CASK 
On 11th January 2025, the Catholic Association of South Kanara (CASK) hosted a groundbreaking initiative titled “Agnes Scholars: Faculty Engagement Program” at the Seminar Hall of St. Agnes PG Centre, Mangalore. This event, part of CASK’s educational project “CASK IgniteU,” brought together over 85 faculty members from undergraduate and postgraduate streams to reimagine their roles as educators and champions of academic excellence.
Inauguration and Distinguished Presence
The program began with an inspiring inaugural ceremony led by Ms. Marjorie Texeira, Vice President of CASK, alongside distinguished guests Dr. Rohan Monis, Vice President of CASK, and Professor Paul Aquinas, a member of the Governing Council. The leadership team from St. Agnes College, including Rev. Sr. Dr. Venissa A.C., Principal, and Rev. Sr. Dr. Vinora, PG Coordinator, underscored the importance of this initiative with their presence.
Insightful Sessions Led by Expert Coach
The session featured Mr. Ronald Mendonca, Principal Consultant and Coach at Smart Solutions, Mangaluru, and Treasurer of CASK, as the resource person. With his extensive expertise, he captivated the audience by:
- Highlighting the power of storytelling as a dynamic teaching tool to engage students.
- Guiding faculty on leveraging social media for personal and institutional branding.
- Sharing practical strategies for fostering interactive communication and building meaningful connections with students.
A Call to Research and Holistic Development
A significant theme of the program was the promotion of research as a cornerstone of academic excellence. Faculty members were encouraged to:
- Embrace research efforts to build a wealth of knowledge.
- Guide students in their scholarly pursuits.
- Cultivate a culture of inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Mr. Mendonca emphasized creating exceptional student experiences by nurturing curiosity through quality teaching, impactful research, and experiential learning. These efforts aim to foster holistic development and a love for learning among students.
Interactive Activities and Teamwork
The program also included case study analysis, where faculty members collaborated in teams to showcase their analytical and creative thinking skills. The Science stream team emerged as overall winners, with the Commerce team securing the runners-up position. These activities reinforced the importance of teamwork and critical thinking in achieving academic and institutional goals.
Reflections and Takeaways
As the program concluded, faculty members reflected on their role as academic ambassadors of St. Agnes College. They were encouraged to:
- Share success stories that align with the college’s mission and values.
- Leverage storytelling, research excellence, and experiential teaching to create a positive impact on students and stakeholders.
Conclusion
The “Agnes Scholars” Faculty Engagement Program was a resounding success, leaving faculty members motivated and inspired to elevate their teaching methodologies. By redefining student experiences and embracing innovative approaches, the program set a strong foundation for educators to contribute to the college’s vision of excellence and holistic education.
This initiative is a shining example of CASK’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and positioning St. Agnes College as a leader in transformative education.
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