8th June 2024
Dr. Venkatesh Gopal, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Physics, Elmhurst University, had a fruitful discussion on collaborating with the Department of Physics in particular, in the Conference Room, IGH, on a host of areas that we had already discussed in our preliminary meeting HERE.
We eagerly look forward to engage with Dr. Venkatesh in the months ahead.
Dr. Selvakumari, Dr. Hannah Clarah among others were present on the occasion.
3rd June 2024
The Deanery of IP organized a preliminary meeting today in the Council Room ahead of the visit of Dr. Venkatesh, Elmhurst University, to MCC [on 8th June 2024].
Presenting below the minutes of the meeting.
Members Present
Dr. Samuel Asirvatham, HoD, Physics (Aided)
Dr. Hannah Clara, HoD, Physics (SFS)
Dr. Mahalakshmi, Dean of Sciences
Dr. Selvakumari, Dept of Physics
Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programmes
The meeting began with the opening prayer by Dr. Mahalakshmi, Dean of Sciences.
Dr. Selvakumari who has visited Elmhurst in the past noted that, Elmhurst’s University is a very sylvan campus with a pleasant weather all year. Fall Semester would be a bit more of chilly for students, and so Spring Semester could be preferred. The University has good connections with a host of other famous Institutions, renowned scientists and Nobel laureates, she noted.
Approximately 12 students have expressed their interest in the Semester Abroad programme with Elmhurst University (Six from Day and six from SFS).
It was suggested by the faculty members that the following ten points be taken up with Dr. Venkatesh during his visit to MCC.
1. Budget to be clearly presented. Travel grants or fee subsidies would be a great help for our students, since not many can afford the fee structure of Elmhurst.
2. The full syllabus content to be taken up for discussion with Dr. Venkatesh.
3. Preferably IV or V Semester would be better, since it suits and maps with their course content at Elmhurst. If it’s in the IV Semester, then, students need to do a crash course [like students who went to Le Tourneau did] for their Part I, Part II Course requirements. For V Semester, these requirements are not there.
4. As regards the 2 + 2 Programme offered by Dr. Venkatesh at Elmhurst, it was suggested that, we can offer a Diploma for two years with the School of Continuing Education, (similar to the MoU with University of Newcastle) to facilitate the lateral entry for the next two years with Elmhurst, for students to earn their degree.
5. If it’s going to be 3+1 programme, would it be feasible for our students to complete their three-year degree programme in MCC, and then join their fourth year in Elmhurst’s to gain an additional degree? If so, a Bridge Course is needed for our students to join their Fourth year there.
6. The Course Fee and Accommodation Fee should also be discussed.
7. Do the selected students have the opportunity to work part-time at Elmhurst’s? If so, for how many hours a month, and will it help them manage their finances?
8. What are the ‘market prospects’ for the programme offered by Elmhurst?
9. Will Elmhurst University help in facilitating Visa processing for our students?
10. It was also suggested that Faculty exchange and student exchange be discussed during his visit.
