Sunday 11 May 2014

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU)

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) :


Manonmaniam Sundaranar University (MSU) is a dynamic institution of higher learning, set in a rural milieu of southern Tamil Nadu, with a campus spread of 550 acres. The University was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu as a teaching-cum-affiliating University on 7th  September, 1990 to cater to the long-felt needs of the people of the three southern most districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Kanyakumari. It is Named after the renowned Tamil Poet scholar, Professor P. Sundaram Pillai (1855-1897), the author of the famous verse drama Manonmaniam. It is his poem that has become “Tamil Thaai Vaalthu” the official invocation song sung in all functions in Tamilnadu.

The motto of the University is “Reaching the Unreached”. Around 2400 students are studying in this institution directly. The University has under its jurisdiction 62 affiliated colleges, 6 University Colleges and 4 Constituent Colleges, with 73,000 students on the rolls. These colleges, amongst which three are over 100 years old viz., St. John’s College, M.D.T. Hindu College, and Sarah Tucker College the oldest women’s college in the state, have contributed decisively to the cause of higher education of this region.

The main focus of the university is to produce individuals who have the expertise and intellectual curiosity to make a difference in their profession and the society and in conducting the research needed to meet the challenges facing the contemporary world. This is keeping us in line with the Vision-2023 document of our Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.Ms.J. Jayalalithaa, and her aim to impart quality higher education to the students. Majority of the students of this University belong to rural and economically weaker sections of the society. Hence, this University imparts education at nominal and affordable cost. The curricula of the courses offered by this University are periodically updated and the University has resourceful teachers to deliver the same.

There are 25 academic departments in the University. Sri Paramakalyani Centre for Environmental Sciences, functioning at Alwarkurichi, is an illustrious example of University-Industry collaboration and the same has been recognized by the Government of Tamilnadu as a Centre of Excellence. The Centre for Marine Science and Technology at Rajakkamangalam is breaking new ground in Coastal Area Studies. All the University departments are receiving research projects from several funding agencies in India, Europe, USA, Japan and UNO. The University Library has rich collection of books and journals on a wide range of subjects. The courses offered by the University have been designed keeping in mind the changing times and the emerging needs of the region. The University offers post-graduate, M.Phil., and Ph.D., programmes (part-time and full-time). MSU is the first to offer Choice-Based Credit System in the State of Tamilnadu. The University has National Service Scheme and Youth Welfare Department which provide opportunities for the students to develop their overall personality.

The University Grants Commission, New Delhi, the apex higher education body of the Union Government, has accorded its approval for getting financial assistance since 29th March 1994. The University has been accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council of India. The University Act authorizes the functioning of Directorate of Distance and Continuing Education outside the university jurisdiction and the courses offered through this mode are recognized by the Distance Education Council of India.

The concept of community colleges is being experimented under the aegis of a special wing, the Directorate of Vocational Education. This Directorate  offers diploma courses of one year duration to those interested in entrepreneurial enterprises and the Extension Learning Programme run by this wing also offers diploma and certificate courses on skill development.

The University has many ‘firsts’ to its credit, like implementing the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) in Tamilnadu, ensuring transparency in the evaluation process, administering special examination for sports personnel who represent the University at National/ State/ University level tournaments, offering higher education to the inmates of Prison institutions through the University’s distance learning programme, and conducting special graduation functions at stigmatized institutions like prisons. During the last few years, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University has witnessed substantial growth in terms of its research and teaching infrastructure and facilities. The University has provided high speed internet connectivity to all faculty members for accessibility to ever expanding knowledge and information portals. The University has also provided a separate internet centre for the benefit of students and research scholars.

It is our privilege to encourage every student to join this seat of higher learning, set in quiet rural surroundings. All of us, both teaching and non-teaching, trust that our earnest efforts will help the students shape themselves to attain their goals.

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