The remarkable achievement of University College at the recently-announced National Institutional Rankings Framework (NIRF) rankings has come as a shot in the arm for the institution that is poised for its next phase of development.
The college, which celebrated its 150th anniversary around two years ago, was ranked 18th among 1,500 arts and science colleges in the country that had applied to take part in the process. In the process, University College became the only arts and science college in the government sector in Kerala to figure in the rankings. It also came first among such institutions from the State which figured in the top-100 bracket.
The college scored heavily in the parameters of teaching, learning, resources and graduation outcomes. College Principal Omana Pankan attributed the achievement to efforts made to ensure better coordination of research and other academic activities that were being undertaken by the various study departments.
“For long, we have remained largely unaware of our academic prowess. The preparation of the self-study report for the recent NAAC accreditation process and compilation of reports prior to the 150th anniversary celebrations enabled us to have a better understanding of our accomplishments in diverse fields. The college maintained high standards of research in our 16 departments. Streamlining the outputs of such activities enabled us to put up a good show,” she said.
Despite the space constraints within the campus, the college has embarked on efforts to enhance infrastructural facilities. The construction of a research centre, touted to be a point of convergence for research activities, is nearing completion.
Besides, the government has sanctioned the construction of a library and instrumentation block.
The college has also approached the government to construct a three-storey building in the Oriental Block through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). While a project proposal has been sent, its approval was awaited.
The difficulty in undertaking further expansion in the campus that has heritage buildings is proving to be a tough task for the college authorities.
Nevertheless, they were confident of obtaining the wholehearted support of the government in ensuring that the college was made a centre of excellence.
