St. Joseph's Degree College HOD: Dr. P. Shahanaz Interview

Dr. P. Shahanaz is the Head of the English Department at St.Joseph’s Degree College, Kurnool. She has completed her M.A., B.Ed., M.Phil., Ph.D., and qualified for the AP-SET. She has experience of 23 years in the teaching, administration and research domain. She has published 7 articles in various National and International Journals and has also received the Global Faculty Award 2021. 

What do you think your responsibilities to the University and the students are?

“Building the nation by moulding the young generation's personalities and be a strong mentor”

• A Teacher should be innovative and fully equipped with all the updates of everything so that she or he can be resourceful to the students. 
• A teacher should play a critical role in the emotional and social development of the students. 
• Creating awareness about human values, instilling the virtues like empathy, compassion, mutual respect, and encouraging the student in exploring their passion.
• During the pandemic crisis, the University has prioritized the safety and wellbeing of all its staff and students as well, delivering its maximum services in a blended way. Offline and online - without compromising on the quality of instructional practices.
• Due to the Pandemic, there was a digital revolution in the pedagogue. The curriculum should be designed in such a way that it should minimize the cultural and economic disparities, venerating the cultural differences. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities to enhance the skills of the students?

“Social awareness activities and student-centric clubs for their overall growth”

Extra-Curricular activities are generally introduced to complement the academic curriculum and augment the educational experiences of the student. These activities provide the platform for the students to gain experience connecting with others. They range from primarily social organizations to governance organizations to intercollegiate athletic programs. 

Some extracurricular activities that enhance the skill of students are listed out below. 

• English Club, Cultural literary Club, Mathematics Club, Entrepreneur Cell assist and enhance skills like Communication skills and team spirit. 
• Service-Oriented Organizations like Red Cross Society, NSS programs offer students an opportunity to contribute to their community. 
• Activities including plays, musicals, and dance concerts offer a chance for students to demonstrate their dramatic abilities. 
• Election Committee and Fund Collection Committee teach the students to learn Leadership qualities, team spirit, survival skills etc.

What do you see as St. Joseph College’s greatest strengths?

“Highly equipped Laboratories, Computer Labs and the vast playground”

The Strengths of St. Joseph's College are: 

• The college's most valuable resource is the placement drives, which are held at regular intervals 
• The campus and its exceptional infrastructure are the college's second strength. The spacious and highly ventilated classrooms enable teaching-learning activity in a better way. 
• A sophisticated library is another factor that strengthens the college. 
• Teachers with high qualifications and experience are the cornerstones of the college's pedagogical practices. 

How do you guide your students to survive in the current competitive scenario?

“Inculcating values such as teamwork and healthy competition”

Teamwork is important concept students are taught, and I will explain and guide them on how to work in a team. This will increase motivation by increasing a sense of competition. Most classes have students who learn differently, and those who learn better in a group environment will succeed.

Check St. Joseph's Degree College Courses & Fees

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“The youth should come forward with tremendous courage and compassion”

In today’s world, it’s no longer about working hard but working smart. They should select the right education that inculcates in them the virtues like empathy, sympathy, and forgiveness. They should develop a better perception to work in teams. They should become potential Entrepreneurs who can create employment opportunities for others.

Any insights into how your university could be more welcoming to students of different backgrounds?

“The Merit Scholarship program and financial support”

The University should formulate rules that can encourage the admissions of students from diverse backgrounds. For staff, faculty, and students with families, it is necessary to expand existing childcare options. The University should create marketing materials that better portray diversity on campus. Students should not be discriminated against by the University due to their caste, creed, culture, or race. The meritorious are to be provided with scholarships and support financially. At every level, the University's standards must be respected.

Click St. Joseph's Degree College Placements

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years? 

“Curriculum should be student-centered promoting academic excellence and personal development”

• The Universities are the reservoirs of teaching and learning practices. They should impart education in such a way that it fuels a passion for lifetime learning
• It should prepare an excellent academic curriculum based on a sound analysis of the needs of the students. 
• By identifying life and academic goals, it will be able to assist students in reaching them.
• Using technologies and methods of instruction that all students can access and benefit from.
• In universities, life skills must be taught to students as a priority that is useful for their survival.