Study Abroad Seminar @ MCC | 31st July 2024

Study Abroad Seminar @ MCC | 31st July 2024 

The first Study Abroad Seminar of the new academic year - organized by the Deanery of International Programmes in association with MCC Placement Cell, - was inaugurated by our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson in the Chemistry Seminar Hall, at 10.30 am, today, Wednesday, 31st July 2024. 

Around 110 students participated. 

The Dean of International Programmes, Dr. Rufus welcomed the gathering. 

This was followed by a Photo session with our Principal, the Speakers, the Participants and the Organisers of the Seminar. 

Dr. Hepzhibah Israel, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies spoke on opportunities for Higher Education in the UK. 

Mr. Sathya Gnanaiah, from Toronto Region Immigration Employment Council, Canada, and our alumnus (1983-89), spoke on excellent opportunities for the Indian workforce in Canada. 

Professional Educational consultant from IDP Australia, Ms. Geetha, gave an overview to Studying Abroad focusing on the plethora of scholarships available for students. 

Our Global Student Ambassador Ms. Smriti Wilson did the MC, while Chris Immanuel, and Sabarinathan Murugan, our Global Student Ambassadors facilitated the logistics connected with the conduct of the Seminar.

 Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean of International Programmes coordinated the Seminar. 

Translation Workshop by Dr. Hephzibah Israel, University of Edinburgh @ MCC

 

Dr. Hepzhibah Israel, Senior Lecturer, Translation Studies, conducted a Translation Workshop for PG Students of the Department of English, MCC, in the afternoon session on 31st July 2024.

Prof. Deepa Priyadarshini coordinated the Programme.

First Call for Spring Semester with LeTourneau University - Reg

Dear LETU partners,

We are excited at the possibility of hosting your students in the Spring 2025 semester.  This is the time to start the process! As you know the visa process is quite time consuming.

In order to admit your students to LeTourneau for Spring 2025 and create your students’ I-20s, please have your students complete and submit the following documentation:

Please have the chosen exchange students fill out the application form here:

https://www.letu.edu/global-initiatives/exchange-checklist.html

Two Academic Reference Forms from 2 different university professors or advisors (attached)

Official college transcripts (minimum GPA of 2.5)

Statement or Essay about why you want to come to LETU

Official English certificate (Sample attached)

Financial Support Verification (a bank statement or letter from a bank or employer showing at least $8,500 as bank balance)

Color copy of passport page

Many program coordinators will collect these documents and send them all together in one packet by email.

Students will need to provide proof of finances to cover $8,500 for one semester (5 months). This is the amount that the visa officer will use when considering whether or not students can actually afford to come and study at our university.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.  We look forward to hosting your students!

Our partners also usually start mapping classes based on our Spring 2025 course listing.  Please know that students may take up to 17 credits without any tuition charge.  They may take online classes as long as they take a minimum of 9 credits on campus (Offline) and a minimum of 12 credits overall. When our Spring 2025 course listing becomes available in October, the course list may be finalized. Please find here our course offerings:  https://www.letu.edu/academics/course-schedules/index.htmlour  - our on campus and online Spring 2024 class listing.  This semester course offerings will be similar to the Spring 2025 offerings.

Also, LeTourneau is very generous in that it allows students to take up to 17 credits per semester without charging anything extra.  Of course this is a very heavy load and students seldom take advantage of this, but this option does exist.

We would like their updated transcripts when available, especially for the current semester.  

You can check our course catalog for a description of each course and if the students meet the prerequisites:

http://catalog.letu.edu/index.php?catoid=11

The value of credits is the last digit in the course number.

They need to take at least 12 credits - 3 of these credits can be online courses.  Here is a link to our online courses:

https://www.letu.edu/academics/course-schedules/global-sp24.html

A Riveting Panel Discussion Today in MCC

 

The Department of English [SFS] hosted a Panel Discussion with visiting Professor Hephzibah Israel, Senior Lecturer in Translation Studies, University of Edinburgh, Scotland and Dr. Nirmal Selvamony, Former Professor & Head, Dept of English Studies and Dean, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Central University of Tamil Nadu.

Dr. Armstrong, Head, Department of Endangered Languages, and Professor, Department of English, University of Madras, was the Moderator.

Study Abroad Seminar @ MCC | Second Call

 

Panel Discussion on Translation Studies with Dr. Hephzibah Israel, University of Edinburgh

 

Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life (OCRPL)

Two representatives from the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life (OCRPL) visited our college on Friday, 26th July 2024. Both are our alumni - Dr. Bobby Thejus (who did PhD under Dr. Joshua Kalapati, Dept of Philosophy, Retd.) who later studied in St. Andrews, Scotland, and Rev Sam Thambusamy, who did Physics and went to Gurukul and Edinburgh. 

As part of their visit to various theological institutions in India, exploring possibilities of collaboration, we had a pre-arrival meeting on Zoom at 8 pm on 25th July 2024.

On 26th July, at 10 am, they met with the Dean of International Programmes Dr. Rufus, Rev. Ross, Dr. Joshua Kalapati and Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph. Possibilities for collaboration between IACS and OCRPL were discussed. 

Later, around 11.30 am, they met with our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson in his chamber.

This was followed by a fellowship lunch hosted by our Principal, in which Dr. Hepzhibah Israel, University of Edinburgh also participated along with her husband. 

Visit of Students of Asia University, Taiwan to MCC

A group of 19 students from the Dept of Social Work, Asia University, visited MCC on Thursday, 25th July 2024. They had a fruitful time of interaction with the students of the Department of Social Work (Aided).

This was followed by a briefing on the SLPs offered in MCC, and a rewarding visit to the MMIP facilitated by our Global Student Ambassador Mr. Sabarinathan Murugan.

Semester-Abroad Programme on Logistics & Supply Chain Management with SUSS - Reg.

Dr. Paul Wilson, Principal of Madras Christian College, was in Singapore to discuss the Semester-Abroad Programme on Logistics & Supply Chain Management. The meeting was arranged by a mutual contact, Sridhar K from TT Group India, on Saturday, 20th July 2024.

Dr. Tan Yan Weng, Associate Professor & Head, Logistics & Supply Chain Management Programme | School of Business, promptly connected us with Ms Mindy Ong, Head of Office of Global Programmes. 

Dr. Rufus, Dean of International Programmes, followed it up with Dr. Mindy, by expressing our desire to collaborate with SUSS for a Semester-Abroad Programme for our students, on ‘Logistics and Supply Chain Management’. In this regard, a Zoom meet for a discussion on the same was proposed by Dr. Rufus. 

Selection of Two Students for their Semester-Abroad Programme with LeTourneau University

 

Meeting to discuss the paper on Music Theory I & II with Hayes School of Music, AppState University

A meeting was convened in the Office of the DIP on 24th July 2024 at 10.20 am. to discuss the paper on Music Theory I & II.

Members Present

Dr. Samuel Rufus

Dr. S. Daniel Evans

Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph

Ms. Smriti Wilson (Global Ambassador)

Mr. Sabarinathan (Global Ambassador)

Minutes of the Meeting

Members had a discussion on offering Music Theory I & II as part of GC, as a Value-Added Certificate Course through the MCC-SCE, for their Semester I & Semester II respectively.

a. The MCC-SCE will be administering the course.

b. The Course will be offered like any other GC Course for 60 hours.

c. On successfully completing the course, a Course Certificate will be given to the students.

d. A student who wishes to do Music Theory II directly, [without doing Music Theory I] should satisfy the necessary prerequisites. They will have to go through a condensed version of Music Theory I (in online modules /e-content) and take up an assessment as well.

It was decided to take this forward, after we receive our Principal’s suggestions and inputs in this regard.

Reminder of Actionables and Timelines was also given.

1. Compiling the suggestions from all those who are marked and preparing the curriculum (July last week)

2. Positioning it as part of GE, GC or ID accordingly (August first week)

3. To consult with Mr. Augustin Paul soliciting opinion as an external expert (August second week)

4. Constituting the BoS and executing the same (September first week)

5. Presenting in the pre-Board (September second week)

6. Academic council (To be scheduled in October as per the progress in other departments)

One-year course as part of SCE on supply chain management in MCC

Dr Paul Wilson, Principal of Madras Christian College was in Singapore for a week’s time, when he met with Officials from SUSS, on 20th July 2024, arranged by a mutual contact Sridhar K from TT Group India.

He gave the proposition for the possibility of a train-and-place certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management for students from MCC.

One semester certificate in Logistics and Supply chain management through School of continuing education (*NSQF) as per skill qualification framework. Revenue sharing model can be worked out (train and place model). Second semester they will pursue their immersion at SUSS along with industry and get placed in Singapore or India.

This was followed by their Deputy Director, A/P Tay Huay Ling and Head of Programme, Dr Chris Woo who oversees international markets, promptly reaching out to explore this opportunity further.

Dr. Chris, the HoP at SUSS Academy overseeing the international CET market, suggested that,  

Could we set a Teams meeting this Friday between 11am – 3pm to explore further? Please let us know your preferred time.

Dr. Rufus replied, offering to engage them, by suggesting for a Teams Meet on Monday, 29th July from 11 am to 3 pm. 

They also added that,

Please note that our unit prioritizes training and consultancy services and typically does not provide facilitated job placement.

Visit of Dr. Hepzhibah Israel, University of Edinburgh, Scotland

Dr. Hepzhibah Israel, Lecturer in Translation Studies with the University of Edinburgh, Scotland arrived in MCC for a two-week lecture series for our students.

From Monday, 22nd July 2024 till Friday, 26th July 2024, she engaged the students of II MA English Literature with a series of lectures on Translation Studies, coordinated by Prof. Deepa Priyadarshini, Assistant Professor, Dept of English.

Meeting for Discussing Collaboration with NMSU on Hydroinformatics Course

A meeting was held in the Office of the Dean IP, at 10.20 am, Monday, 22nd July 2024, for discussions on possibilities for collaborating with NMSU on Hydroinformatics Course.

Members Present

Dr. Mahalakshmi, Dean of Sciences

Dr. Tabitha Durai, Dean, R & D

Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean, International Programmes

Prof. Arun Kumar, Associate Dean of International Programmes

Dr. E. Rajkumar, Assistant Professor, Dept of Chemistry

Dr. Yasodharan Suresh, Assistant Professor, Dept of Geography

Dr. S.J. Samuel Justin, MMIP

Dr. M. Beutline, MMIP

Mr. Sabarinathan Murugan, Student Ambassador

The meeting began with a word of prayer.

Two verticals were presented in the meeting.

Vertical I – Students of any UG Programme get to do a Semester-Abroad in Water Science Management with NMSU, regardless of their Major.

Vertical II – Programme-wise selection, based on course mapping and credit transfer. However, a few members felt that, as regards hydroinformatics or water science management, only elective courses can be mapped.

Hence it was recommended that, Vertical I be pitched.

It was also suggested that students from NMSU can be invited for a Short-term International Interdisciplinary Internship (III) and/or for a Semester-Abroad Programme.

For both programmes, it was suggested that, one hour of spoken Tamil/ Culture / Cultural Immersion would be given to them each day of the duration of their course. The Departments of Tourism, History and Tamil could also be roped in for such an “III Course”, which would facilitate cultural immersion for the visitors, as well. 

It was suggested that, based on Principal’s inputs, it can be formally communicated to officials of NMSU resulting in MoUs between the two institutions.

On Collaborating with Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln

On Thursday, 18th July 2024, Dr. Wayne Dyble, Head of International, Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, was in Madras Christian College, along with Mr. Lakbir Singh, Chief Operating Officer, India Business Group, Broadwalk House, 5 Appold Street, London EC2A 2HA.

The meeting started at 4 pm in the Conference Room, IGH with a word of prayer by Dr. Mahalakshmi, Dean of Sciences.

Dr. Armstrong, Dr. Solomon, Dr. Aarthi and Dr. Belinda presented as part of their Department/Unit.

Prof. Arun welcomed the gathering. Smriti and Abraham, our Student Ambassadors were with us and interacted with the visiting officials.

Dr. Wayne offered to give higher scholarships to MCC students once the MoU is finalised.

He said that he would be back (If required) in India in a couple of months, to sign an MoU between MCC and BGU.

First Call for Semester-Abroad Programme with Sungkonghoe University, Seoul

16th July 2024

 First Call for Semester-Abroad Programme with Sungkonghoe University, Seoul, South Korea (SKHU)

We have a working MoU with Sunghonghoe University, South Korea, which facilitates nomination of two of our current Under Graduate students as part of their Semester-Abroad Programmes from the following disciplines.

Period of Study

Students can choose any ONE semester (March – June 2024)

Expected Departments: Business Administration, Media & Contents, Social Welfare/Social Work.

Credits per Semester: Minimum TWO Credits (one subject) maximum 19 credits (seven subjects)

Tuition Fee: Paid to MCC (Need not be paid to SKHU)

Korean Language Proficiency: Not required. However classes and qualification tests (topik) are available.

Living Conditions

1. No scholarship benefits

2. Dormitory: Rs. 20,000/- per month, for two students in one room.

3. Meals: Can use the student cafetaria (Rs.300/- per meal)

4. Part-time Job: Students can earn Rs.30,000/- monthly.

MCC Preparations

Mid-July 2024 – Call for Applications

August 2024 – Recruitment Confirmation

September 2024 – Application, Admission Confirmation

November 2024 – Visa Process

February 2025 – Entry to Korea

March 2025 – Start their Semester in Korea.

Interested students may send an email expressing their interest to adip@mcc.edu.in

Deanery of International Programmes

MCC 

Study Abroad Seminar @ MCC | First Call

 

Meet with Professor Brian K. Kobilka | IITMadras

11th July 2024

Meet with Professor Brian K. Kobilka

[Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2012]

on Thursday, 18th July 2024

5.45 pm onwards

Topic: From Fields To Frontiers: The Journey of A Physician-Scientist  

Venue: The Music Academy, 168, TT Krishnamachari Road, Royapettah, Chennai  

How to Reach: maps.app.goo.gl/DwL91n8vJ7ApkW5YA

About the speaker

Brian Kent Kobilka (born May 30, 1955) is an American physiologist and a recipient of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, along with Robert Lefkowitz, for discoveries that reveal the workings of G protein-coupled receptors. 

He is currently a professor in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. 

He is also a co-founder of ConfometRx, a biotechnology company focusing on G protein-coupled receptors. 

He was named a member of the National Academy of Sciences in 2011.

About the lecture

In the intricate tapestry of healthcare, the physician-scientist stands as a beacon of innovation and compassion. 

Their journey is not just a career path but a calling—an unwavering commitment to advancing both the art and science of medicine. As they continue to pave the way forward, their impact resonates far beyond the confines of the laboratory or the hospital room, shaping the future of healthcare for generations to come.

Interested individuals are invited to register via the following Link.

https://iitm.zohobackstage.in/esls-2

Note: Registration in advance is compulsory for all participants. We kindly request all participants to arrive at the venue no later than 5 P.M.  

Due to limited seating capacity, allocations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting lecture. 

For further information, you may contact the undersigned.

Alfred Jeevan

Office of Global Engagement

Indian Institute of Technology Madras

Email: conferences.support@ge.iitm.ac.in 

Website: ge.iitm.ac.in

HP: (91) 98409 46173

Ph: (91) 044 2257 8876

Thank you.

Deanery of International Programmes

MCC

Indo-German Joint Call for proposals 2024 (DST-DAAD)

7th July 2024

For PG Students: Indo-German Joint Call for proposals 2024 (DST-DAAD)

In this programme, special emphasis is given for academic training and specialization of young researchers.

For more details –

Link: https://dst.gov.in/callforproposals/indo-german-joint-call-proposals-2024-dst-daad

Deadline for Submission of Applications: 31st August 2024

Deanery of International Programmes

MCC

Rendezvous with LeTourneau Returnees | Chemistry Seminar Hall

4th July 2024

The Deanery IP organized a rendezvous for students aspiring to do their Semester-Abroad Programme with LeTourneau University, TX, US. 

Students who had spent their Spring Semester-Abroad at LeTourneau University, TX, US, from January to May 2024, shared their experiences with prospective students.

Eight of the returnees shared their experiences. A total of 24 aspiring students participated in the programme.

Dr. Rufus, Dean IP, chaired the session. Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph, Associate Dean IP, coordinated the programme, while Mr. Chris Immanuel, II MA English, Global Student Ambassador with Deanery IP, compered the programme.

Hosting Dr. Uthayashanker R. Ezekiel, Saint Louis University, Missouri, US

The Deanery of International Programmes coordinated the visit of Dr. Uthayashanker R. Ezekiel, Saint Louis University, Missouri, US, in Campus on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024.

Dr. Ezekiel was formally welcomed by our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson at 10 am in his office.

At 11. 30 am on 3rd July 2024, Prof. Ezekiel gave an Invited Talk for the Faculty & students of Department of Zoology. His talk was about Inducing pluripotent stem cells. He also spoke about the research he has been doing with St. Louis University. 

This was followed by a Lunch with Dr. Aarti & Team, MMIP.

At 2 pm, 3rd July 2024, MMIP hosted Dr. Ezekiel in the Computational Informatics Centre in MMIP for a brief interaction with student aspirants and researchers.

At 3 pm, Prof. Ezekiel gave an invited talk for the Faculty & students of the Department of Microbiology, on the topic, "Disease model using induced pluripotent stem cells". 

He was accompanied by his daughter, and two other eminent experts in the field, whose portfolios are given below.  

Dr. Ajit Kumar

M.Sc., Ph.D. (Molecular Biology), PDF (Harvard University, USA)

Dr. Ajit Kumar obtained his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from Madurai-Kamaraj University. He did post-doctoral research at Harvard University, Boston, USA before taking up research and faculty positions at the Children’s hospital in Cincinnati, USA. He has more than 3 decades of stem cell research experience with 15 years in the USA.

Dr. P. Raghu Babu

M.Sc., PGD (Stem Cell Tech & Tissue Engg.), Ph.D. (Regenerative Medicine)

Dr. P. Raghu Babu obtained his Ph.D. in Regenerative Medicine from the University of Madras and Biomedical Scientist with 14 years of experience in the stem cell industry. He is well versed in the intricacies of processing human stem cell populations from blood and other tissue sources. Further, he has also been involved in the design and development of medical devices that are essential for the isolation of stem cells. He has conducted CMEs on stem cells and on prenatal genetic testing. His tutoring credentials include an international teaching assignment in Ghana. Ingeniously, he has patented the use of coconut fiber as a suture material for wound healing and also has a second patent for a medical device entitled “A portable blood collection mixer”. He is the only inventor in the country to have two individual inventions, in medicine and engineering. He has been the recipient of grants and awards from the Government of India.

Dr. Raghu Babu is also an illustrious alumnus of the Department of Botany, MCC.

*with inputs from our Global Student Ambassador Smriti

Hosting our Illustrious Alumnus Dr. Narasingarajan Naidu in MCC

The Deanery of International Programmes, MCC, organised a visit by our illustrious alumnus Dr. B. Narasingarajan Naidu, Hon. Professor, Catholic University of America, Florida, & Retd. Prof & Chairman, Dept of History, Bangalore University, in association with the Departments of English (Aided) and History, on 3rd & 4th July 2024.

On 3rd July 2024, our Principal Dr. Paul Wilson hosted Dr. Naidu for a high tea at 10 am, in his chamber. 

Dr. Naidu then spoke to the faculty and students of the Department of English on the theme, ‘Down Memory Lane: The MCC English Department’, on Day One – 3rd July 2024.

On Day Two, he spoke to the faculty and students of the Department of History on the theme, ‘Corrections to Historical Interpretations’.

Prof. Arun Kumar, Associate Dean of International Programmes, MCC coordinated the programme.

Dr. Naidu has also been a regular contributor to the College Magazine.