Dr. Felbin C Kennedy is the Vice Principal Shift I, at the Stella Maris College (Autonomous) Chennai. An ardent mathematician, she headed the Research Department of Mathematics for the academic year 2018 – 2019 and also served as the Dean of Academic Affairs. She has been an approved Ph.D. guide since 2010 with 6 Ph.D. and 25 M.Phil. candidates. She also has been the Member of the (Ph.D.) Doctoral Committee for 34 scholars. She is the winner of the Bharat Shiksha Ratan Award by the Global Society for Health and Educational Growth (G.S.H.E.G.), New Delhi for excellence in the field of Education. She has authored several text books in her subject as well.

Stella Maris College

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects?

“Internships, practical learning and research-oriented activities are encouraged”

  • The courses that we offer are designed to enhance innovative, experiential learning. Also, to develop a sound knowledge of the fundamentals for both Arts and Science programmes. 
  • We provide practical and hands-on training sessions for students to understand the concepts effectively. 
  • Periodically, each Department organises interactive sessions, workshops and skill development programmes with industry and subject experts.
  • The internship forms an integral part of certain Programmes and helps to integrate theory and practice. 
  • It enables students to gain work experience in a real working environment and also widens their cultural and social experience.
  • Every department is encouraged to initiate research projects in their respective disciplines.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated?

“The curriculum restructuring with the help of the suggestions made by the Academic Audit team”

The College revises the curriculum every three years taking into consideration the feedback from all the stakeholders. This includes all students, alumni, industry experts and members of the Academic Audit Committee. To provide practical industry exposure and enhance job opportunities, two new programmes with industry linkage were introduced in the academic year 2020-21. These are Bachelor of Commerce – Honours and Postgraduate programme on Human Resource Management. For the current revision (2019-20) which integrates Outcome Based Education, the curriculum review and development process was undertaken in 2018-19 by conducting a rigorous Academic Audit. The entire process was decentralised and participative.

How does your college prepare students for placements?

“The College has a Career Guidance Cell (CGC) that provides a platform to jumpstart their career”

Training programs, workshops and special events are organised by a unique Career guidance cell (CGC). Its main aim is to assist students in their career planning and enhance their employability potential. Both undergraduate and postgraduate students benefit from the services and initiatives provided by the CGC. Experts and recruiters from the industry are invited for talks, seminars and workshops. The CGC also aims to foster corporate or industry partnerships to facilitate employment opportunities in both on-and off-campus recruitments.

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What are the challenges you are facing to uplift the quality of education of your college?

“The societal focus on marks over the holistic development of students is a prevalent issue”

A perception that all educational processes should be directed towards preparing students solely for the job market creates unceasing career demands. Peer pressure and parental pressure influence the academic performance of students. The socio-economic background of students affects their access to certain facilities outside the College. The numerous regulatory bodies restricting autonomy have also been a challenge that has to be addressed. 

What has been your vision for this college?

“Be able to help the students in building character, strengthening the mind and expanding intellect”

My vision of imparting comprehensive education in an inclusive environment aligned perfectly with that of Stella Maris College. The curriculum and all other aspects of teaching-learning are designed to align with national and global developmental needs.

How does the College enhance the Faculty skills?

“A conducive atmosphere that allows research activities, FDP’s and training sessions for the faculty”

The College provides opportunities to its staff to update their knowledge and skillsets. Regular sessions on research and capacity building are held for the teaching staff. Further, a conducive atmosphere is created for them to engage actively in research by granting leave to complete their Ph.D., making provisions for Flexi-timing, providing seed money for research projects, etc. Outstanding research contributions are given due recognition through institutional awards.

Skill development is a thrust area for the Institution and the non-teaching staff also receive training in soft skills regularly.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths?

“The College promotes student-centric and participatory teaching-learning-evaluation system”

  • Keeping with our mission, the College seeks to mould women of character who will be self-reliant and work towards social transformation. 
  • The College also endorses the inclusive implementation of its academic programmes. 
  • Our curriculum promotes national development, fosters global competencies and facilitates skill training. 
  • Stella Maris College has established an educational road map that provides a framework for quality education and stimuli for lifetime learning.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for a prosperous career ahead?

“Make use of the new opportunities that come with each new day” 

‘Let’s begin again’ has been my motto as I believe every day is a new start. My advice would be to embrace the positive changes that are happening. Discard the ones that leave a negative impact so that each one of us can move forward with renewed hope.

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