leverage and other

attributes of such activities. The University is shouldering these responsibilities

to achieve the goals and objectives of national health policies.

*Contributing to National development :

� The University has initiated various programs in which the curriculum

focuses on national health programs and research promotion in thrust areas

of national importance.

� The University effectively serves the cause of community by providing

sound health care through a network of well established hospitals, 2

primary health centers and 1 urban health centers in kancheepuram



districts covering a population of 2734577 residing in 17 villages which

are covered in the community health programs.

� Under a Swiss collaboration, children with cleft lip and palate have been

treated which has brought smiles on the faces of these children. An

amount of Rs. 81,000 has been received for this project so far.

� The MMHC & RI hospital offers CM health insurance schemes of the

State Government to the poor rural people of Kancheepuram

� The University has adopted areas to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in

and around the city to uphold the national theme “Swach Bharat, Swasth

Bharat”. All students and employees have been engaged with this activity

at a rate of 1 hour every week.

∗ Fostering global competencies among students

� The curriculum is designed to meet the global standards of health

education.

� Community oriented research of global standards is undertaken by Public

health and Community health departments of the dental, medical &

nursing Departments .

� Teaching-learning process is enhanced by use of ICT.

� Students are encouraged to participate in national and international level

conferences and to make scientific presentations. Many of them have won

awards

� University policies and curriculum have helped fostered all our alumni to

occupying various prominent positions across the globe.

∗ Inculcating a sound value system among students

� The University offers various value added programs like Value Education.

� The students are encouraged to participate in personality development

activities and national integration programs.

� Student mentorship program is effectively implemented.

∗ Promoting use of technology

� The teaching-learning process is enhanced by use of ICT.

� Examination Reforms are introduced.

� The facility of E-learning resources is provided.

� E-data base is used in Library



� Smart Class rooms have been provided.

� E-learning sources (e-books, e-journal) are available

� The teaching modules (CDs)and interactive learning facilities have been

made available

� Open access system have been introduced

� Computerization of all library records has been undertaken and

institutional repository has been established.

∗ Quest for excellence

� MoUs and collaboration with national and international agencies

/Universities are aimed at attaining excellence.

� Publication in high quality journals with high impact factor and citation

index such as Lancet etc., is an asset to the university

� The university encourages faculty for doctoral, post- doctoral degrees and

Fellowships to enhance their quality.

6.2 Strategy Development and Deployment

6.2.1 Does the university have a perspective plan for development? If yes, what

aspects are considered in the development of policies and strategies?

� Vision and mission

� Teaching and learning

� Research and development

� Community engagement

� Human resource planning and development

� Industry interaction

� Internationalisation

Yes

� The perspective plan of the University reflects the changing needs of the

society and the stakeholders. It is reflecting its vision and mission, aims and

objectives in an inclusive manner to project its overall academic vision. The

University is conscious that, for a healthy and progressive system of

education, blending of both ancient and the modern teaching and learning

technology is required.

� The respective Board of studies prepares the short-term and long-term

perspective academic plan of the University. This involves the starting of

new academic programmes, need-based programmes and add-on

programmes.



* Vision and Mission

� The Vision and Mission of the university has been stated earlier and it is

in place for immediate, short-term and long-term goals after wider

consultations. The progress is reviewed periodically by the Vice-

Chancellor.

* Teaching and Learning

� For carrying out teaching and learning the institution has a teaching plan,

which includes plan of action, time table, unit plan, evaluation blue print,

outpatient and inpatient teaching, and clinical teaching in other sites

� Vibrant BOS and Academic Council members contribute to academic

excellence.

* Research and Development

� The University has constituted a Research Committee headed by a very

senior acclaimed academician/ researcher that caters to all spheres of

research promotion and development.

� Board of Post Graduate Teaching and Research Committee supervises

the research and development activities of the University.

� The institution has identified the thrust areas for carrying out research

activities and has allocated a budget for such research on an annual

basis. Apart from that the institution motivates the faculty and students

by awards, recognition, monitory support, research facilities etc.

*Community engagement / outreach activities

� The Institution‘s contribution towards community engagement and

extension activities is very important to the growth of the institution.

Hence, keeping this in mind, the institute on a yearly basis, charts out its

extension program chart with regard to the number of camps to be held,

awareness camps to be conducted, students and faculty to be involved,

MOU with NGOs, budgetary support required, etc, to carry out the

extension activities.

� The University is committed in carrying out various outreach activities



in and around Kanchipuram and Chennai district. The different

perspective plans for development are overviewed by NSS, Public

Community Health Departments, and University Research committee.

* Human resource planning and development-

� The institution, keeping pace with the growth, has put in place

appropriate mechanisms for assessing the anticipated manpower

requirement on a regular basis, training assessment for teaching and non-

teaching staff, retention methodology, etc.

� The University conducts different programmes in collaboration with

national agencies like MCI, DCI & INC and some international agencies

for human resource training and development.

* Industry Interaction

� The University being a health science university, encourages

collaborations with various health science institutes of national and

international repute and also encourages clinical research in

collaboration with various pharmaceutical industries.

* Internationalization

� The University is in agreement with various national

agencies/Universities to seek their expertise for uplifting the stature of

university to produce globally acceptable quality graduates and research.

� Our University has reached the stage in academic and professional

development wherein major efforts are being made to derive the

maximum benefit from assets already created and to ensure that the

fruits of change reach all elements of the society.

� The University at present caters to the educational needs of rural

Kanchipuram and Chennai and also to other parts of the neighbouring

districts.

� The faculty of the University have been undertaking research funded by

major national and international institutions such as DST& ICMR etc. In

addition to these, the University also provides research support to the

teachers to participate in national and international seminars,

conferences, symposia and workshops.



6.2.2 Describe the university’s internal organizational structure and decision making

processes and their effectiveness.

MAHER has laid down an organizational structure defining the various reporting and

decision making process. This is shown in the ORGNOGRAM.

� This enables a smooth and seamless flow of the organizational process.

� It also ensures the Constituent Colleges works within the framework and

regulations of statutory / regulatory bodies.

� The University has a fixed decision making policy in all the constituent colleges

of the university. They take care of the quality to ensure healthcare needs. The

hospitals undertake systematic auditing for health care quality and patient safety

by a committee of peers and the reports are placed for consideration of separate

Governing Councils of the hospitals.

� The review meetings for the health care quality and safety auditing are

conducted once in a month. The internal organizational structure has proven to

be effective for accomplishing a variety of different institutional goals. This

CHANCELLOR Academic Council

Finance Committee

Board of Examination VICE-CHANCELLOR

Board of Management

Governing Council

Planning & Monitoring Board

Registrar

Finance

Officer

C.O.E

Dean of

Faculties

Director

of

Research

Director

Student

welfare

Medical

Supdt.

BOS / Ad-hoc Boards

Curriculum

Collaboration Departmental Extension Activities



form of structure is represented by a group of people coordinating their activities

to achieve a common goal through division of assignment of tasks, supervision

structure, and hierarchy of authority.

6.2.3 Does the university have a formal policy to ensure quality? How is it designed,

driven, deployed and reviewed?

Yes

� The Institution has formal policies to ensure quality, that look into the internal

operations so as to ensure quality, in compliance with all applicable laws,

regulations and appropriate recommendations.

� The University functions well within the provision made in MoA, 2006 and

Bye- Law prepared there under- sections 3 of the UGC Act, 1956 vide

government of India Notification No. F-9-19/2000-U.3 (A).

� The University has taken extensive measures to imbibe quality to its various

academic and administrative units. The statutory bodies like Board of

Management, Academic Council, Planning & Monitoring Board and Boards of

Studies always have specific agenda related to quality education.

� The University has established an Internal Quality Assurance Cell with 15

members as stakeholders from the constituent colleges, including external

members and students. It conducts quarterly meetings to ensure quality in

education and administration.

� Individual constituent colleges also have Internal Quality Assurance Cell

established, which look into quality growth of respective colleges.

6.2.4 Does the university encourage its academic departments to function

independently and autonomously and how does it ensure accountability?

Yes

There is significant decentralization of institutional processes. Specific duties are

assigned to various academic and administrative departments with regard to

performance in various routine institutional duties. . Faculty is assigned additional

duties in rotation. The institution encourages free and frank discussions during

various administrative committee meetings. Outstanding efforts are recognized by

awarding certificates and scrolls of honour. Outstanding work by faculty and other

staff are also recommended for honours and awards. On the whole the faculty and

staff are fully involved in the institutional processes.



6.2.5 During the last four years, have there been any instances of court cases filed by

and against the institute? What were the critical issues and verdicts of the

courts on these issues?

There have been no instances of court cases.

6.2.6 How does the university ensure that grievances / complaints are promptly

attended to and resolved effectively? Is there a mechanism to analyse the

nature of grievances for promoting better stakeholder-relationship?

Yes, all the grievances and complains are addressed immediately by well defined

redressal mechanisms for UG, PG students, civilian staff, patients and relatives. All the

constituent colleges of the university have a redressal system for all faculty members as

well. The grievances are obtained via complaint boxes, in person and emails. The

grievances are enquired through appropriate forum / committee and appropriate actions

are taken.

6.2.7 Does the university have a mechanism for analyzing student feedback on

institutional performance? If yes, what was the institutional response?

Yes

The university has a mechanism for analyzing student feedback on institutional

performance. The institute appreciates honest feedback given by students and based

on the analysis of the feedback, the institution works on mechanisms and strategies

for further improving the performance of the institution.

The method followed includes:

� Students’ rating of teachers

� Questionnaire that indicates the strengths and weaknesses of the staff

� Analysis of feedback

� Communication of outcome of analysis to concerned staff.

� Feedback from alumni.

The analysis of feedback has helped in redesigning the curriculum, cultivating right

attitude, punctuality and skills.

6.2.8 Does the university conduct performance audit of the various departments?

Yes

� Performance audit is conducted regularly in order to assess the efficiency and

effectiveness of the available resources.



� All Departments have their own standard operating procedures for various types

of clinical and technical work.

� The work is supervised by the faculty members to ensure proper patient care.

� The faculty members of the department meet once a month for discussion of the

same and the reports are sent to the principal’s office

� Progress of dissertation and other research work are discussed in the dissertation

meetings.

� The constituent colleges have Academic review Committees established.

� “Best Teacher, Researcher and Department Award” is given on every University

Day.

6.2.9 What mechanisms have been evolved by the university to identify the

developmental needs of its affiliated institutions?

Not applicable

6.2.10 Does the university have a vibrant College Development Council (CDC) /

Board of College and University Development (BCUD)? If yes, detail its

structure, functions and achievements.

Yes.

The individual constituent colleges have their own college councils with the head of

the institution as the Chairman, the Vice principal as member secretary with all the

HODs as the members and submit the minutes of the meeting to the university for

appropriate follow up.

6.3 Faculty Empowerment Strategies

6.3.1 What efforts have been made to enhance the professional development of

teaching and non-teaching staff?

The performance appraisal reporting has led to increase in motivation & skill

development of the faculty and staff. They are reflected in the Annual Confidential

Reports forwarded to higher ups. Underperformers are counselled in a formal way

and reports documented thereof.

a) The Constituent Colleges follow a teacher performance appraisal method as

given below and also the results of the appraisal are well used for the

betterment of teaching learning interactions.

b) Micro-teaching sessions.



c) Successful prospective teachers are recommended for recognition by the

University and also acknowledged as recognized teachers for the college.

d) Results of examination

e) Student feedback

f) Use of self-appraisal method to evaluate the performance of the faculty,

research and institutional programmes.

g) College appraisal is done by Annual Technical and Administrative inspection

& the reports of this inspection are analyzed.

h) Teaching self-appraisal through Micro-teaching

i) In addition all faculty members fill in a self-assessment proforma and

performance appraisal is carried out by immediate superior officers.

j) CME programmes & Workshops, Seminars, Symposia on Medical Teaching

and regular courses like Medical Officers Junior Command Course are

conducted for the benefit of medical officers.

6.3.2 What is the outcome of the review of various appraisal methods used by the

university? List the important decisions.

An annual appraisal review is done at the beginning of the year where all the staff

are given targeted work i.e. the sum of the departmental work in theory, clinical ,

practical examinations which is divided among the faculty and each faculty know

their day to day time table. Appraisal forms are designed to assess the performances

of faculty members, administrative staff and Technical Staff.

The execution of this job is ensured by departmental work- done register, feedback

forms from the students, patients and parents. The outcome and performance of

each staff is evaluated by the appraiser (HOD) and by the reviewer (The Principal)

and the performance of all the staff is graded.

The administration of constituent colleges of the university meets all the teaching

and non-teaching staff once every month. General points pertaining to welfare and

general improvements are discussed in these meetings. Points of general interest

and important communications from higher authorities are communicated to the

students/faculty. In addition there is a monthly academic council meeting chaired by

the Dean and attended by all HODs and other administrative officers, wherein

academic matters are discussed. All matters pertaining to administration, logistics

and finance are discussed in these meetings. All points and decisions taken at these



meetings are communicated to the university by respective Dean/Principal.

6.3.3 What are the welfare schemes available for teaching and non-teaching staff?

What percentage of staff have benefitted from these schemes in the last four

years? Give details.

� The institution provides quarters in the campus for the teaching and support

staff at subsidized rents

� Teaching and non-teaching staff are provided health card for treatment in

hospital.

� Staff welfare funds are available for non-teaching staff.

� Staff Welfare Fund Scheme for teaching and non-teaching staff of the university

& its constituent colleges has been instituted.

� 25% Concession in the hospital fees in all the constituent colleges is available

for the children of the staff.

� Best Teacher Award (Based on student assessment), and Best Researcher

award/Support Staff awards with cash incentives are given every year

� Official farewell function is arranged for the staff member of the University,

who attains superannuation.

� Maternity leave for pregnant woman

� Provident Fund and Employer State Insurance

� Training and development programs for teaching / non teaching staff

� Indoor and outdoor sports facility

� Fitness Centre

� Sponsoring Faculty to attend and conduct development programs

6.3.4 What are the measures taken by the University for attracting and retaining

eminent faculty?

� Retention of staff members has been a great strength of the University as is

evident from the fact that nearly 50% of faculty members are serving for more

than 15 years in Medical, Dental and Nursing colleges

� The University has always tried their best to retain the faculty.

� Recruitment of the faculty is done at University level as per apex body norms.

The following benefits are extended to employees which helps in staff retention.

- Financial benefits on excellent academic performance, the deserving



faculty members are sent on deputation for higher studies.

- Incentives for research work

- Incentives for travel towards attendance of scientific programs

- Promotions to higher positions and their involvement in various academic

and statutory bodies of University.

- Incentives for clinical services offered in the hospital.

- Fee concession of 50% to all faculty members who pursue Ph.D. programs

offered at MAHER on part time basis.

- Financial assistance for prize winning scientific presentations of faculty

members at national / international conferences.

- Faculty members are given sabbatical leave (during which seniority is

protected).

- Faculty members have access to free Wi-Fi internet access in the campus,

as well as, access to digital library & online journals.

- Some faculty members also have availed unlimited access to BSNL

Broadband services under the NKN-NME, Govt. of India scheme.

- Two faculty members were sent abroad for specialized training.

- The University has established schemes for Visiting Professor / Professor

Emeritus / Best Scientist award / Best young Scientist award

6.3.5 Has the university conducted a gender audit during the last four years? If yes,

mention a few salient findings.

No, not applicable

6.3.6 Does the university conduct any gender sensitization programmes for its

faculty?

Yes

� The institution conducts gender sensitization programs for its faculty.

� Sensitization on health issues, self protection and self motivation are part of

routine programs organized by constituent colleges.

� The faculty members are provided with services of Resident Counsellors

� University Cell for Women conducts regular programmes like

entrepreneurships, leadership education, legal rights of women, women’s health

and safety, harassment at work place, etc.



� University Cell for Women strives to make provision of employment for the

women dependents of the non-teaching staff.

� International Women Doctors Day is celebrated every year.

6.3.7 What is the impact of the University’s Academic Staff College Programmes in

enhancing the competencies of the university faculty?

� The constituent colleges of the University regularly conduct workshops, guest

lectures and short training programs for communication skills and soft skills

which ensure improved personality development.

� College of Nursing conducts regular programs for nurses on good

communication skills with patients.

� Programs for non-teaching staff on communication skills with patients are

regularly conducted in hospital every year.

� Empowerment Cell for Women organizes workshops every year for non-

teaching staff on spoken English and soft skills.

� Every college conducts at least two programs for the non-teaching staff.

6.4 Financial Management and Resource Mobilization

6.4.1 What is the institutional mechanism available to monitor the effective and

efficient use of financial resources?

� The finance section is one of the important divisions of the University. At the

beginning of financial year, the University gets approval for the budget from the

Finance Committee and further takes approval from the Board of Management.

� The finance section has been making recommendations for control of

expenditure against budget keeping in view plans and objectives of the

University.

� The University has developed an internal monitoring and co-ordination

mechanism which facilitates smooth functioning and quick decision making in

the university system.

� The Purchase Committee monitors and recommends purchases of major

equipments in all the constituent colleges.

� All expenditures are against budgetary allocation (developing infrastructure,

maintenance, and salaries for staff, research and other incentives) after the



approval of Finance Committee and Board of Management of the University.

� University budget is based on information about expenditure figures in the past,

considering the current trends & developments and any other factors that may

affect expenditure in future.

� Centralized payment system is practiced.

6.4.2 Does the university have a mechanism for internal and external audit? Give

details.

Yes

� The internal audit assesses the University’s finance management, governance

and control processes that are operating effectively. The unbiased and

independent audit reports of the external auditors have helped in understanding

the organization’s systems and processes.

� University accounts are audited both by the internal and external (statutory)

auditors. The accounts of the University are quarterly audited by the internal

auditor and half yearly by the statutory auditor. Audited statements (income-

expenditure and balance sheet) and auditor’s report are placed before the

Finance Committee and Board of Management every year for their approval.

� Finance Management System is computerized. Tally accounting software is

being used for maintaining accounts by all the constituent colleges and by the

University.

6.4.3 Are the institution’s accounts audited regularly? Have there been any major

audit objections, if so, how were they addressed?

Yes, the institution's accounts are audited regularly and so far, there are no audit

objections.

6.4.4 Provide the audited income and expenditure statement of academic and

administrative activities of the last four years.

Audit is done on a regular basis and no audit objections or qualifications are

recorded. The following is the expenditure statement:

S. No. Year Amount

1 2010-2011 Rs. 3,38,25,073/-

2 2011-2012 Rs. 4,44,78,228/-

3 2012-2013 Rs. 4,73,40,331/-

4 2013-2014 Rs. 7,22,46,720/-



6.4.5 Narrate the efforts taken by the University for Resource Mobilization.

Resource mobilization is done through college income and hospital income. The

institution takes pride in its planning, co-ordinating and monitoring systems for

multifarious professional, administrative, financial and human resource

management activities.

6.4.6 Is there any provision for the university to create a corpus fund? If yes, give details.

Yes

The Trust has contributed Rs. Five Crores towards corpus fund initially and

thereafter the University has accumulated additional funds out of the interest earned

on deposits and foreign exchange gains every year.

6.5 Internal Quality Assurance System

6.5.1 Does the university conduct an academic audit of its departments? If yes, give

details.

Yes,

The University has a well established IQAC in all the three constituent colleges.

Regular IQAC meetings are carried out. The quality sustenance processes are

discussed, analyzed and implemented by the various heads of departments.

6.5.2 Based on the recommendations of the academic audit, what specific measures

have been taken by the university to improve teaching, learning and

evaluation?

� The university accords due importance to various data and information from the

feedback in decision making and performance improvement.

� The institution plans and initiates processes for infrastructure improvement in

terms of new buildings, new facilities and requirement of new equipment based

on data from reports and return from various user departments.

� The financial planning for various funds is also based on inputs received from

user departments.

� All academic, administrative and financial decisions are based on discussions

held during meetings of various administrative and academic bodies and their



recommendations.

� Feedback from students received formally and informally is given due

importance in planning of the curriculum and planning co-curricular and


� The recommendation of students for procurement of books and journals for the

library is given priority.

� The institution also receives feedback from stake holders and the community for

improvements in training, research and patient care. Feedback from students

regarding welfare activities for the students is also accorded priority.

� To improve attendance percentage among students and undertake compensatory

classes

� Individual attention to slow learners by specially appointed faculty guide.

� Orientation program towards examination

� Student counselling as required by the individuals

� To strengthen research

6.5.3 Is there a central body within the university to continuously review the

teaching learning process? Give details of its structure, methodologies of

operations and outcome?

Yes

� Various Boards under the governance of an academic officer who monitors the

teaching & learning processes of constituent units.

� A separate Academic officer and Curriculum officer with two Assistant

Registrars review the teaching-learning process in consultation with constituent

colleges.

� The review meetings are regularly conducted by Curriculum/ Academic officer,

Chairman of Board of Postgraduate Studies and Chairman of Research and

Recognition Committee with Dean/Principals and Heads of the Departments.

� The Medical and Dental Education Unit takes the responsibility of the teaching

learning process through its team. The team includes a specially appointed

course in-charge for the respective year of study who monitors the teaching

process, academic performance and student affairs continuously as required by

the governing body. The details of the review are communicated to the office of



the principal, parent teacher committee and thereby to the parents. The above

systems has helped the institute in improving its results from 70% to 98%

� The following Boards of Studies meet regularly in accordance with Calendar of

Events.

6.5.4 How has IQAC contributed to institutionalizing quality assurance strategies

and processes?

� IQAC of University was established on 06-04-2012, in accordance with the

guidelines of NAAC with due representation of different stake-holders of higher

education.

� It conducts regular quarterly meetings with specific agenda.

� Format is prepared to assess the work carried out in all constituent colleges.

� The work done and work planned for next session of all constituent colleges and

various departments of University are discussed.

� Analysis of the work done by all constituent colleges is carried out at specific

intervals.

� Performance Statements are regularly submitted to the Higher Education

Departments, UGC and Ministry of HRD, Government of India.

� IQAC has been channelizing the efforts and measures of the colleges towards

academic excellence.

� Creation of Internal Quality Assurance Cell and its functioning has helped to

assimilate the gains made by all constituent colleges and has improved day-to-

day work ethics and instituted disciplined organizational culture.

S. No. List of Boards of Studies

1 BoS for Pre-Clinical Subjects (UG&PG)

2 BoS for Pre and Para-clinical Subjects (UG&PG)

3 BoS for Clinical Subjects (UG&PG)

4 BoS for Para-clinical Subjects (UG&PG)

5 BoS for Medicine & Allied Subjects

6 BoS for Surgery and Allied Subjects

7 BoS for OBG, Anaesthesia and Radiology UG&PG)

8 BoS for Super-specialty Subjects

9 BoS for Nursing Science Subjects (UG&PG



� The healthy competitive environment among the constituent colleges has led to

a marked increase in institutional work performance and its output.

6.5.5 How many decisions of the IQAC have been placed before the statutory

authorities of the University for Implementation?

The minutes of Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) are regularly placed for

consideration by the Academic Council and Board of Management. Based on

observations made, a plan for overall quality sustenance and quality improvement in

academic and administrative activities of the University was placed before the

Board of Management of the University, for consideration and implementation. The

management approved most of the decisions of IQAC and the same are

implemented on ground.

The main decision making body are the 22 committees in the constituent colleges

which is regulated by the steering committee of the university. These 22 committees

meet periodically as per the time table and the decisions are reinforced as per the

implementation/ feedback.

6.5.6 Does the IQAC have external members on its committees? If so, mention any

significant contribution made by such members.

� Yes. The IQAC of University has two external members.

� The external members are experts in the areas of social work, women

empowerment industry and commerce.

� All members attend the meetings regularly and contribute to the deliberations

during IQAC meetings.

� Their suggestions on student centric activities, social responsibilities of the

institution, industry-academic interaction, environmental concerns, curriculum

revision, teaching and learning processes, student progression, infrastructure

development and any innovations are taken into consideration by the IQAC.

� Their facilitative and participative suggestions have helped in reducing

deficiencies and enhance quality of services offered by the University.

� Dr. Thiyagarajan, Dean & Director of Research of Sri Ramachandra Medical

College has contributed towards promotion of research activities in our

institution and has consolidated our vision on quality assurance.



6.5.7 Has the IQAC conducted any study on the incremental academic growth of

students from disadvantaged sections of society?

Yes

� The process of incremental academic growth helps in gauging student learning.

It provides an estimate of an individual student’s academic achievement level

and specific growth function and future prediction.

� The main findings of the analysis are as below:

i. A total number of UG and PG students from disadvantaged sections of

society, economically disadvantaged, differently-abled, etc. are between

11 to 26 respectively in last four years.

ii. Study conducted by the university on academic growth of economically

disadvantaged students showed an increase in passing percentage from

52.29% in first year to 100% in final year for undergraduate students. For

postgraduate students, the study showed 100% performance in

examination for all the constituent college.

iii. 100% of the nursing students have been successfully placed.

iv. 344 students were identified as slow learners from all the constituent units

belonging to disadvantaged sections of society. Remedial classes were

conducted for them and their performance improved significantly in the

subsequent examination during the last 4 years.

v. It is a standard track on which University is accountable in terms of

students progress and it has shown adequate yearly progress

6.5.8 What policies are in place for the periodic review of administrative and

academic departments, subject areas, research centres, etc.?

� Regular Clinical audits are conducted in the hospitals to address the issues in

quality of patient care and find measures of improvement that may need

implementation through successive strategic plans. It was developed as a

process by which hospital work is reviewed.

� Standard protocols are available for emergencies and treatment procedures.

� Regular faculty meetings of the unit/ departments, mortality meetings and

admission discharge review meetings are conducted.



� Regular timetables are prepared department-wise, date-wise with student

presenter and faculty moderator for all the clinical postings in advance.

� CCTV surveillance cameras have been installed in all the teaching wards,

supervised by the Medical Superintendent during morning clinical teaching

hours.

� Senior teachers also visit the case discussions done by junior faculty as peer

reviewers.

� Academic Coordinators have been appointed for Medicine, Dentistry and

nursing and Super-specialty subjects to oversee the teaching arrangements and

to address the student grievances, if any.

� Clinical Skills Laboratory at the MMCH Hospital regularly conducts workshops

for doctors, nurses and other para-medical staff.

� Such a study gives an insight into the practices adopted and about lacunae, if

any existing in the system. The hospital also has Infection Control Committee

and mortality meeting for clinical auditing. Remedial action is initiated by the

Governing Council of the hospital.

Any other information regarding Governance, Leadership and Management which

the university would like to include.

Nil

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Criterion VII – Innovations & Best Practices


CRITERION VII :

INNOVATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES

7.1 Environment Consciousness

7.1.1 Does the university conduct a Green Audit of its campus?

Yes

� The University has identified areas of environmental pollution, energy

efficiency and social responsibilities in the campus and has initiated studies in

these areas. This has helped us define areas of priority and develop a support

system in maintaining a green environment.

� The University has conducted a Green Audit of its campuses and facilities. It

regularly formulates action plans to have an eco-friendly ambience.

� Environment friendly campus with good walking tracks.

� Constituent colleges have well-lit and ventilated buildings.

� There are Green areas and Lung spaces in hospitals and college premises.

� The University is making all out efforts in maintaining the campus

� Lush green lawn, many trees and small plants are plenty in all the three campus.

� Sprinklers are used for even and uniform watering of the lawns and reducing the

heat in premises.

� Saplings and small plants are procured from the market and are distributed

among the students and staff to promote green cover which helps the

environment in the surrounding areas too.

� The methodology developed by specifically designed strategies, has made a

commitment to “Going Green”. This has improved eco‐consciousness, energy

conservation and has led to energy efficient measures and technologies for best

energy utilization.

7.1.2 What are the initiatives taken by the university to make the campus eco-

friendly?

Many measures are instituted to make the campuses of the Constituent colleges

eco-friendly.



a) Energy Conservation

Large size windows and high ceilings in the classrooms provide good

ventilation. This has minimized the usage of fans and lights. Wherever

possible the College uses CFL/LED fixtures in the place of ordinary

incandescent bulbs to minimize power consumption.

b) Use of Renewable Energy

Plans for setting up Solar energy units are afoot to use renewable energy.

c) Water Harvesting

The Constituent Colleges have been maintaining sink pits at different

conducive places on the campus for ground water harvesting, mainly for the

gardens.

d) Check Dam Construction

There is no check dam on our campus because the College ground is at the

same horizontal level and is not fit for pooling up water .

e) Efforts for Carbon Neutrality

The College has been maintaining greenery with lawns and shrubs and trees

for keeping carbon neutrality stable. Different varieties of plants are grown as

indoor plants placed in corridors, labs and also in departmental chambers.

f) Plantation - Botanical or Medicinal significance

The campus has old and big trees which have botanical significance.

Each building in the campus has a garden surrounding with a fountain.

Planting of trees are regularly carried out. Presently, there are 820 trees in the

campuses.

Adequate measures are taken to protect the trees in the surrounding areas of

the institute.

g) Hazardous Waste Management

The departments contribute by ensuring appropriate disposal of biomedical

waste generated during the course of its functioning. Mandatory autoclaving

of all clinically hazardous material

h) e-Waste Management

Outdated computers and electronic equipment are sold in auctions.



7.2 Innovations

7.2.1 Give details of innovations introduced during the last four years which have

created a positive impact on the functioning of the university.

Many innovations are thought of and successfully introduced to run the College on

more effective lines which are conducive to students’ progress and welfare.

a) Academic Innovations:

� The college has introduced many new innovative practices to help students in

their pursuit of attaining an all-round quality (medical, dental and nursing)

education.

� Classes are engaged with the help of smart and multimedia class rooms.

� These facilities are appropriately shared among the departments. LCD Panels

and a Computer Server integrated to video cameras are being used for

showing dissection /histological specimens to students.

� Integration of lectures has been undertaken for UG courses for specific

subjects that have multi-disciplinary facets, thereby significantly reducing the

number of classes and avoiding duplication. There is an increase in the

number of interactive teaching sessions and clinics for both UG and PG

students.

� Case study method of teaching is encouraged in various departments. Major

rotational policies for PG students have been implemented to render the

course more clinically oriented and improving patient care through general

ward rounds, ICU rounds and secondary care exposure.

� Department of Medical Education of college is recognized by Medical

Council of India and it conducts regular teaching methodology workshop for

training teachers in basic Medical Education Technology (MET).

� Installation of e-learning system is achieved.

� Clinical Skills Laboratory has been established.

� OSPE and OSCE Laboratories are provided.

� Local language is taught to students from outside the state.

� Integrated teaching for undergraduates is practiced.

� Inter-disciplinary seminars for postgraduates are conducted.



� Student feedback on teaching-learning methods are obtained.

� Biometric attendance for teaching and non-teaching staff is compulsory.

� Orientation programmes are arranged for new recruits regarding teaching

methodology; lesson planning and research are conducted every year.

� Flash cards with printed questions for viva–voce examination in Dental

College are provided.

� Faculty Academic Performance Evaluation Proforma is introduced for

medical faculty.

� The office staff and other support staff are regularly given training in the

basic, as well as, advance computer knowledge to improve their skills.

b) New academic programmes initiated (UG & PG)

49 New UG, PG and Super Speciality have been started in the last 4 years

c) Technology Upgradation in Teaching and Learning Methods:

E-learning facility for MBBS students has been created by uploading extensive

teaching material on the college web portal for the benefit of the students. This

allows them to be prepared for classes in advance and also to access material

related to classes which may have been missed. This material is constantly

updated by all the departments.

d) Establishment of Skills labs and an Anaesthetist for UG and PG training is

allotted for conducting regular ALS & BLS workshop classes.

e) Digitisation of Museum Specimens: The museums at the departments of

Pathology, Anatomy, and Forensic medicine & Microbiology have over 200

specimens, which are now in the process of being made available in a digitised

form as images and audio descriptions on an interactive kiosk as well as on 60

PCs with headphones for the benefit of the students.

f) Modernisation of Equipment:

� A new state of the art Multi-slice CT scan machine is functioning in the

Radiology department.

� Introduction of Acoustic Phyrangometry-Rhinometry in diagnosis and



treatment planning of orthodontic cases with special emphasis on airway

analysis has been done.

� This equipment is first of its kind to be used in dentistry and orthodontics.

Introduction of soft tissue diode lasers in the div of Periodontology for

surgical procedures. Autologous stem cell harvest, Cryopreservation and

transplantation for haemato-oncological disorders (BTD).

� Regular interaction is done with industry with regards to instruments and

implant designs, innovation and development (Dept of Orthopaedics)

� Upgrading of all the equipments in the departments. Details are available as

part of the evaluation report of the departments.

g) Quality Control in Laboratories:

The college runs laboratories in haematology, biochemistry, histopathology and

cytopathology for the constituent hospitals. Quality control in these labs is a

key area for best practices. This is ensured by good internal and external quality

control in all the labs. The success is evident by the fact that the college lab is

accredited now according to CMC Quality control.

h) Establishment of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) Monitoring Centre in

Dept of Pharmacology:

The reporting of ADR is a very critical component of health care and it is a

moral duty of all health care professionals who encounter them. A step in this

regard has been taken by way of establishment of an ADR Monitoring centre in

the Department of Pharmacology, under the Pharmaco-Vigilance Programme

of India (PvPI). The information generated helps in continuous monitoring of

the risk benefit ratio of the medicines and in timely intervention as and when

required.



7.3 Best Practices

7.3.1 Give details of any two best practices which have contributed to better

academic and administrative functioning of the university.

Best Practice I :

1. Title of the Practice

Annual brain-storming sessions for improving teaching-learning methods.

2. Objectives of the Practice

The objective of improving teaching-learning methods is to deliver learning

content to all students from highly qualified faculty and would also be available

through ICT round the clock.

� To train the health science professionals in basics and advances in

educational science and technology.

� To develop competence in clinical and educational research.

� To achieve excellence in patient care, through evidence-based practice,

clinical decision making and good clinical practice.

� To impart leadership qualities, social and executive communication skills in

order to achieve continued professional excellence.

� To provide medical/dental /nursing students the opportunity to interact with

students and faculty from other reputed national colleges in academic, co-

curricular and extracurricular aspects and promoting use of technology so

that they are competitive at national & global Level.

3. The Context

� The vision and mission statements of MAHER reflect the desire of the

institution to be amongst the best medical, dental and nursing institutions

nationally as well as internationally. Towards this goal, MAHER & its

management have been tirelessly working on improving its infrastructure for

teaching and learning, the quality of training imparted, and motivating and

changing the attitude of its students towards quest for excellence.

� Department of Medical & Dental Education of the Constituent Colleges of



the University conduct regular educational programmes to cater to the needs

of the respective health science professionals.

� Due to the ever-growing demand for skilled professionals and the rapidly

expanding science of education, there has been a paradigm shift in practice

of health educational science and technology.

� Devoting substantial faculty time into such training programs.

� Resistance to change and adaptation of newer technologies.

� Lack of mandate on quality of teaching and learning, patient-care and

research by the regulatory councils.

� Lack of motivation

4. The Practice

� The university offers an excellent campus life that is comparable to the

facilities offered at the best medical/dental and nursing colleges. The

teaching & training infrastructure, faculty, IT infrastructure, research

facilities, equipment at training hospitals and more than anything else the

‘never say die’ attitude and competitiveness inculcated in the students

fosters national and global competencies amongst them. In addition the

students are provided opportunities to interact with students and faculty from

other reputed national and international medical schools in academic, co-

curricular and extracurricular aspects so that they are competitive at the

national & global level.

� The constituent college IT infrastructure and medical equipment are state of

art. There is a very productive integration of computers in teaching/learning

activities both by students and faculty. Independent learning is promoted by

provision of internet facilities and by excellent e-learning facilities. Many

areas of the college are Wi-Fi zones.

� The college invests a lot of its resources on procuring mannequins and other

advanced teaching learning resources for simulated training to its students.

� All the lecture halls have computers with Multimedia facilities and LCD

projection system for teaching. The hospitals an equipped with state of art

equipment for practical training.

� Currently, to create a learning environment, seminars, symposium,

workshops and faculty development program and talks from renowned guest



speakers of repute are a few highlights of expanded learning by the

constituent college. As a method to reach out to other institutions the college

has proposed collaboration with CMC, Vellore for teacher training.

Perspective plan for the same has been approved and will be implemented in

the coming years.

5. Evidence of Success

� The Meenakshi Ammal Dental College is rated 9th amongst the best teaching

Dental Colleges all over India.

� Meenakshi Medical College and Research Institute is the 2nd best in the state

of Tamil Nadu when it comes to academics.

� Our students bring laurels to the institute in all academic and extracurricular

activities regularly which shows the calibre of the faculty of the university.

� Our quality and the quantity of research, extension and publication are

excellent considering that ours is new university.

� Analysis of the feedback on these programs by the participants is highly

encouraging and has shown that there is improvement in personal and

professional development in-terms of, knowledge gain, skills acquired,

enhanced communication, organizational and managerial skills.

� The Constituent Colleges have highly qualified faculty who are experts in

their own specialized field and their expertise is variable in training the UG

and PG students to the highest level. This has been possible because of the

support and encouragement provided by the University and Management in

terms of adequate infrastructure, good faculties and excellent teaching and

learning ambience

� Value-added learning has enabled students of the constituent colleges to

face any type of situation apart from their regular academic program, such as

participating in various intercollegiate, cultural and sports competition and

bringing laurels to the University year after year.

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

The challenges faced were mainly in-terms of:

� Lack of motivated participants.



� Lack of time devoted by faculty into such training programs.

� Non-compliance.

� Failure to realize the importance of continuous professional development.

� Resistance to adapt to the newer trends in teaching- learning and assessment.

� Financial constraints occasionally hamper the rapid up gradation of

technology.

� The non-workability of technology is one of the major problems encountered

in the teaching learning process.

� The span of interest of the learners is very short. Teachers today have to play

the role of an educator, motivator and entertainer combined, rather than just

an educator.

7. Notes

� Dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff are the pillars of strength of the

teaching/learning process. Without a dedicated team, success cannot be

achieved. The Chancellor with his dynamic leadership style and constant

guidance and support give a prominent shape to these goals and objectives.

� The services of the faculty members of the Constituent Colleges of the

University were appreciated by many of institutions, near and far. As a result

these trained and experienced faculty in professional health education were

invited by various institutions to sensitize their faculty in following areas.

i. Teaching Methodology

ii. Research methodology

iii. Micro-teaching

iv. OSPE/OSCE

v. Evaluation Reforms

� The Faculties of Medical Education Department of Medical and Dental

College also conducts training programs for the teachers of other educational

institutions at their invitation.



Best Practice II:

1. Title of the Practice

Dynamic planning for community outreach

2. Objectives of the Practice

� To get insight into the community health profile.

� To provide the same quality of health care to the inaccessible population like

which is provided at corporate /advanced health facilities.

� To create awareness and educate the community about health care.

� To update / improve the knowledge skills and attitude of the community

health care providers

� To strengthen effective communication network between primary care

facilities to tertiary care facilities

� Inculcating value systems in students by providing a value-based community

education so that the graduating individual is a devoted, disciplined and a

person of high moral character who follows medical ethics to the core in

dealing with the health care of rural population.

3. The Context

� MAHER is one of the best Institutions in the state which seeks to holistically

develop the students to be better citizens and serve the best of health care to

the rural population of the nation.

� Tertiary health care institute like the medical college at Kancheepuram tries

its best in preventing deaths and disability by providing quality care to the

rural population.

� The main reasons for poor outcomes are 4 delays:

i. Delay in seeking care

ii. Delay in diagnosis

iii. Delay in transfer

iv. Delay in effective treatment at higher facility

� Being a private institute, working with or co-ordinating with public sector

health care providers needs extensive planning.

� Attitude / aptitude of public health care providers is up to the mark.



� Availability of faculty, time and feasibility due to the teaching and clinical

assignment at the institute

� To create proper methodology or means to approach community

� Devoting substantial faculty time into such training programs.

4. The Practice

The University takes pride in organising and conducting 720 free medical and

dental camps through its three Constituent colleges focusing on various

problems pertaining to health care. Apart from this the dental college has

organised more than 500 screening camps since 2010.

� Value based education is accorded the highest priority. Emphasis on

discipline, character building and all round development, compassion to

community health and medical ethics is noteworthy.

� All students of the UG wing participate in NSS wing, for developing

discipline, human values and team work. The College encourages students

to participate in co-curricular activities and sports.

� The public and community health department of the respective constituent

college’s student social work enterprise has made rapid strides in the

welfare of the poor.

� The medical, dental and nursing teams conduct a series of meetings with

village leaders and community members to inform about the heath camp

and the projects, the benefits and their roles/ responsibilities and to seek

support for health care provider and arrange for timely transport in

emergency.

� Community health workers’ skills and knowledge are regularly updated by

training.

� Quality health care with human touch at the tertiary facility is provided.

5. Evidence of Success

� The community projects have greatly improved the skills and knowledge

of Community Health Workers in maternal and new born care.

� It also improved home based life saving skills in the community members.

� These projects have reduced Neonatal Mortality Rate and Maternal



Mortality Rate in the local area thus strengthening the National Rural

Health Programme.

� Promoted the activities of Community Health Welfare through pregnant

women and mothers meetings.

� Created awareness among the scientific community with reference to

morbidity and mortality in babies born after the pre-term period.

� Importantly, this type of community service has brought changes in

curricular teaching-learning methods and improved the community

research culture with many publications in high impact factor journals.

� Development of self reliance in the community by involving the self help

groups village counselors.

� Preventive Dental Health and general health awareness

� Awareness creation on Dental Hygiene

� School Health Program: Creating awareness of oral health and ill effects of

tobacco.

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

� Working with community and public sector employee was a challenge.

� Proper data collection was a huge task

� Poor compliance from CHWs

� Difficulty in adjusting the timings of project workers with the community

members. Since the community members are not available (as they are

away in the field to earn their livelihood) during the office hours.

� Motivation by repeated training, meetings/discussions with CHWs to bring

a change in their attitude / aptitude.

� Periodic review of data after audit and field visits to verify/rectify for

proper data collection

� Identifying the people and attempting to impart to them the need for

improved compliance from CHWs

� Support from administration both, public and private sector.

� Involvement of every stakeholder in the process

� To involve retired public health officials

� Community involvement without loss of wages suiting to their time.

Repeated approaches made them realize the advantages of these practices.



The project workers were made to contact the community members in the

evenings.

� For the students, balancing course curricula and community activities

requires effective time management. The college is largely able to full fill

the same as all the constituent colleges are residential institutions.

7. Notes

� With this, the MAHER University was able to provide evidence based

quality health care interventions to the unreachable community.

� Improved the knowledge, skills and attitude of the health care providers.

� Created awareness in the community.

� Community education programs were strengthened

� Successful network between peripheral (primary) health care to tertiary

health care could be established.

� The objectives of National Rural Health Machine (NRHM) and Urban

Health Mission (UHM) mission were strengthened.

� Improved the research culture in the institute.

� Helped to understand community needs.

� Need based changes in curriculum, teaching and learning were made.

� Quality and quantity of publication could be improved.

� Over all, it helped to meet the objectives of the University to improve the

health profile of the community in this part of the country.

� This also provided employment opportunity to identified social workers as

field staff.

Any other information regarding Innovations and Best Practices which the University

would like to include.

Nil

Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education & Research Annexures


Annexure – 1 A



Annexure – 1 B



Annexure – 1 C



Annexure – 2 A



Annexure – 2 B



Annexure – 2 C



Annexure – 2 D



Annexure – 2 E



Annexure – 2 F



Annexure – 3

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