Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS), Ranchi organised an Institutional-cum Faculty Development Programme (ICFDP)-2024 for its faculty members at St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata (SXUK) from 19-22 June 2024. The faculty members stayed at the National Institute of Technical Teachers’ Training & Research (NITTTR) Centre during the ICFDP.

Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur SJ, Director, XISS, discussed in detail the aim, objectives, and the expectations from the participants and in the next two days of the ICFDP. During the brief session, various points were reflected upon as put forward by the participants. Meanwhile, Dr Amar E. Tigga, Dean Academics explained the importance of the ICFDP and holistic effort for the continued growth of the institute.

On Day 1, the session began with the Sarva-Dharma prayer song in the Board Room at SXUK. Prof. Ashish Mitra, Registrar, SXUK formally welcomed the faculty members and managerial staff of XISS for the ICFDP. The deliberations mentioned the Jesuit Response to the Vision of St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata.

Dr Mourlin, SJ, briefed the participants about the establishment of the university in a very short span of time under the leadership of Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr J. Felix Raj, SJ. He also briefed the participants of the various projects undertaken by the SXUK which align with the vision and mission of the Society of Jesus for the welfare of the people in general and youth in particular. The highlight of the session was the seven elements and the major challenges for XISS. He also motivated the faculty members to think how XISS can grow in a continuous manner.

Prof. Ashish Mitra informed about the problems and challenges faced by the founding members of the SXUK to build the university. Dr Snehasis Sur, Alumni (St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata) shed light on the role of the alumni association which shared the common dream of establishment of the university. He shared light on the ‘extended family’ association of the alumni association. He mentioned that the alumni/alumnae are considered as ‘Lay Collaborators.’

Dr Sitanghsu Khatua, Dean, Xavier School of Business, SXUK informed in detail about the course curriculum. He shared the importance of the various stakeholders and their feedback to strengthen the course curriculum. Dr Indra Kanta Maitra, the Controller of Examinations, informed about the modalities of conducting examinations at SXUK.

Furthermore, recordkeeping was also explained, i.e., marksheets and certificates which are kept in three different ways - ERP, Transcript Record, and National Academic Depository. Exam reforms policy was also discussed. Post lunch, the resource persons from students and staff fraternity informed about the roles and functions of Alumni and Alumni Office, CSOP, Student Board, Sports, and University Hostels. Participants also visited the various facilities of the University.

The end session was a Q&A session where multiple queries were raised by the faculty members. The queries raised were related to teaching and learning pedagogy, admission process, examination and conduct of examination, CO-PO mapping, credit transfer, remedial classes, policy for mentorship, moderation practise, NIRF ranking, IT infrastructure, marking scheme and continuous feedback, to list a few. 

Meanwhile, Day 2 sessions focused on the reflection and key learnings and how improvements can be made in a continuous manner. The faculty members of each programme brainstormed for more than two hours to see the progress and development in their respective departments for the last two years. The focus was on curriculum and learning outcomes, student quality and performance, faculty attributes and contributions, industry and international connect, alumni performance and connect, and continuous improvement.

The Heads of All Programmes (HoP’s) presented the achievements post NBA, the current gaps, and the next six months (June- Nov, 2024) activity plans. From the briefing of all the four Heads of the Programmes, it was noted that all the four programmes had made very good progress in the last two years in curriculum and learning outcomes, student quality and performance, faculty attributes and research contributions. Nonetheless, it was observed that there was a scope of improvement in all programmes in sponsored research and consultancy, industry and international connect, diversity and live projects.

While concluding, Director and Dean Academics thanked all the faculty members and managerial staff of XISS for participating and putting their best efforts in the 3rd edition of the ICFDP at the St. Xavier’s University, Kolkata and making it a grand success.