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1
PART- B
Index
Sr. No Description of Annexure Page. No.
1. Academic Programs & Faculty Position 2-3
2. Staffing 4-5
3. Infrastructure At Headquaters 6
4. Evaluation System 7-8
5. Admission 9-12
6. Learner Support Service 13-17
7. Finance 18-19
8. Any Other Information 20-22
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PART- B
I. ACADEMIC PROGRAMS & FACULTY POSITION
1. Explain the process of course Development at your institution/University by highlighting the
various steps involved:
SCDL introduces new and innovative programs empowering learners to meet the challenges of the
ever changing industry & society. SCDL regularly upgrades curriculum based on feedback from
students & industry so as to provide students with knowledge which is relevant and useful. A lot of
emphasis is given on activities related to new program launch and curricula design / updation.
SCDL ensures that a formal process and mechanism is followed in consultation with academic and
industry experts as well as the various statutory bodies of the institute namely Board of Studies and
Academic Council, for program & curricula design and restructuring. The BoS and Academic
Council also approve all academic policy matters related to various programs of SCDL.
In order to ensure quality, SCDL gets the best of academic resources for teaching, evaluation, e-
learning, self-learning material and content development from well-known academicians and
industry experts.
SCDL has well prepared Self Learning Material in ODL format in line with DEB norms, highly
interactive e-learning content, audio-video lectures from expert faculty on each component of the
curricula, contact classes in face-to-face mode as well as internet based online classes, interactive
online faculty sessions, academic counselling for students via email and face-to-face, archived
lectures through web portal, E-library (digital library EBSCO) etc. All these components of
education delivery ensure that SCDL students get an enriched, holistic learning experience.
All the academic programs, curricula and program structure including the evaluation methodology,
credit system, eligibility criteria, teaching learning methodology etc. are approved through the BOS
and Academic Council. SCDL has set up Board of Studies for various programs which comprise
subject matter experts, reputed academicians, Industry experts and other professionals. The
Academic Council also comprises of academic stalwarts and industry experts.
The content development, editing and publishing are well defined processes at SCDL. Content is
peer reviewed and checked for quality and plagerism.
For new program development a thorough process is followed right from need assessment to
courseware development. The program development process at SCDL goes through three stages
namely: program formulation, instructional design and development of courseware, which is as
follows:-
Program Formulation Instructional Design Courseware Development
Need assessment
Defining target groups
Course identification based
on level of the program to
provide desired knowledge,
competencies and skills
Adoption of a house style
Identification of suitable
LMS
Formulating structure
Decision on appropriate media
component: text, audio, video,
multimodal, etc
Finalising unit- wise course
outlines for all courses
Deciding strategies for course
delivery
Designing student assessment
for online and offline
Appropriate learning design to
utilise the facilities of LMS
Content development
Content editing
Format editing
Development of graphics,
illustrations, animations, etc.
Finalising the e-content &
Uploading courseware on the
website.
Testing of access
Periodic assessment thereby
revision and updating of
material
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2. Specify whether the following activities are done in-house or are out sourced, tick correct
option.
TABLE 2.1
Activity In-house Out sourced
Development of course material In-house (full time) &
empanelled faculty
(subject experts)
--
Production of Print material Printing
Production of multi-media material Production
Interactive broadcasting/
teleconferencing,
--
Interactive Computer aided Learning --
Any other - Personal Contact
Programs, online faculty interactions
In-house (full time) &
empanelled faculty
(subject experts)
--
3. (a) Specify if program/courses are adopted/adapted/translated and mention the source:
Not Applicable
TABLE 2.2
Program Medium Adopted Adapted Translated Source
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II. STAFFING
1. Information on Staff Strength
TABLE 2.3
Name of the Vice Chancellor/Head of the
Institution Dr. Swati Mujumdar
Director
Name of the Pro Vice Chancellor/Rector(if any) NA
Name of the Registrar (Administrative Head) Mr. Namdeo Kumbhar
In case of Distance Education
Institution (DEI) of a dual
mode university/institution
Name of the
Director NA
telephone/
mobile /Fax no. NA
2. Provide a flowchart of Organization Structure:
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3. Norms of the university/institution for number of Administrative staff for ODL programs:
TABLE 2.4
Permanent Temporary Total
1 At Headquarters
a) Administrative
b) Technical
c) Other Support Staff
33
15
28
NA
NA
NA
33
15
28
2 At Regional Centres (if any) NA NA NA
3 At Study Centres (if any) NA NA NA
4. Whether orientation/training in the ODL system is given to the following
TABLE 2.5
Particulars Yes/No
Faculty members Yes
Course writers and editor Yes
Coordinators of Study Centres Not Applicable
Academic counsellor Yes
Administrative Staff Yes
Other staff, Specify – Technical Staff Yes
5. (a) Furnish details of faculty development (Distance Education) during the last 3 year:
TABLE 2.6
2013 2014 2015
(i) Additional qualification acquired
by faculty members
Refer Annexure- 10 a
(ii) Publications Refer Annexure- 10 b
(iii) Participation in
conferences/workshop/orientation
programs
Refer Annexure- 10 c
(iv) Research project(s) undertaken Refer Annexure- 10 d
(v) Conference/seminar(s)/
workshop(s) held at SCDL
Refer Annexure- 10 e
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III. INFRASTRUCTURE AT HEADQUATERS
1. Norms of the university/institution for infrastructure for ODL programs:
TABLE 2.7
Space in sq. ft. No. of Rooms
1 At Headquarters 50000 sq. ft.
35
2 At Regional Centres (if any) NA NA
3 At Study Centres (if any) NA NA
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IV. EVALUATION SYSTEM
1. Mode adopted for the following activities:
TABLE 2.9
Activity In-house/Outside
Agency/Both
(i) Paper setting Both In-house and Outside In-house & through
empanelled faculty
(ii) Conduct of examination Both In-house and Outside In-house
(iii) Declaration of results In-house In-house
(iv) Assessing the examination papers both In-house and
Outside
In-house & through
empaneled faculty
(v) Evaluators are same as those for Courses offered
through Conventional mode
NA
2. What is the policy with regard to:
I. Moderation
The Moderation System is applicable to all programs of SCDL. 100% moderation of the
answer books is carried out in the case of candidates failing by 10% of marks of the
aggregate marks of that paper. The moderation of answer books of at least 5% total
number of candidates obtaining marks between minimum passing marks and marks
required for first class / distinction is carried out on random sample basis. 100%
moderation is carried out in case of candidates obtaining 70% and above marks.
Where marks awarded by the moderation vary from those awarded by original examiner
the marks awarded by the moderation are taken as final.
II. Re-evaluation
The students can apply for re-evaluation of term end examination within 15 days from the
official declaration of exam result. After the request for re-evaluation is received from a
student, the Evaluation Department forwards the answer script to a Senior Examiner for
re-evaluation purpose.It is ensured that the examiner who has evaluated the answer script
is not sent the answer script for re-evaluation. The marks given by the examiner are
masked to ensure objectivity of the re-evaluator. Once the paper is re-evaluated, the higher
of the two marks, are communicated to the student within 10 working days from the date
of receipt of re-evlaution request. The re-evaluted result is made available in the
performance sheet of the student.
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III. Re-totalling
The students can apply for re-totalling of term end examination within 8 days from the
official declaration of exam result. Once the re-totaling is done, the marks are
communicated to the student, within 8 days of receipt of retotaling request. The result of
re-totalling is made available in the performance sheet.
3. What is the method adopted for evaluation of answer scripts, projects, assignments etc.?
Evaluation of subjective component of the answer papers, projects, assignments etc are
carried out by SCDL in house faculty and empanelled evaluators/subject matter experts.
For evaluation of subjective questions, model answers are provided by paper setters. For
evaluation of submissions and projects, standard evaluation guidelines have been framed
by the Institute.
Central assessment program (CAP) is conducted on a weekly basis.
Since SCDL offers on-demand examination, the evaluation load is distributed through-
out the year.
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V. ADMISSION
1. Student Admission is done by: (Put tick mark) Manual Online
Headquarters
Regional Centres (NA)
Study Centres(NA)
All the above
2. Specify criteria adopted for admission?
Sr.
No.
Program Eligibility Criteria
1 Post Graduate Diploma in
Business Administration
(PGDBA)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized University / Institution
AND
Students who have a valid score in any of the State Level
MBA/ MMS-CET/ C-MAT/ G-MAT/ CAT/ MAT/ ATMA/
XAT or equivalent entrance test at State or National level,
valid for current Academic year.
OR
Students who have qualified in SCDL Entrance Test
conducted every year.
2 Post Graduate Diploma in
International Business
(PGDIB)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized/ accredited University / Institution
3 Post Graduate Diploma in
Banking & Finance
(PGDBF)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
4 Corporate Post Graduate
Diploma in Business
Administration (C-PGDBA)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
5 Post Graduate Diploma in
Human Resource
Management (PGDHRM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
6 Post Graduate Diploma in
Insurance Management
(PGDIM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
7 Post Graduate Diploma in
Retail Management
(PGDRM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
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8 Post Graduate Diploma in
Customer Relationship
Management (PGDCRM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
9 Post Graduate Diploma in
Supply Chain Management
(PGDSCM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
10 Post Graduate Diploma in
Export & Import
Management (PGDEXIM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
11 Post Graduate Diploma in
Information Technology
Management (PGDITM)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
12 Post Graduate Diploma in
Technical Writing
(PGDTW)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
13 Post Graduate Diploma in
Educational Administration
(PGDEA)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
14 Post Graduate Diploma in
Instructional Design
(PGDID)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
15 Post Graduate Diploma in
Pre-primary Teachers
Training (PGDPTT)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
16 Diploma in Creative
Writing in English (DCWE)
Standard 12th pass-out with minimum 50% in English, OR
Diploma Holder with Standard 12th Qualification with
Minimum 50% in English, OR
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university OR
International / SAARC students who have graduated from a
recognized /accredited University / Institution
17 Diploma in English
Language Teaching (DELT)
Standard 12th pass-out with minimum 50% in English, OR
Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university , OR
International / SAARC students who have graduated from a
recognized /accredited University / Institution
18 Post Graduate Diploma in
Business and Corporate Law
(PGDBCL)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized /accredited University / Institution
19 Certificate Program in
Entrepreneurship
Development (CPED)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
Three Year Diploma Holders from a recognized
University/Institution, with a minimum of three years of
supervisory experience.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized University / Institution
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20 Certificate Program in Cyber
Laws (CPCL)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
Three Year Diploma Holders from a recognized
University/Institution, with a minimum of three years of
supervisory experience.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized University / Institution
21 Certificate Program in
Management
Accounting(CPMA)
Graduate in any discipline, from a recognized University.
Three Year Diploma Holders from a recognized
University/Institution, with a minimum of three years of
supervisory experience.
International / SAARC students who have graduated from
a recognized University / Institution
3. Specify the programs for which the intake is fixed. Give details: Not Applicable
Table 2.10
S.No Name of Program (s) No. of Intake
4. Do you allow flexibility of entry and exit in the following context:
Duration of Program
Horizontal Mobility
Choice of courses
Inter-disciplinary Approach
Modular curriculum allowing easy exit
CBCS introduced or not
5. If yes, Given details:
• Duration of Program:
a. The students registered for the 2 year programs, are allowed to extend the validity
upto 4 years.
b. The students registered for the 1 year program, are allowed to extend the validity
upto 2 years.
c. The students registered for the 6 month programs, are allowed to extend the validity
upto 1 year.
• Choice of Courses:
The PGDBA program structure is based on compulsory core courses and
specializations. The first two semesters focus on core courses. Students can then
choose two electives, from a long list of possible specializations. The program
includes six specializations including: Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Customer
Relationship Management and Management Accounting. Students have an option of
dual specialization for multidisciplinary approach.
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• Interdisciplinary Approach:
Students enrolled for a longer duration program such as PGDBA can enrol for a
maximum of four single courses from any other discipline while pursuing his/her
primary program. This feature provides students the ability to gain knowledge of a
varied types of subjects.
• Modular curriculum allowing easy exit:
Students admitted to PGDBA program, and who complete one full year of study (I &
II semester) and successfully pass the examination and assignments corresponding to
first two semesters, but who are unable to complete the III and IV semesters due to
unavoidable circumstances can exit out and are eligible for a Diploma in Management.
An eligible student has to make a specific application to SCDL to opt out of the
PGDBA program within the registration validity period.
Students can also take admission to single courses. Students can accumulate credits
for courses completed. Students are allowed to transfer a maximum of 4 courses to a
longer duration program, subject to the credit transfer policy.
CBCS:
All programs offered by SCDL are credit based. The credit system is as per DEB
guidelines (DEC Handbook-2009).
Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration program structure is based on
compulsory core courses and specializations. The first two semesters focus on core
courses. Students can then choose two electives, from a long list of possible subjects
across specilizations from 3rd semester onwards. The program includes six
specializations including: Finance, Marketing, Operations, HR, Customer Relationship
Management and Management Accounting. Students have an option of dual
specialization for multidisciplinary approach.
6. How do you promote your programs? (Specify the media):
The programs are advertised through Print, Television, Radio, Digital Media, Internet, SMS,
Events, Hoarding and other campaigns. The programs are promoted through existing students
and alumni also.
7. Is there any policy for overseas student?
Eligibility for International/SAARC students is graduation (minimum of 10+2+3 years) from a
recognized University/Institution. The pre qualification acquired by an international student is
verified on the basis of list of recognized universities published by Association of Indian
Universities(AIU).
8. In case you admit foreign students explain the modus operandi and the enrolment details
including the geographical spread:
The entire admissions are done centrally by Headquaters. All documents related to admissions
are received and scrutinized at the Headquaters. Similarly, the admission letters are issued by
the Headquaters. The SLMs are also sent to students by the Headquaters. For AY 2015-2016,
we have 102 students enrolled from countries like USA, U.A.E, UK, Singapore, Nepal etc.
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VI. LEARNER SUPPORT SERVICE
1. Give details of the services to distance learners at each of these. State Yes or No:
Table 2.11
Services Head Quarters Regional Centres Study Centres
Admission Yes NA NA
Counselling Yes NA NA
SLM distribution Yes NA NA
PCP Yes NA NA
Internal Assessment Yes NA NA
Term End
Examination
Yes NA NA
Evaluation of Term
End examination
Yes NA NA
Any Other (Specify) ---- ---- ----
2. State total number of Coordinators and Academic Counsellors working at Regional Centres in
the following format: (wherever applicable)- Not Applicable
TABLE 2.12
Location of
Regional
Centre
Address of
Study Centre
Name of
Coordinator if
any, on rolls of
the institution
No. of
programs
offered
Total No. of
Academic
Counsellors
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
3. Do you maintain databases? Explain the databases management system followed by your
institution. Give details of computerization of various activities.
Yes, SCDL maintains a database of all students who enroll at SCDL. This database stores
student’s demographic details, educational qualification, performance, fees paid, dispatches
done to the students. In case of returns if any, are also traced along with all the
communications between student & SCDL. All such data collection is done through an ERP
(Enterprise Resource Planning) system developed in-house at SCDL. This system known as
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SIS (Student Information System) helps us to effectively, accurately and promptly handle
student queries. This is a very comprehensive system and has been appreciated by earlier
UGC-DEB inspection committees. A case study on this software system was published by
UNESCO, Bangkok.
In 2010, SCDL also introduced the facility of “Student Request Form-SRF” through the web
site. The Student Request Form (SRF) allows students to raise a formal application request for
certain issues, services or facilities including profile change, specialization change, attested
copies request, duplicate diploma requests etc. These Forms are then scrutinized by the Student
Care Department and forwarded to the appropriate department for further action. The status of
the student’s request is also posted on the web site for student tracking. These features have
helped improve student satisfaction by reducing the turn-around-time for resolving student
queries.
Many critical MIS reports are also generated out of SIS for the management review and
necessary action. These software systems have brought about complete transparency in
operations and administration leading to higher student satisfaction.
4. (a) Is your website interactive/static ?
SCDL has a dedicated interactive website www.scdl.net which is available to students
24 x 7. Each student is provided with unique login ID and password to access his /her
personalised student portal.
All academic resources such as e-learning content, access to online classes, interactive
faculty sessions, digital library, archived lectures etc are provided through this portal. The
website is hosted on US servers, which ensures that there is zero downtime for the students
and the students can access the website at all times.
(b) How does your website support distance learners?
The SCDL Website integrates latest technologies to create a unique learning experience for
distance learners.
'Symbiosis World Campus' - a powerful web portal, forms the centre of learning with
facilities such as Online Assignment Submission, Computer based Exam Scheduling, Online
Classes, and E-Mentoring.
The website provides complete information about the programs, duration, fee structure,
evaluation system etc. SCDL has developed a Pre-enrollment guidance system which
allows potential students to understand which programs/courses offered by the institute
would be suitable for them considering their previous academic background and interests.
The website also allows students who have not yet been admitted to the institute to track the
status of their admission/enrollment form. This system has helped reduce queries from
students who have sent their admission form to the institute.
Each enrolled student has a personalised log-in ID and password to access his/her
customised student portal. The student portal provides student access to all the academic
resources including e-learnings, online classes, e-library, online faculty interactions,
archived lectures etc. The students are also provided details of the dispatches of self learning
material, fees paid, demographic details, performace sheet including marks of assignments
and examinations and post my query option to send emails to the institute. The post my
query link provides an interface wherein the student can select from a list of common
queries (administrative queries), type his email address to which the reply is to be sent and
add additional text within the message. Once the student clicks submit, the link routes the
student’s query to the appropriate department/staff member who handles such types of
queries. This link has increased the efficiency of the staff members handling student queries.
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Following services are available to students via our website:-
• Counselling and Mentoring
• Message Board
• Online Assignment Submission
• On-Demand Exam Booking System
• Online Classes
• e-Learning
• Online Faculty Interaction sessions
• Academic performance tracking
• Exam Guidance
• Exam Handbook & Welcome Kit
• Dispatch Tracking
• ‘Post My Query’ Facility
• Personal E-mail ID
• E-Library
• Placement Assistance
5. How do you attend to student queries? Put tick mark.
Face to face
Telephone/Mobile
Radio/Television
Newsletter/bulletin
Automatic interactive system
All the above
If any other, specify: SCDL arranges regular induction programs both face to face at HQs as
well as online. Coursewise online classes are conducted on a daily basis.Academic calender is
published on the SCDL website.The classes are also archived and made available in the student
login for future reference. These online classes provide students an opportunity to not only
interact with our faculty but also to interact with fellow students. At SCDL, we encourage
students to have active peer interactions. Online classes are also supplemented with online
faculty interactions. The students can address their academic queries to our faculty directly and
receive prompt answers. E-Mentoring facility is also available to all our students.
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6. Give details of scholarships/financial assistance that are provide to distance learners.
Symbiosis firmly believes that it is the foremost responsibility of every educational institute to
contribute to some extent for the cause of upliftment of the weaker sections of the society.
Symbiosis is fully aware of its social obligations and to meet these social obligations,
Symbiosis Open Education Society makes provision of Rs.2.5 lakhs every year for granting fee
concessions to 100 deserving students of SCDL belonging to Economically Backward
Community (EBC) to share their financial burden to some extent and to motivate them to
continue to pursue higher education.
Under this scheme SCDL provides fee concession to the extent of 25% of the program fees to
those students whose annual family income from all sources does not exceed Rs.1.00 lakh per
annum. Wide publicity of this scheme is given on the SCDL website. In the Academic Year
2015-2016, 06 students have been awarded fee concession under this scheme.
SCDL also provides 10 % fee concession to students of defence and para military forces
category. In the Academic Year 2015-16, 157 students have been awarded fee concession
under this scheme.
7. Do you have placement cell? Give details.
SCDL has an active placement cell. Placement drives
are organised to give opportunity to our students to
attend interviews with leading companies. Top
companies from sectors of IT&ITES, e-Commerce,
Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Banking, Finance,
Insurance, Construction, Retail, Education etc. have
participated in various placement drives organised by
SCDL. Some of our recruiters include HDFC Bank,
Reliance Retail, TCS, Wipro, Capgemini, Bosch,
Symantec, Eurokids, Mercedes Benz, Rohan Builders, Nielsen, Wills Lifestyle, Impetus
etc.The last placement drive was organised at SCDL on 12 March 2016. A total of 15
Companies participated. Approx 80 students attended the interviews and 31 students were
shortlisted for final interviews.
SCDL has a large alumni base of students belonging to leading Corporates, Industry and
Government organisations. Through this alumni network, we facilitate placement of our
students. Last Alumini Meet was organised on 2nd
April 2016 at Pune, which provided an
opportunity to our students to connect with one another and explore career opportunities.
Around 75 students attended the said meet.
Placement Drive conducted on 12 Mar 16
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8. How do you provide feedback to learners on their performance?
Table 2.13
Methods Medium of Communication
Continuous Evaluation Performance sheet in
student login, Online
Classes & Online Faculty
interaction.
Online and offline
Term-End Evaluation Performance sheet in
student login, Online
Classes & Online Faculty
interaction sessions.
Online and offline
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VII. FINANCE
1. Income and Expenditure relating to distance education during last three years
TABLE 2.14
Income Expenditure
incurred
Sources of income
2015-16 45,77,52,194 17,21,85,982 F Fees Fees from Students
2014-15 71,26,75,944 22,13,30,074 Fees from Students
2013-14 88,66,47,788 22,65,73,668 Fees from Students
2. Give details of the expenditure during the last financial year under various heads:
TABLE 2.15
S.No. Head of expenditure Budget
approval Amount spent
1 Assistance for Human Resource 10548374 8032607
2 Development of Course material and Quality
Assurance
Revenue Exps. 95351415 50464965
Capital Exps 2800000 732221
Sub-Total Devel.of Course material & QA 98151415 51197186
3 Students Support Service 118524342 88080269
4 Staff Training and Development 500000
3,71,865
5 Technology Support -
Revenue Exps. 28772731 19739343
Capital Exps 7800000
16,10,232
Sub-Total Technology Support 36572731 21349575
6 Vocational Education and Training 0 0
7 Library 2731826
16,01,125
8 Research and Development 600000
3,78,380
9 e-Content / e-Learning (Rev. exps.) 778738 694076
e-Content / e-Learning (captial exps.) 700000 480900
Sub-Total E-Learning content 1478738 1174976
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3. Whether University maintains separate account for Distance Education? If Yes please give
details thereof:
Table 2.16
Name of the Bank AXIS BANK LTD.
Address KOTRHRUD PUNE
Bank A/C No 104010040158527
Name of the Account Holder SYMBIOSIS CENTRE FOR DIST LEARNING
LEARARNING
Designation of the Account Holder Director
IFSC code UTIB0000104
MICR code 411211004
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VIII. ANY OTHER INFORMATION
Quality Initiatives:
SCDL is ISO 9001:2008 certified institute since 2012. Symbiosis Centre for Distance
Learning (SCDL) has documented a comprehensive QMS using quality management
principles. The system has established and is maintaining quality processes at all stages to
enhance the effectiveness and efficiency across all Departments of SCDL. Through periodic
internal audits conducted by trained and competent auditors, the system is helping SCDL to set
and achieve new benchmarks in quality. The continual improvement path being followed by
SCDL will go a long way in creating new world class standards in open & distance education.
SCDL has been accredited by the Commonwealth of Learning - Review & Implementation
Model for quality (COL – RIM). This is a self-review model developed by COL, Canada to
improve the quality and performance of the distance learning institutes in respect of
development of self-learning material, student support services and administrative aspects.
SCDL was the first distance learning institute to undergo the COL-RIM quality audit in India.
National Conference on ODL- Sept 2014:
A National Conference on Open and Distance Learning was organized by SCDL on 19th
September, 2014 with the primary objective of creating a platform for all stakeholders to
discuss challenges and opportunities in Open and Distance Learning, share best practices,
examine prevailing policy gaps and suggest policy recommendations for further consideration
of the Government. The speakers of the Conference included Padamshree Prof. Madhava
Menon , Chairman, Distance Education Reform Committee, MHRD, Founder Vice-Chancellor
NLIU, Bangalore and National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, Dr. DN Reddy,
Member UGC, Chairman Recruitment & Assessment Centre DRDO, Prof. Dr. Arun
Nigavekar Former Chairman UGC, Founder Director NAAC, Mr. Pradeep Kaul, Senior
Consultant, NMEICT & Coordinator, DTH, MHRD, Dr. Binod Bhadri, DEA, MHRD, Prof.
K.B Powar, Chancellor, D.Y Patil Vidyapeeth, Prof. Dr. Uday Salunkhe, Group Director,
Welingkar Institute, Mumbai, Prof. Mariamma A. Varghese, Former Vice-Chancellor, SNDT
Women’s University, Mumbai , Mr. Vivek Sawant, Director, MKCL, Dr. Swati Mujumdar,
Director, SCDL, Pune, Mr. Kshitij Chopra, CEO, Pleo Labs, Dr. Prakash Deshpande, Formerly
Director, DEC, Director Education, British High Commission, Dr. Naji Almahdi, Director,
National Institute of Vocational Education, Govt. of UAE. The conference was attended by
around 100 distinguished delegates from across the country comprising policy makers
including registrars, directors of distance education institutes, senior professors etc.The policy
recommendations were submitted to the Govt. for further consideration.
ICDE International Conference- March 2017:
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning has been selected by International Council for Open
and Distance Education (ICDE) to host the ICDE International Conference on 10th and 11
th
March, 2017. The theme of the conference is Unleashing the potential of ODL “Reaching the
unreached”.
The aim of the conference shall be to provide a platform for communication between
researchers, teachers and practitioners in Open and Distance Learning. The ultimate aim being
to provide impetus and provide a common basis for the future of research and action points for
enhancement of reach of Open and Distance Learning.
The Conference will be attended by the members of the ICDE Executive Committee, and other
eminent scholars and researchers in the ODL space, nationwide and from across the globe.
The conference proceedings will be brought out by SCDL and selected research papers will
also be published by Open Praxis.
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Case Study by UNESCO
UNESCO has published a case study on Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) in
their Asia Pacific Journal as an example of the innovative use of technology for improving
student support services and delivering quality education to the remotest corner.
The case study studies the cost effective ICT based practices employed by SCDL to address the
challenges of managing a huge student base without losing focus on quality and student
satisfaction.
The UNESCO Study outlines the simple yet innovative ICT practices employed by SCDL to
address student queries. SCDL has set up a Student Services Department, enabled with home-
grown ICT solutions. This department consists of two sections – a dedicated Student Call
Center and an E-Communication Center. Dedicated Call Center enables students to address
their queries to trained cousellors. The counsellors not only have complete know-how of
various academic and administrative policies but are also trained on handling students. In E-
Communication Center, the cousellors handle student queries received via email with a
guaranteed response time of one business day.
Research Activities:
International Peer Reviewed Research Journal on Open and Distance Learning
The Academics Department of Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning, is bringing out a
Research journal on ODL to provide a platform to researchers and academicians within the
institute and outside to write Research papers. Particularly since publications by Indian
researchers on online and distance learning are almost non-existent.
The central theme of the inaugural issue of the peer-reviewed, refereed, international,
interdisciplinary, bi-annual research journal of SCDL is ‘Sustaining and Enhancing the Quality
of ODL’.
The SCDL Research Team invited research papers from all over the world. In response to this
we have received 15 papers. The review committee of 4 members reviewed all papers and
finally selected 7 papers for our International peer review biannual research journal. We have
applied for ISSN number and are in process of getting the same.
Academic Research Forum:
The Academics Department of SCDL has created Academic Research Forum, a platform to
inculcate and promote research culture. The objectives of the Academic Research Forum are as
follows:
1. To create an environment of Academic vibrancy in SCDL.
2. To inculcate research culture among students and faculty by conducting Departmental
Research projects.
3. To create awareness among students about the latest trends and developments in the
various domains through webinars, talks by industry experts/students, panel
discussions, presentations etc.
4. To motivate students by grooming and enhancing their learning and practical skills.
5. To introduce a skilling component in various domains through lectures on Soft skills,
virtual tours etc.
6. To provide a platform for the lifelong learning to the alumni.
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Activities of the Academic Research Forum will include:
1. Monthly Research Paper presentation by one Faculty
2. Webinars
3. Talks (By industry experts/students)
4. Presentations
5. Panel Discussions
6. Virtual Tours and Short Films (On Processes in the industries)
7. Workshops.
8. Departmental Research Projects by the Academics Department
(Refer to Annexure – 10 d)