Dr. T.Uma Joseph is the Professor and Head of the History department at St Francis College for Women, Hyderabad. She has completed her M.A., M.Phil & Ph.D. She has held various positions in the college such as Dean of Academics, Controller of Examinations of the College and Coordinator of IQAC. She is also a Subject Expert at several prestigious educational institutes. Her lessons are telecasted on National TV regularly. She also contributes to the video lessons at E Pathshala. Her expertise and knowledge in this field are unmatched.

ST FRANCIS COLLEGE FOR WOMEN, HYDERABAD

What are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

“Administrative and academic role, responsible for students empowerment” 

The unique position entails routine contact with a broad range of people, from the Principal to the faculty both teaching and non-teaching and the students. All the activities are aimed at the holistic development of the students and their growth. The job also entails the delegation of work. It’s a collaborative work with the Dean of student affairs as well as the Heads of departments.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

“The democratic style of functioning in the college helps develop a healthy relationship”

Our management could well be defined as participatory management. Every event and activity is planned and executed by faculty and students at all levels. This helps everyone to work together and bond well. It opens up communication which is essential for the smooth functioning of an institution. The students are represented in every committee and forum of the college. This helps build a healthy relationship with them. 

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards the subjects?

“Innovative methods of learning and evaluation to make education interesting”

A visit to a heritage site as a part of the study has kindled an interest in many students to study Archeology. We also introduced Tourism as an interdisciplinary subject for all the students of the college. Many of the students who have pursued this course have even become entrepreneurs in this field. On the job training programmes; mandatory internships, project evaluation by industry, entrepreneurial development seminars by NISIET are some of the initiatives of the college to prepare students for the industry. 

Check St Francis College for Women Courses & Fees

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students?

“Students are encouraged to think independently through innovative assignments”

The subject involves the study of monuments of historical importance. For this purpose, field visits are mandatory. The students have to independently make a trip to a monument and present their observations and suggestions in the form of a detailed report. It has helped them gain essential presentation skills. The peer evaluation helps them gain a competitive spirit to aim higher. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated?

“By including modern and dynamic lessons every 3 years”

The curriculum is revised every three years based on current trends in the academics by assessing the industry needs. The syllabus is modified to make it civil service-oriented since many of our students aspire to join the civil services. We were the first in the state to introduce tourism in our curriculum. When the Telangana state was formed in 2014, we were the first to introduce an entire paper on Telangana History. 

How does your department prepare students for Placements and Higher education?

“Adapting methods of research orientation and presence of an active placement cell”

We have an active Placement cell in college, which constantly updates the students about the opportunities available for them. Training sessions are also organized to sharpen their skills and prepare them for the interview, group discussions, etc. But, I personally encourage all the students to pursue higher education. Research orientation is given to enthuse them to pursue higher education. The self-study, student projects, field trips and reports, seminars equip them for higher education. 

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

“Active organization of social events and student clubs for comprehensive growth”

The college aims to involve students in community service and promote social justice and care for the environment. There is the facilitation of institution-industry interaction. The college also introduces students to interdisciplinary & skill-based courses. The various student clubs help the students to participate and lead a number of activities in the college. The clubs are managed by the students and this gives them hands-on experience in organizing, managing and even conflict management. 

What are the interventions you bring in apart from the curriculum to train the students?

“A student-centred learning approach that enhances learning and fosters personal development”

The whole approach is focused on practical learning, existing beyond the walls of classrooms. Field trips, study abroad programmes, group projects and discussions are organized for the active learning methodologies. At our college, we have several ways to provide holistic development to students.

Read St Francis College for Women Placement

What valuable advice would you like to give to the students for a prosperous career ahead?

“The key to success is to expand your skills and knowledge”

For college students, the focus should be on acquiring skills relevant to their course of studies. Even while studying, Going for an internship while studying is beneficial for them. Students have an opportunity to learn and acquire several skills in college. Staying updated on technology and industry trends is also advantageous. Make it a habit to read professional journals each month. These will provide in-depth knowledge of the changing landscape in your career and will help better prepare you for what's to come.