The Higher Education Review

Access to education beyond higher secondary remains a dream for many in India. The common barrier that keeps the students deprived of obtaining the college education is often their financial incapability. Seeking to render an affordable and quality education with a preferential option for the poor so that they can be self-sufficient, the Archdiocese of Bangalore laid the bricks of St. Aloysius Degree College in 2008. Right from its establishment, the college has been able to transform many lives through developing them into independent, mature and responsible citizens. At St. Aloysius Degree College, from academic mentoring to counseling support, students are guided in every step.

"A college education is an extraordinarily profitable investment. This does not only enable one to grab a job, but also inculcates values and life lessons that are invaluable. We educate our students in every such aspect that would help them in future to confront the challenges of life," shares Sr. Philomena Cardoza, Principal, St. Aloysius Degree College. Affiliated to Bangalore University, the college welcomes students who have secured above 40 percent in their pre-university examination and encourages students to seek scholarships from Government, voluntary-agencies and student loans from the bank, who cannot afford to pay the admission fees.

Regarded as one of the perks of studying at St. Aloysius is the college timing where students are allowed to come at 8.30 am and leave by 2.30 pm, providing them the opportunity to take up a part-time job or work as a full-time in a 2nd shift. "Effective learning cannot be weighed by counting hours. It can happen in a short time if the teaching

approaches are right and teachers are expert in transferring the knowledge to the students," opines principal of the college. Acknowledging the curriculum of Bangalore University, the college offers Bachelors programme in subjects like Commerce, Business Management, Computer Application, Social Work, English, Journalism and Political Science. The college offers M.COM and MSW for aspiring students for Higher education.

"Our students are encouraged to take up two language subjects, out of which the English language is compulsory and the other one can choose from few options offered as a part of the Bangalore University syllabus," states Sr. Philomena Cardoza. To put add-ons and more qualification on the resume, the students at St. Aloysius Degree College are also open to pursuing short-term courses on Human Rights, Entrepreneurship, Tally, Street Theatre, Self-defense Workshop for Women, Public Speaking and many more. The college has also further planned to apply for the introduction of Post Graduation in Mass Communication and at Under Graduate level, a course in Psychology.

Formation of All-Rounders
The "Aloysians", as the students of St. Aloysius like to be called, cherishes the three-year duration spent in the college for the lifetime. Ideally located three kilometers away from the Cantonment railway station and seven kilometers from the Majestic bus stand, the campus of St. Aloysius is a perfect place for those who want to study amidst a peaceful environment, yet not so far from the city. The students get to realize their aspirations fully inside the clean and green campus without worrying much about facing the inevitable traffic of Bangalore city. Along with well-ventilated classrooms, library, auditorium, internet facilities, canteen, AV room, Computer lab, the college has also incorporated large playgrounds to ensure students acquire a holistic development.

Sr. Philomena Cardoza claims, "We always motivate our

students to excel in games, sports, and cultural activities and recognize their efforts when they win certain trophies. The college has several organizations on campus like Management Association, Language Association, National Cadet Corps, CSA, Humanities, Environmental cell, National social service. To cater to different tastes and interests of the students. The talented and experienced faculty members of the college are proactive in shaping the careers of the students. They convey knowledge using the modern technologies and teaching methodologies. For a hands-on experience, the college sends the students for regular industrial visits and socio-economic surveys.

On the other side, the integral role of research in contemporary education is also addressed by the college by indulging the students in research activities. "We keep engaging our students and teaching staff in one or other research projects. Recently, our students completed a research on the socio-economic analysis in one of the slums coupled with a research on school dropouts in slums," Intuition (Journal) pinpoints Sr. Philomena Cardoza. To carry out the placement prospect smoothly, there is a placement cell in the campus that is responsible for training and placing students in various part-time and full-time jobs. Completing a decade, St. Aloysius has built a niche for itself in the area of education by placing students in companies like HDFE Bank, TCS, Hire Pro, Incredible Jobs, and Jetking, just to name a few.

Sr. Philomena Cardoza, Principal
Holding the position of Principal at St. Aloysius Degree College, Sr. Philomena Cardoza is was a member of NAAC Peer Team, UGC Committee for Autonomous College and members of the Governing Council of few reputed colleges in the city. She was also a Syndicate member at Bangalore University, Academic Council and Committee member of LIC, Bangalore University. She is a Prof. of Economics.