Dr. Sr. Shemi George (Sr. Anupama C. S. N.) is an Assistant Professor and Principal of Morning Star Home Science College in Ernakulam, Kerala. She holds a B.Sc. degree in Food Science and Nutrition from M. G. University, an M.Sc. in Food Science and Nutrition from Avinashilingam University, an M.Phil. degree from Mother Teresa University, and a Ph.D. degree from Periyar University. Furthermore, she has also achieved a D.Litt. from the University of South America. She has work experience spanning more than 16 years and has published several national and international journals and books.a

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Recognizing the importance of building a passion for education, I help the students achieve their full potential. This will, in turn, create an impact on students' lives. I aspire to stay updated with the latest educational trends and research. The collaborative environment on campus fosters innovation and continuous improvement to provide quality education. I consider education to be the crux of community building. My commitment to lifelong learning keeps me engaged and inspired. The institution's culture is designed such that the education here benefits not just students but also their families and the broader community. The opportunities given to students in the education sector offer them personal and professional growth.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Our institution offers different scholarship schemes for students. National schemes like post-matric and the central sector are availed of by the eligible students. Scholarship schemes of the Higher Education Council for different categories of students are also made available as per norms. The institution offers admission to students from different categories based on the government reservation quota as endorsed by the affiliated university. Special certificate courses are offered for students in reserved categories in collaboration with dedicated agencies. They are provided with a supportive environment for their personal and academic growth. Students in the marginalized sector are given robust support services. The services provided here are devised to help students steer through any challenges they may face. The campus facilities and resources are inclusive and accessible to all students. This includes creating safe spaces for all, ensuring physical accessibility, and providing resources for students with disabilities.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students?

We are continuously updating our curriculum so that it meets the evolving demands of industry and academia. Apart from the regular degree programs, additional certificate courses are offered in collaboration with approved agencies to the students to supplement their knowledge in their domain. Several courses with government certification are also implemented. Being the NSDC center, we offer different skill development courses that enable the students to grow in different dimensions. The incubation center on campus is functional to support the students in conceptualizing their innovative ideas. MoUs with leading organizations and institutions are signed for the internships, placements, and research work of the students. To keep pace with recent developments and advancements, we integrate digital tools and platforms into our teaching methods.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

Our goal at the institution is to foster a strong sense of community on campus. The institution provides facilities for regular interactions between students, faculty, and staff through various forums, meetings, and events. We offer a range of wellness programs that acknowledge the importance of mental and physical health. These include counseling services, stress management workshops, fitness activities, and health awareness campaigns. Student councils and committees aid in the involvement of students in decision-making processes. A wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and cultural events, are organized to promote a balanced lifestyle. Different programs organized by the institution, like guest lectures, workshops, and field trips, complement classroom learning and keep the students inspired. Special programs, including academic advising, personal and professional counseling, and mentorship programs, also contribute to the overall development of the students. We are committed to the continuous improvement of students in all aspects of college life. The bond between the faculty and students is preserved through house visits. Feedback from students, faculty, and staff is regularly obtained and utilized to enhance our practices and policies.

How do you try to bring a practical approach to subjects and make them industry-oriented?

We have established strong associations with leading organizations and industries in different sectors. This collaboration has helped to line up our curriculum with industry requirements and standards. Through the internship programs, students gain hands-on experience in their respective domains, which aids in enhancing their skills and knowledge in professional practices. These internships are facilitated by industry partners, which motivate the students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. We invite professionals from industries as resource persons for the lecture series, guest lectures, and workshops regularly. The certification courses offered at our college, in collaboration with industries, help enhance the employability of our students.

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How do you strategize the curriculum, and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

The curriculum followed by our institution is prescribed by the affiliated university- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. We integrate the curriculum with practical skills and experiential learning. Any gaps and areas for improvement in the curriculum are identified based on the feedback from the industry. This enables our students to stay updated with the current demands of the industry. The curriculum implementation is planned in such a way that it is relevant to the current standards of the industries and academically rigorous. Add-on courses and value-added courses are offered accordingly to supplement the curriculum. Feedback from the students is collected regularly utilizing surveys, focus groups, and course evaluations. Our quality assurance system is robust and in place to monitor and evaluate the curriculum's effectiveness. High academic standards are maintained through regular audits, peer reviews, and accreditation processes.

How does your college prepare students for placements?

We emphasize preparing students for successful placements. We have a dedicated Career Guidance Cell, which plays an active role in orienting students for placements. Internship opportunities availed by students not only boost their resume but also help in developing practical skills and professional networks. We frequently organize sessions on resume writing, networking skills, communication skills, professional skills, interview techniques, etc. We conduct on-campus recruitment drives, through which companies visit our campus and conduct interviews and recruitments. Career fairs are organized on our campus, which bring together employers from different sectors and the student community. We have a strong alumni community offering mentorship programs to the students. They also communicate job opportunities and provide advice on career paths and industrial requirements to the students.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

The NSS unit of our college is actively involved in providing opportunities for students to engage in community-oriented activities and projects. We give strong support to the students for their participation in sports events. Our institution provides excellent facilities and coaching for various sports events. Our college has secured a prestigious position in the top 10 university rankings through the consistent performance of students. As a matter of pride, we have several state, national, and international level players among our students. We also promote the participation of our students in university youth festivals, showcasing their talents in various cultural activities. Students are engaged in the activities of a wide range of clubs and societies that cater to diverse interests. Apart from NSS, our students participate in different community-oriented programs. Blood donation camps, environmental conservation activities, health awareness campaigns, and service-oriented activities are some of them. We host competitions and hackathons on campus and encourage students to participate. Such events enable the students to critically think, innovate, and solve real-world problems.

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to industry standards?

Faculty members of our college are provided with opportunities to stay informed about industry standards. We organize regular professional development programs, workshops, and training on the latest teaching methods for our faculty members through the internal quality assurance cell of our college. We encourage faculty members to stay connected with industries through collaborative projects and industry visits. This exposure helps the faculty members stay updated with prevailing industry practices and implement them in the curriculum delivery process. We support the faculty members by providing funding for research projects, access to the laboratories, and facilitating the industry-academia linkage. This helps them engage in research activities and promotes innovation. Faculty members are encouraged to publish their research articles in reputed journals. They are motivated to participate in seminars, workshops, and present papers at national and international conferences. Their participation helps to create new networks with peers and to stay updated with the latest research. In our college, we provide adequate training for the faculty on the application of the latest education technologies and digital tools for online teaching platforms.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students so they can have a prosperous career ahead?

The process of learning does not end with graduation. Education is a life-long learning process for which continuous improvement is crucial. Search for knowledge, be eager to learn more, and grab every opportunity that aids in growth and development. Technology is advancing at a faster pace, and staying updated is essential to succeeding in any field in this competitive world. Divergent thinking aids in nurturing creativity and innovation. Think out-of-the-box and explore innovative solutions for the problems you deal with. The world needs human resources who can think through problems from different perspectives. This quality makes you invaluable in any field. Maintain the balance between academic excellence, practical skills, and moral values. Adapting to changing circumstances, maintaining a positive attitude, and bouncing back from setbacks keep you invincible. As you grow and develop in your academic pursuits, remember your duty towards the society you live in. Give priority to your belief and spiritual well-being. Prosper in your career with faith that gives you strength and direction.