Excel Group of Institutions: Moulding Responsible New - Gen Professionals

HER Team
Wednesdays are very important for the faculty members of Excel Group of Institutions. It is the day they conduct HOD meetings. The discussions would start with the coverage of the syllabus, results and then will move further to the lab sessions, examinations, attendance, research papers and quality of question. The principal chairs the meetings and all the head of the departments would present the report of the various activities conducted by Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) coordinators. "IQAC is an important part of our institution. They bring all departments under one roof, which in turn ensures the excellence in each activity. It monitors the activities of all the departments with different heads," says Dr. D. Devakumar, Director - IRRP, Excel Group of Institutions.

Excel Group of Institutions (EGI) is an inspiring learning space. As the focus is laid on the academic excellence, EGI always considers new strategies in teaching. "All the points discussed during the meeting are communicated to the staff members through meetings where all the issues related to the departments are also discussed," says Prof. Sampath. The mentor team is the strength of EGI. "They are focussed towards their teaching and thus they update themselves by attending all the faculty empowerment programs held in and out of the campus," claims Dr. Devakumar.

The management headed by Prof. Dr. A. K. Natesan and supported by the Vice Chairman Dr .N. Mathan Karthick is managing and guiding the heads of the institutions to elevate the colleges to new heights. The Founder Chairman, Prof. Dr. A. K. Natesan is a member of the Academic Council of Anna University and Chairman of ISTE (TN& Pudhuchery) Section. He effectively guides the heads of the institutions in introducing latest technology in teaching and digital administration while promoting valuable education to all groups of people around the city and other nationals. SRET Scholarship to the poor but meritorious students is being awarded every year; last academic year, 2016 the scholarship amount awarded was Rs.5.2 crore to the deserving 609 students and previous years to the tune of Rs.8 cores. "The management believes in 'Education for All' and money should not be a barrier to get quality higher education," says Prof. G. Sampath, Director - Placement and Training, Excel Group of Institutions, who is associated with the management from inception.

The FDPs conducted by the institute help the faculty members in improving their basic skills of teaching at the tertiary level. "Our trainers do not use the same old traditional methods instead they make the class alive through presentations, quiz programs and also with real time videos for effective delivery of the curriculum," says Dr. Devakumar. The lesson plans support the mentors to be ready for the classes, as it is a guide map for organizing the materials. Through this effective plan, the mentors analyse the learning among the students. "Just after every session, these mentors evaluate students by conducting various activities to ensure that the expected learning outcome has been achieved," adds Prof. Sampath.

Along with the regular evaluation activities, EGI also conducts Continuous Assessment Tests (CAT) for each unit in all the subjects to improve the student performance. A special coaching is also arranged for the slow learners so that they can cope up with other students. "In order to realize this, special coaching classes are conducted in the evening hours. They are given practice in solving subject problems, writing practice and presentation skills," says Dr. Devakumar. Round-the-clock internet connectivity is available for the entire campus including hostels and this is an addition to the support provided by EGI, which aids the students to upgrade themselves to the technological developments. Dr. Devakumar claims that the Aeronautical department of Excel Engineering College has the best aero pavilion with aircrafts, jet engines, wind tunnel and all accessories of the aircrafts. He says, "Our Aero and Mechanical students are capable of assembling aircrafts and designing Drones."

Conferences, symposiums, workshops and seminars are also conducted frequently department-wise, which gives students an extra space of learning. "We give our students opportunities to learn on their own by conducting such kinds of programs. Hyundai Motors India has opened its first 'Professional Excellence Centre' in South India at EGI through which students are professionally trained for one year and placed in Hyundai sales outlets," adds Dr. Devakumar. The Science & Tech Expo is another highlight of EGI. This expo is organized in a grand manner to showcase the projects of the students. "Our alumni also play a very significant role as our mentors. They frequently visit the institution and share their industrial exposure with juniors and the motivation and views lead the students to take up the career with utmost importance," says Prof. Sampath.

'Industry Explorer' is the event organised by the departments. The HR managers, Technical Heads, and CEOs of the Multinational Companies and start-ups are invited to the campus to interact with the students and share the latest trends in the industry. The visitors also explain various opportunities in the field of their expertise and suggest vast scope open to fresher. "Our students involve deeply in the Industry Explorer events and sometimes surprise the experts with innovative original thoughts," says Dr. Devakumar. The training and placement department has a fully-fledged team of training professional and placement officers who train and place the students in MNCs.

EGI is not just developing the students' technical skills, but also making them socially fit for serving the society selflessly. "We are confident that our measures towards creating professionals for society will not go in vain as we do not force our students in anything. We act as a learning space where ordinary students can be transformed into creative, talented and globally competent professionals," concludes Dr. Devakumar.

Dr. D. Devakumar, Director - IRRP

He has over 20 years of experience in teaching field. He has a strong expertise in Mechanical and Aeronautical engineering Departments. Currently he is heading Director- Industrial Relation and Research Projects. He is a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering.

Prof. G. Sampath, Director -Training & Placement

He has started his career as an Assistant Professor way back in 1976 and continues his service presently as the Director - Training & Placement of EGI with his abundant experience of over 41 years in the field of professional education. He had been a senate member of Periyar University, Salem and co-authored the ISBN standard book 'ICT in Teaching Learning.'

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