THE COLLEGE

With an objective of holding light to those in darkness and extending support to helpless and guide those who have lost direction, our kind hearted, socially concerned and dedicated reformers laid down the foundation of Vidya Vikas Education Society in 1962, to impart higher education to the masses, especially, the weaker and underprivileged sections of society. Late Dr. W. S. Matkar, Ex. MLA, Maharashtra State, Late Dr. Datta Samant, renowned trade unionist and Ex. MP and Shri P. M. Raut, recipient of the National Award for Teacher and present Chairman of the society, are the founder members of the institution. The institution could reach a remarkable milestone in the field of education in a very short span of time. Started with an initial strength of 260 students, it has now grown up both qualitatively and quantitatively into 21 educational units imparting knowledge to more than 15,000 students from KG to Ph. D level.

All the members of Vidya Vikas Education Society family are fortunate to be guided and supported in their mission of education by Hon’ble Shri P. M. Raut Chairman, Vidya Vikas Education Society and Late Hon’ble Smt. Vidya P Raut, Ex – Chief Executive Officer of the institution, both being the recipients of the National Award for teaching.

Vikas College of Arts, Science & Commerce started in the year 1986 with 87 students in First Year B.Com class has now developed into a multidisciplinary institution with more than 4000 students. The college has a state of the art infrastructure, advanced laboratories, library facilities, reading rooms, auditorium, audio-visual and overhead/slide projector facilities, info-tech center, well equipped gymkhana and gymnasium, canteen, conference hall, cultural activities room etc.

The College has distance learning centers of Y.C.M.O.U and T.M.U offering various under graduates, post-graduate and professional courses. At present more than 1000 students are availing education from the study center.

OUR VISION

“To be an accredited, autonomous and proactive centre for excellence, combining knowledge with innovation leading to an all-round development of students, especially belonging to the weaker sections of the society in their chosen area of specialization.”

OUR MISSION

“To reflect the vibrations of social aspirations in Education.”

OUR OBJECTIVE

1) Light to those in darkness.

2) Extending support to helpless.

3) Guidance to the pathless.

OUR GOALS

• Education to the underprivileged classes and serving students to bring social reformation.
• Devotion to mass education and commitment towards advancement.
• To offer educational programs that will blend creativity, analytical skills and career- oriented learning.
• To bridge the gap between traditional and need-based education, vis-a-vis, inculcating, international ethos.
• To develop a global outlook and capability of adoption to the changing requirements, synthesizing conventional and modern thinking.
• To provide value-based education and to inculcate a sense of communal harmony and national integrity.

It gives me immense pride and pleasure to welcome you to Vikas College of Arts, Science and Commerce, an institution that has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant and inclusive centre of higher learning.

Founded in Ghatkopar as a night college to serve the educational aspirations of secondgeneration learners from underprivileged communities, Vikas College was the result of the vision and commitment of great social reformers like Dr. Datta Samant, Dr. W.S. Matkar, Shri P.M. Raut, and Mrs. Vidya P. Raut. Their dedication to social justice and access to education laid the foundation for a college that continues to uphold their values even today.

From a single room to a multi-faculty institution affiliated to University of Mumbai, our college now offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across Arts, Science, and Commerce, along with self-financed, professional, and vocational programmes designed to meet the demands of a dynamic world.

We believe in holistic development. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, ICT-enabled teaching methods, free online add-on courses, and strong focus on extra-curricular and cocurricular activities provide our students with every opportunity to grow academically, personally, and professionally. Our active placement cell supports students in bridging the gap between education and employment.

At Vikas College, we do more than just teach – we inspire, we empower, and we nurture. I invite you to be a part of our academic family and experience the transformative power of education.

Warm regards,

Dr. Shubhada K. Deshpande

I/c Principal,

Vikas College of Arts, Science and Commerce Affiliated to University of Mumbai

TIME MANAGEMENT CORNER

WORKING HOURS OF THE COLLEGE:

• Timing for Routine Acdemic Activities

Day Session: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Evening Session:5:00 pm to 10:00 pm

• Timing for Routine  Adninistrative Activities

Day Session: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Evening Session: 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm

• Timing for Students’ / Cash Counters

Day Session: 10:30 am to 03:00 pm

Evening Session: 03:00 pm to 7:00 pm

• Timing for Library and Reading Room

Central Library: 10.00 am to 10.00 pm

Reading Room: 11.00 am to 09.00 pm

Issue Library :

Day Session: 11:30 am to 4:00 pm

Evening Session: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm

(The Principal reserves the right to make suitable changes to the working hours of the college.)

NON-TEACHING STAFF

POLICY STATEMENTS

ACADEMIC

1. To provide good academic atmosphere in the Campus
2. To establish smooth and effective transaction of curriculum through ICT based teaching – learning lecture method, problem solving, experimental method, virtual simulations etc.
3. To support the classroom teaching with resources from outside the institution, retired teachers and alumnus through seminars, workshops etc.
4. To establish a good rapport between teachers, students and parents
5. To obtain regular feedback from the students, parents, employers and alumni on the teaching – learning process and improving it
6. To establish a transparent evaluation system both internal and external
7. To ensure sufficient remedial measures to the needy students
8. To ensure guidance and mentoring to the advanced learners
9. To provide enough opportunities for placement
10. To facilitate students’ progression to premier institutions for higher studies
11. To recognise and reward teachers, non-teaching staff and students for their devotion, achievements and credentials

 EXTRA-CURRICULAR / CO-CURRICULAR

1. To give ample opportunities to the students to develop leadership traits by providing exposure to various fields
2. To encourage students’ active participation in NSS and other social activities
3. To encourage students’ active participation in activities outside the college, thereby promoting leadership qualities
4. To encourage the students to actively participate in sports and games
5. To encourage the students to actively participate in cultural events
6. To encourage the students to participate in events organized by other institutions

 RESEARCH AND EXTENSION

1. To promote research activities of teachers and to encourage them to take up research projects, attend seminars and workshops
2. To obtain grants from UGC, KSCSTE, DST, CDS, NBHM, RUSA etc. and strengthen the basic research facilities
3. To publish the research outputs of staff and disseminate it among academicians and research scholars.
4. To disseminate research findings of the faculty of the college among the research community, teachers and students free of cost
5. To publish the research findings of faculty and students on college website, wall papers etc.
6. To encourage the faculty to publish their findings in reputed journals
7. To serve the community through various social service and extension activities like charity, blood donation, environmental cleanliness, anti-drug activities, literacy, health awareness, cancer detection and eradication, gender equality, eradication of superstition, exploration, surveys, national integration, secularism etc.
8. To establish an institution-neighbourhood-community network through NGO’s like Lions Club, Rotary Club, and other social groups like local libraries, arts and sports clubs, environmental clubs, and local bodies
9. To help students to have an all-round development so that they become physically fit, intellectually competent and socially committed citizens
10. To create awareness about the social responsibilities and execution of high ethical standards

 CONSULTANCY, LINKAGE AND COLLABORATION

1. To foster and promote consultancy services through promotion, development and strengthening of consultancy skills of the faculty
2. To promote linkage and collaboration with institutions of repute for exchange of faculty and students
3. To promote linkage and collaboration with institutions of repute for sharing of resources

 INFRASTRUCTURE

1. To maintain well-furnished class rooms, seminar halls and laboratories
2. To maintain well-furnished conference halls
3. To enhance library facilities
4. To increase the volume of books and journals based on the changes in curriculum
5. To enhance the availability of e-resources in the library
6. To upgrade computer laboratories as per requirement
7. To enhance and monitor ICT facilities
8. To provide high speed Internet and Wi-Fi
9. To monitor water resources and water supply facilities
10. To monitor refreshment facilities
11. To maintain hygienic toilets
12. To maintain common rooms for girlstudents
13. To provide electrical appliances and maintain uninterrupted power supply
14. To provide sports and games facilities
15. To ensure safety by maintaining and upgrading of surveillance cameras
16. To do timely maintenance of the existing infrastructure
17. To maintain facilities for Divyangjan – ramps, friendly toilets, software, wheel chair etc.

 ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLINESS

1. To implement biodegradable waste management system
2. To utilize renewable energy sources
3. To reduce the consumption of energy by use of LED bulbs, reduction of outdated equipment etc.
4. To achieve carbon neutrality
5. To plant more and more trees in the campus
6. To reduce the use of one-time plastic

 REDRESSING GRIEVANCE

1. To address the grievances of students and staff through the Students’ Grievance Redressal Cell and the Employees’ Grievance Redressal Cell, the Women Development Cell,Internal Complaint Committee and the Anti Ragging Cell

 INCLUSIVENESS

1. To improve the access of various facilities to the categories of Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, Other Backward Classes, differently-abled, and attracting them to the college, persuading them to continue the programme once they get admitted
2. To provide financial support to the needy students through Government and non-Government scholarships, endowments, alumni support, PTA support, instalment facilities etc.
3. To promote equity among all (students and staff) belonging to various categories, gender, caste and religion

 PROMOTION OF IT FACILITIES

1. To promote open source software like Linux, Latex, Python, R, TORA, Scilab, Koha, Moodle, PostgreSQL, C, C++, Libre Office

 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1. To establish a system of quality assurance, which would be on a continuous basis, that will transform into competent and socially committed young talents with global vision
2. To develop all departments offering core programmes to P.G Departments
3. To introduce more programmes for which constant efforts are undertaken; as and when the University and the Government policies are in favour
4. To enhance the quality of teaching by encouraging the faculty members to achieve higher qualifications including research degree and post-doctoral research
5. To become a consultancy hub at various levels
6. To become a centre whose graduates are of high social commitment and humane qualities taking up leadership thereby building a very healthy society
7. To become a centre that imparts the most important awareness like environmental protection and plastic free Earth
8. To stimulate teachers to serve as resource person, guest faculty in esteemed institution

CODE OF CONDUCT

DISCIPLINE

Self-discipline is the best discipline.

All students are expected to adhere to the rules and regulations currently in force, ensuring the smooth operation of the college. It is important to maintain a respectful and orderly environment.

Students are prohibited from engaging in any activities, both inside and outside the college, that might disrupt its orderly administration or damage its public image. Additionally, no external influence, whether political or otherwise, should be brought into the college, either directly or indirectly.

Maintaining these standards helps foster a positive and productive atmosphere for everyone.

CODE OF CONDUCT

• Students should strictly follow the dress code of the college in general and of the programmes / courses in specific.
• Students should wear their valid College Identity Card around their neck inside the college campus.
• Students should always carry their valid college identity card when ever in the college or representing the college to other places. Further, itshould beproduced forinspection ondemand by any member of the college staff.
• Nostudentsshouldloiterinthecorridorsorcollegecampusduringlecture
• Studentsshould notbringanyoutsiderstothecollegecampuswithoutprior
• Studentsshouldnotcollectanyfundfromotherstudentsorfromoutsiderswithoutthewritten permission of the Principal.
• Studentsshouldnotorganizetheirownpicnics,excursions,tripsetc.withoutthepriorwritten permission of the Principal.
• Students shouldattend their lectures in the divisionsallottedto them and not in any other class or
• Students shouldreadtheNOTICE BOARDS fromtimetotimeandbeinformed oftheinstructions / information displayed for other benefit from time to time.
• Students should visit college website regularly to get the updates.
• Students should deposit any lost property found by them,with the college office. Owners of lost property should claim the same from the office counter very next day.
• Students should take care of the college property and help in keeping the college campus neat and clean. Any damage caused to college property shall be recovered from theconcerned students.
• Consumption of alcohol, smoking, chewing gutka and tobacco is strictly prohibited inside the college campus including the canteen. Any student found violating this regulation shall be dealt with severely.
• Loitering in the corridorsor sitting on steps or corners is strictly
• The students should refrain from using the mobile phone sin the college premises vide circular issued by University of Mumbai No.UG/552 of 2004 dated 31st December, 2004.
• Students should follow the dress code of the college implemented from time to time and should come decently and properly dressed.

RAGGING STRICTLY PROHIBITED

Students must strictly avoid any form of ragging.

In line with the guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the University of Mumbai, serious consequences await those found involved in such activities. If a student seeking admission is discovered to have engaged in ragging in the past, their admission may be denied. Similarly, if a student is found indulging in ragging after joining, they will face expulsion from the college.

Moreover, if the situation demands, a First Information Report (FIR) will be filed against the offending student. The college upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards ragging to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all.

BEST PRACTICE NO. 1

1. Title of the Practice

Installment facilities to the students on payment of college fees

2. Goal

To facilitate higher educational opportunities to the underprivileged classes and serving students to bring social reformation

3. The Context

• A majority of our students are from very economically poor background.
•  Mostly, they are the children (first generation learners) of slum dwellers, daily workers, house maids and the people doing odd jobs.
• The annual college fees of the aided programs are around Rs. 5000 and of the unaided programs are around Rs. 20000, which is beyond their capacity to pay at a time.
• Though the college is not financially rich to provide financial concession to them, has planned to help them in the form of encouraging them to continue higher education by paying annual college fees in easy instalments.

4. The Practice

• Usually a notice is displayed at the main gate to inform the students that they may approach the Principal along with their parent, for instalment payment facility.
• On meeting the students and the parent, the Principal judge and takes the decision on case–to–case basis.
• Applications of students are considered and they are allowed to pay the fees in planned and easy instalments.
• The college borrows the required fund from the College Management to pay the share of fees of the said students to different agencies concerned.
• On collection of the instalments from the students, the college refunds the amount borrowed to the management.
•  
• 5. Evidence of Success

During the following academic years, number of student benefited from this practice is as:

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

• In some cases, the college faced problems on recovery of instalments.
•  Limitation of the financial resources of the college is a matter of limitation to enhance the coverage of the system.

7. Notice (Optional)

The Management of the college is strongly supporting the practice and has assured to enhance its support to achieve the goal.

BEST PRACTICE NO. 2

1. Title of the Practice

GROUP BOOK BANK SCHEME

2. Goal

To extent support to economically poor students for higher education

3. The Context

• The Group Book Bank Scheme is a special book bank scheme of the college to provide books and study materials to economically poor students, on annual lending basis, at free of cost.
• The scheme functions along with the regular University Book Bank scheme.
• The books under this scheme are purchased from the special funds sanctioned by the Management and books donated by the teachers and well-wishers.

4. The Practice

• At the beginning of the academic year, a notice is circulated to invite applications from the groups of two economically poor students, those who want to avail the benefits of the scheme.
• Applications are scrutinized on the basis of need of the group and availability of books.
• The selected groups are allowed to borrow a full set of books, as per their curriculum, for a period of full term for home study.
• Both the partners of a group have to exchange the book among each other mutually, as per their requirements.
• They have to return the books at the end of the term.
•  5. Evidence of Success

During the following academic years, the total number of student benefited from this scheme are:

6. Problems Encounter and Resources Required

Financial constraint is a factor of limitation to expand the coverage of this scheme.

7. Notice (Optional)

The college is association with same selected Alumni to enhance their support to the scheme.

BEST PRACTICE NO – 3

1. Title of the Practice:

FUNCTIONING OF STAFF ACADEMY

2. Goal:

To encourage an exchange of interdisciplinary ideas among the faculty members

3. The Context:

• The college offers various multidisciplinary courses/programmes under Arts, Science and Commerce faculty.
• Faculty members, being experts in their specific area of knowledge, can enlighten their fellow colleagues on various matters from their field of expertise.
• By encouraging such practice among faculty members, it also attempts to enhance their research aptitude.

4. The Practice:

• The members of Staff Academy meet every last Saturday of the month.
• The topic and Resource Person and the schedule of the session are pre-planned and are notified to all teaching and non-teaching staff before one week.
• The Resource person is from among the faculty members.
• Generally, the members are encouraged to spare time in addition to their regular working hour for this activity.
• The concerned Resource person is allotted with two hours for presentation followed by question-answer session.

5. Evidence of Success:

During the following academic years, the total number of such programmes and the number of Faculty and students benefited are as follows.

6. Problems Encounter and Resources required:

• Some members find difficult to attend the session because of their regular class room lecture and practical.
• Time constraint is a limitation to enhance the coverage of the activity.

7. Notice (Optional)

The Management of the college is strongly supporting the practice and has assured to enhance its support to achieve the goal.

BEST PRACTICE NO – 4

1. Title of the Practice:

MENTORING SYSTEM

2. Goal:

To ensure an all-round personality development of the students by providing them with    guidance, counselling and psychological support in addition to the academics

3. Context:

• Maximum of students belong to the under-privileged sections of society.
• Being the first generation learners, they need personal counselling, guidance as well as motivation as regards their curricular, extra-curricular and career growth.
• The Faculty members allotted to a specific division of class, can act as a mentor to these students in terms of their overall personality development.

4. The Practice:

• Considering the maximum coverage of subjects being taught by a faculty member in a particular division, she/he is allotted a division of a class as the mentor.
• The concerned member takes care of general attendance, personal counselling of the students relating to their problems as well as their participation in various curricular and co-curricular activities.
• Every mentor conducts a meeting with the parents of the students from his/her class wherein parents are informed about overall progress / attendance of their ward.
• Whenever necessary, the students are guided to consult the counsellor appointed by the college.

5. Evidence of Success:

Maximum of the students are benefited by this practice throughout the academic year.

6. Problems Encountered and Resonances required:

In some cases, students find it difficult to express their difficulties to the teachers Students’ inability to express themselves is a limitation to enhance the coverage of thispractice

7. Notice (Optional)

The college is associating some selected Alumni to enhance their support tothe scheme.

BEST PRACTICE No.5

1. Title of the Practice

DUAL DEGREE CAMPUS

2. Goal

To encourage the in-house students to enrol and continue an additional  job oriented programme along with their regular degree for immediate employment.

3. The Context

• The College offers various multidisciplinary courses/programmes under Arts, Science and Commerce faculty affiliated to University of Mumbai.
• The College is a distance learning centre for

1. Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University offering UG programmes such as B.A., B.Com. B.Sc. (MLT) and professional courses such as MBA.
2. Tilak Maharashtra University offering UG programmes such as BBA, BCA, and Post Graduate Professional Courses such as MCA and MBA

• The college also provides UGC approved Vocational programmes such as –

1. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
2. Advance Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology
3. Voc. Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology
4. Diploma in Media Production
5. Advance Diploma in Media Production
6. Voc. Degree in Media Production

• As the facility is available within the campus, within the framework of University of Mumbai, students can continue the above programmes along with the regular programmes of Mumbai University.

4. The Practice

• The concept of dual degree is publicized in the campus through pamphlets and also through college prospectus.
• A Professional Counsellor is appointed to properly guide students of regular programmesto help them to select their additional programmesdepending on their interest and time slot.
• The college conducts regular classroom lectures for Vocational programmesin morning hours and enables students of every session to attend it regularly.
• Similarly, the class room lectures of distance learning programme are conducted in evening hours and on weekends.
• Skill based practical are conducted on Sundays.
• This makes possible for the students to learn and acquire dual degree/diploma within the same campus.
• Students use all common facilities of the college for both the programmes.

5. Evidence of Success

During the following academic years, the total number of student benefited is as follows:

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Sometime the examination schedule of both the courses clashes.

7. Notice (Optional):

The Management of the college is strongly supporting the practice and has assured to enhance its support to achieve the goal.

BEST PRACTICE No.6

1. Title of the Practice

eco-friendly campus

2. Goal

To ensure clean, green and plastic free Campus

3. The Context

• Use of bio-degradable stationery for all purpose particularly during functions and activities
• No use of plastic on campus
• Segregation of Dry and Wet garbage

4. The Practice

• “Save environment” messages are displayed in the campus, especially in every class room.
• Use of plastic in the campus is strictly prohibited.
• Use of paper sheets, newspaper and cotton for preparing examination and other packets
• Use of eco-friendly, bio-degradable material such as conference folders, stationery, eatable wrappers etc. during seminars and conferences.
• Conducting at least one conference every year on sustainability and environmental issues

5. Evidence of Success

• Never purchase any plastic bags, folders etc..
• All conference stationery is made up of either paper or jute.
• Colours symbolising environment like “Green and Blue” are used in all functions, seminars and conferences.
• Organised two international conference on “Sustainability and the Society”

6. Problems Encountered and Resources Required

Sometime it is found costly to execute the programmes within the budget.

7. Notice (Optional):

The Management of the college is strongly supporting the practice and has assured to enhance its support to achieve the goal.

BEST PRACTICE – 7

1. Title:

REWARD FOR ENHANCEMENT OF QUALIFICATION

2. Objectives:

To motivate the faculty members to upgrade themselves with research qualifications.

3. The Context:

Considering the need for research in the field of higher education in India, faculties need to update themselves with research in their respective area of specialization which will also help them to inculcate a culture of research among the students.

4. The Practice:

Every year, the faculties are felicitated in public ceremony on 1st May on the occasion of Maharashtra Day and International Labourer’s Day, for being conferred Ph.D.

5. Evidence of Success:

During the following academic years, the total number of faculties benefited is as follows

6. Problem: Encountered and Resources required:

In case of excess of workload or inability to fulfil their daily routine commitments, due to their Ph.D. work, care is taken at the departmental level to mutually adjust the workload amicably.

BEST PRACTICE –  8

1. Title:

COUNSELLING TO STUDENTS

2. Objectives:

To help students in resolving their personal, psychological problems which otherwise hinder their academic performance.

3. The Context:

The College aims at providing higher educational opportunities to the underprivileged classes of society. Students from such background do face personal problems leading to absenteeism and lack of attention in the classroom.

4. The Practice:

The professional counsellor appointed by the college conducts sessions separately for different classes wherein she guides them on career related issues as well as confidence building. She has designed a syllabus for students as a methodology to overcome stress.

5. Evidence of Success:

Students found these sessions very helpful to overcome their personal problems hindering academics.

6. ProblemEncountered and Resources required:

Students find it difficult to express their problems due to fear, shy and hesitating nature. Members of the counselling cell motivate them to express through awareness sessions and act as mediators between the students and the counsellor.

BEST PRACTICE – 9

1. Title:

CREDIT CO-OP SOCIETY IN THE PREMISES

2. Objectives:

To extend a helping hand to employees in their times of need

3. The Context:

Considering the financial requirements of employees, the management has provided them the facility of credit co-op society. Maximum of the employees are members and avail the facility of loan when required.

4. The Practice:

Membership of the credit co-op society in the premises helps the employees in the form of loan when they are in need of money. The idea of co-operation is then promoted among them.

5. Evidence of Success:

Almost all the employee members of the credit co-op. society have availed the loans and the practice has continued till date since the inception.

6. Problem Encountered and Resources required:

In some cases, where the employees due to shortage of fund are not able to pay their instalments towards repayment of loan, the office bearers speak to them and resolving the issues in an amicable manner, encourage them to abide by their commitment to pay.

BEST PRACTICE 10

1. Title:

SKILL DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS

2. Objectives:

To develop various career related and life skills among the students

3. The Context:

Considering the need of skill development at the college level and to reflect the national objective of skill development, the skill development committee of the college organizes skill based sessions for different classes. e.g. soft skills, computer skills, communication skills etc.

4. The Practice:

As an inter-departmental activity, faculty members in the Dept. of English, IT, Computer Science, Biotechnology engage sessions for the students from other departments on communication skills, soft skills etc.

5. Evidence of Success:

During the following academic years, the total number of students benefited is as follows

6. Problem Encountered and Resources required:

The main problem was relating to the clashes in time table and schedule of regular lectures. During the HOD meetings, Heads coordinate with each other and resort to the best possible solutions to adjust the time table for these sessions.

BEST PRACTICE – 11

1. Title:

CELEBRATION OF MARATHI BHASHA DIWAS

2. Objectives:

To develop taste among students for Marathi language and literature

3. Context:

Advent of globalization and resultant spread of English across the nation has influenced Indian mind on a greater scale. Mushrooming of English medium schools has led to reduction in strength of students enrolling in Marathi medium schools.  Marathi, one of the rich Indian state languages, thus seems to be facing a major setback due to this encroachment and also due to the advent of technology. In order to promote use of this rich language, Government of Maharashtra has announced 27th February, the birthday of late Gyanpeeth awardee Marathi poetKusumagraj as Marathi BhashaDiwas.

4. Practice:

Marathi Wangmay Mandal in the college celebrates the day with activities like book exhibition and organization of interactive session by an expert in the field.

5. Evidence of Success:

Students from different faculties found the session very interesting.

6. Problems Encountered:

The day being close to examination period; problems are faced while adjusting the time schedule as the students are generally in the mood to prepare for examination. * The day being celebrated all over the state, finding a good resource person is a challenge faced every year.

BEST PRACTICE – 12

1. Title:

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS TRAINING FOR FINAL YEAR GIRLS STUDENTS.

2. Objectives:

To empower the Girl students with Employability

3. The Context:

The College caters to underprivileged social strata wherein girls are mostly marginalized. Though good in academics, their socio-cultural background doesn’t allow them an access to an environment conducive to the development of employability skills.

4. The Practice:

In association with American India Foundation, girl students are trained with necessary employability skills.

5. Evidence of Success:

Total 83 girl students attended and were certified for the training programme.

6. Problem Encountered:

Students, due to lack of motivation, tend not to attend all the sessions.

INSTITUTIONAL DISTINCTIVENESS

• Biggest Night College:

The institution is the biggest Night College affiliated to University of Mumbai offering multi-faculty conventional as well as professional degree programmes including Vocational Studies that bridging gap between traditional and need-based education including international ethos.

• Earning and Learning as the prime goal:

The prime goal of the college is to impart higher education to the underprivileged classes and serving students to bring social reformation. More than seventy percentage students of the college are from economically poor and the first generation learner.

• First to impart Vocational Programmes:

The UGC has selected and granted permission to start vocational courses in grant-in-aid basis in the year 2014, i.e.B.Voc. (Medical Laboratory Technology), B.Voc. (Media Production) and M.Voc. (Medical Laboratory Technology),

• Comprehensive Support Initiatives:

The Institution recognized the importance of accessible and inclusive education and with generous management support. We provide financial assistance, concessions and a range of scholarships to socio-economically weaker and deserving students, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their educational pursuits. To further motivate students, we felicitate meritorious individuals with awards.

• Student Mentoring Approaches:

Faculty, and alumni mentoring offer valuable support to students. Faculty mentors offer career advice and research opportunities. Alumni mentors provide insights and networking opportunities, enhancing students’ academic and professional development.

 Successful Students’ Progression and Placement:

With the prime motive of providing higher education to underprivileged classes and serving students, the college gives admission to academically poor students.  At entry level, majority of our students enter with either just pass mark or are repeater in the qualifying examination whereas  because of the planned efforts of the institution, they exit in a flying colour with a successful degree and placement opportunities. The efforts and environment implemented at Vikas College yield significant influence in fostering the aforementioned achievements, thereby fortifying the institution’s unique distinctiveness.

 Inclusive Opportunities for All:

Commitment to inclusive education, offering opportunities to SC/ST, OBC, minority, and differently-abled students, underscores its dedication to diversity and equity. Through proactive promotion of inclusivity, the college fosters a dynamic learning atmosphere where students from diverse backgrounds flourish, inculcating a strong sense of community and belonging. This distinct approach enhances academic achievement and enriches the educational journey for all. Implementation of lifts and ramps for creating a barrier-free environment is not just about meeting accessibility standards; it’s about fostering inclusivity, empowering differently-abled students, and boosting their confidence.

• Trained Faculty and Academic Resources

Talented and dedicated faculty members, combined with excellent library facilities create an optimal learning environment conducive to academic excellence. By providing students with access to exceptional academic resources and mentorship, Vikas College equips them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel academically and professionally.

 Strategic Accessibility and Connectivity

Situated in the central suburb of Mumbai, strategic location with excellent road and rail access to the college ensures that students and faculty can easily access the campus, fostering a sense of connectivity and belonging. Additionally, high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi connectivity facilitate seamless access to online resources and educational materials, enhancing the learning experience and promoting academic success.

• Cutting-edge Infrastructure and Technological Facilities

Advanced infrastructure, featuring classrooms equipped with LCD projectors, interactive boards, high-speed broadband, and WiFi connectivity, establishes it as a pioneer in modern education. By harnessing technology to enrich the teaching-learning experience, Vikas College provides students with innovative resources that promote academic excellence and equip them for success in the digital era.

• Capacity for Disaster Preparedness

The college effectively navigated the pandemic maintaining academic excellence by transitioning to online classes through digital  platforms like Google Meet, Google Class room, Microsoft-Team, and WhatsApp for document sharing. Students embraced remote learning with technological assistance, engaging in online courses, with numerous students and staff obtaining certifications from platforms during the pandemic