The Higher Education Review

t. Peter’s University’s Department of
Computer Applications is imparting computer education for the last two decades with a great focus on developing
students to meet the corporate challenges
both in academic and research area.
This department continuing its stream with the greatspirit driving its MCA program despite the fluctuating market conditions.
St.Peter's University (NAAC accredited Institution) is a Deemed to be University, sponsored by St.Peter’s Institute of Higher Education and Research Trust, established in 2008 under Section 3 of the UGC Act, 1956, earlier functioning as St.Peter's Engineering College from 1993.

The St.Peter’s University caters to all needs of students pursuing U.G, P.G., M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Arts & Science, Management and Computer Applications under the versatile leadership of the Chancellor, Dr.T.Bhanumathy,MBBS, D.G.O. Amongst all programs, the Department of Computer Applications has a unique team of faculty members with the practitioner’s approach, who make the program efficient
with effective planning for the students to flourish. The learning methodology and placement activities of the department hold a significant prominent place at St.Peter’s University with a 100 percent placement of all eligible students. The University admits 120 students as its intake for its MCA program amidst of competition from the number of aspirants.
These students are the crème de la crème and thus become promising IT professionals at the end of the program. Dr. R. Latha, Head, Department of Computer Applications narrates, “The curriculum development is
paramount important for teaching the students, keeping pace with changes that needs to be adopted to accommodate

students into the corporate world. Our focus is to train the students to be ready from campus to corporate.”
Open House Meetings are organized for students where they could communicate with faculty members, Directors, Dr. S. Ravichandran, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ravichandran is an eminent IT professional, a qualified professor and member of academic / curriculum development of many Indian Universities. He served for over 15+ years in the Department of Atomic Energy /Nuclear Power Corporation and worked for various prominent MNC’s prior and applied for patent registration for his 25 scientific
inventions and Dean.

Students and faculty members participate
enthusiastically and contribute towards bringing effective solutions to meet the needs of the students. Dr.S.Ravichandran, Vice Chancellor of St. Peter’s University
adds, “The methodology enhances the holistic learning approach of the university, including various ways through
team building, group discussions, presentation skills and programs that are organized often in collaboration with other professional institutions.” Faculty
members encourage the students to involve in research activities. A continuous monitoring of the teachinglearning process has said to improve the performance to a considerably high level, which will enhance the students to get ready to face
the placement and employment.

The university has appointed faculty
counselors for every 15-20 students.
This intends to size up the strengths
and weaknesses of the students and
provide individual counseling and
help. With a total number of 12 faculty members, the department obtains faculty – student ratio of 1:15.The faculty members are encouraged to attend specialized training program and pursue higher studies. “Regular activities such as workshops, events and seminars are conducted to boost up their confidence and develop their entrepreneurship skills. Project exhibition, National Conference and symposium are a regular exercise
under our MCA program,” adds Dr.R.Latha. The University has the state of art computer laboratory, excellent library facilities in addition to learning

opportunities through industrial visits
and expertise through guest lectures.
One of the most important features
of St. Peter’s University is placement
for students. St. Peter’s University
claims to have an excellent placement
cell that has given their students a
platform to highlight their talents in
the industry. Pre-placement activities
include mock tests and interviews,
communication and soft skill training.
Reputed and well known organizations
such as Larsen & Toubro, Tata
Consultancy, Hyundai Motors, CGI
and many more visits to the campus
every year offering jobs for students of
St. Peter’s University. The university
along the years has conducted various
avenues for students such as Job Mela,
contacting the organizations for
placement and coordinating institutes
and universities.

Faculty says they received excellent feedback from industries for employed students from St.Peter’s University with respect to employment and professionalism.
In addition to that, St. Peter’s University provides ample amount of research opportunities, learning through EDUSAT lectures, MOOC learning through SWAYAM websites and so on. Skill development training is being imparted to students; specialized, value added courses and soft skills programs are meant to hone
their employability skills. Students get
the chance to take part in industry activities, training, project works.

Joint funding with MSME is also rendered to worthy projects. Many sessions on innovation and creation of newer ideas are promoted for ventures and products for students.Alumni of the department, visits
the campus often, to lend a hand the current batches with their experience and expertise. To strengthen the collaborative motive of the university, and to have faculty exchange program, the university has plans to collaborate with foreign universities. “We believe in producing professionals more than graduates, and make them successful in all spheres of their life and prepare them readily employable,” Dr.Ravichandran concludes.