Gujarat Law Society has been in the field of education for over a period of nine decades and is considered as one of the largest and most renowned destinations for education in Gujarat. The Society stands as a synonym for contemporary education in the region with its state-of-the-art infrastructure. Visionaries and luminaries such as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Ganesh Mavlankar and Sheth Shri KasturbhaiLalbhai were the first to set lofty standards of excellence in education at the Society.

Beginning from a single law college in 1927, which was nurtured, among others, by Shri I.M. Nanavati, today Gujarat Law Society has burgeoned into a mammoth Trust that manages 30 institutions offering courses in multiple disciplines imparting quality education at two campuses in Ahmedabad. At present there are over 24,000 students at the campus who are assisted in meticulously crafting their careers and leading them to the path of success. Gujarat Law Society has a particularly extensive alumni group too which echoes the values that it has imparted, right since its inception. Being a part of some of the most distinguished corporates across the globe, these members of the Society’s alumni have carved out a niche identity for themselves, that of being responsible, pragmatic and proactive.

What has not changed over these years is the steadfast resolve to always ‘aim higher’ and the motto of ‘Excellence in Education’. With this in view, the Gujarat Law Society (GLS) has established “GLS University”.

GLS UNIVERSITY

GLS University is a statutory state private university established by an Act of Gujarat State Assembly. GLS University is set up with the vision to benchmark global standards of education and create path breaking programmes in the areas of strategic importance not only to the country but also across the world. The university is all set to initiate various innovative programmes in diverse areas of Management, Information Technology, Communications, Social Sciences, Commerce, etc. Besides the existing programmes B.Com., M.Com., BBA, MBA, BCA, MCA and B.Ed. offered by the eight institutes under the umbrella of GLS University, the University is geared up to introduce other innovative diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various upcoming disciplines. With a view to providing an impetus to research, the University has incorporated research focus in its undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Moreover, exclusive research degrees like M.Phil. and Ph.D. have also been introduced in various disciplines.

GLS University, with its rich legacy of Gujarat Law Society, is now poised to become Gujarat’s first globally relevant university, delivering quality education at affordable costs.

FACULTY OF COMMERCE

GLS University's Bachelor of Commerce programme is a three-year full-time under-graduate programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com). The Department offers following Programmes:

• B.Com (Honours) - (offered by formerly known as SMPIC)
• B.Com – (offered by formerly known as GLSIC)
• M.Com

Faculty of Commerce, formerly known as S. M. Patel Institute of Commerce, established in 1999, is one of the flagship self-financed institutes of GLS University, imparting UG & PG programs in Commerce. NAAC accredited and acclaimed as ‘Asia’s Most Trusted Brand 2016’ in Education sector. FOC is a part of Gujarat Law Society, 30 other schools and colleges spearheaded by Shri Sudhir Nanavati, President, GLS University and Shri Devang Nanavati, Vice President, GLS University. Dedicated to providing quality education in a fully integrated, multi-cultural environment, FOC has the distinct status of being enlisted in the list of ‘Best Colleges’ in the commerce faculty of the nation in a national survey conducted by India Today, a leading magazine, in July 2011, and in 2014 & 2015, FOC was declared as the 4th Best Emerging Commerce College in the country. Since its inception, the endeavour has been to create a strong academic environment through a serene ambience and remarkable infrastructural facilities. FOC fosters well balanced and multi-dimensional personality of students, encompassing intellectual, social, physical, moral, emotional and aesthetic aspects.

This quest for excellence is reflected in the accolades won by the students of FOC in academic, sports and cultural activities & competitions held at inter-college, inter-university, national as well as international levels.

FACULTY TEAM

Equipped with advanced qualifications and in-depth knowledge, the faculty at FOC is distinguished by its dedication, enthusiasm and commitment. With a student-centric and quality-oriented approach to learning, teachers do not only know their subjects inside and out, but they also know how to engage and challenge students and to provoke impassioned responses. Many of our faculty members hold professional degrees like CA, CMA. Many of them hold Doctorate degrees and rest of all are pursuing Ph.D. At Faculty of Commerce, Education locks professors and students into mutually influencing relationships that can make learning ‘a thing of beauty and a joy forever.’

DISCIPLINE

At FOC, we emphasize discipline. However, this does not mean that we believe in ‘controlling’ or ‘suppressing’ the students. By discipline, we mean that students should understand their freedom and their responsibilities and act in a mature, responsible manner.

ATTENDANCE

FOC does not only focus on the exam-oriented teaching, but also inculcates personality grooming and communication skills of every student. This makes it imperative for every student to attend all classes every day. Students have to follow the attendance rules laid down by the college and GLS University. Failing this, they will not be allowed to appear in the internal and/or external examination as well as any co-curricular or extra-curricular activity in college. There is also a strong emphasis on participation in all the co-curricular and extra-curricular activities that will help the holistic growth of the student.

ATTENDANCE RULES

• All students must be present for the orientation at the start of the academic year. Students are required to attend classes from the first day of the term.
• Students are expected to attend all the lectures/practical sessions prescribed in the College timetable. Attendance will be marked daily.
• Students may remain absent only for a genuine reason after submitting a leave application in writing to the Class Counsellor duly signed by the Dean.
• The college puts up a list of students whose attendance falls short of the required norms every month. Students with inadequate attendance will have to meet the attendance committee. They may be asked to bring their parents to meet the committee. Failure to do this may lead to admission being cancelled.
• Students who miss lectures due to their participation in sports, extracurricular or co-curricular events on behalf of the college will have to submit a leave application duly signed by the faculty in charge of the event.

RULES REGARDING ASSIGNMENTS

The assignments to be submitted is announced by the Institute and placed on the website. Students should ensure that they obtain the assignment questions and submit the duly completed assignments in the required form within the time period given for the same. Failure to submit assignments on time will result in the student losing the marks, thereby reducing his/her internal marks.

CLASS SCHEDULE

The academic year consists of two semesters, starting in June/July and October/November. The classes begin at 7.30 am and end at 11.55 am. The classes will be conducted as per the time-table.

COMPUTER LAB

The college has a computer lab. Students attend classes for ‘Computerized Accounting’ in the computer lab in the first year of college. For computer lab sessions, the class is divided into batches. Students should confirm their batch numbers and remain present in all computer sessions as per the timetable announced. Requests for change in batches will not be entertained. Students should follow the following rules when they are in the lab. Use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the computer lab. Students should shut down the computers as per the instructions of the faculty member before leaving the lab.

SUPPORT FACILITIES

Administrative Services:

The administrative office timings are 7.00 am to 1.00 pm. Please note that no student should be found in the administrative office during class hours.

For requirement of any documents such as Bonafide Certificate, True Copy, Railway Pass, Bus Pass, etc., students should submit an application to the office and collect the document the next day.

GLS Portal – SMS Group:

Students are informed about various academic and para-academic activities through GLS Portal and SMS.

Student Counselling:

The Institute has Students’ Counselling Cell for all the three years to help and guide students in studies, career advancement and planning as well as sorting out personal and social problems. Special remedial lectures are arranged before the examinations to help them cope with the syllabus. The institute believes in the philosophy of interaction. Every Saturday, last lecture is kept for students’ counselling. Every class has a designated counsellor who mentors the students towards a bright future.

Library:

FOC has a well-equipped library, fully computerized with an access to INFLIBNET and various e-resources. The library has two soft boards on which the information like the new arrivals, recommended books, informative and interesting articles, important institute notices etc. are displayed. Students can issue 2 books at a time.

Notice Boards:

The institute believes in information and knowledge sharing and the notice boards are actively shared by the institute, faculty members and students. The notices are to be read regularly and complied with. There are two notice boards:

• Main Notice Board – The notice board is placed at the entrance of the institute and contains the details of administration as well as general issues pertaining to the students and marks and other course details provided by the faculty.
• Class Notice Board – The students’ notice boards are provided in each classroom and they are designed for creating an active sharing among the students. They will include major information sharing between the students and the faculties and also will be platform for interaction, as the institute believes in open communication policy.

Collegiate Women Development Cell(CWDC)

FOC organizes preventive as well as promotional activities to motivate girl students of the institute. The CWDC endeavours to safeguard students from any harassment. The Convenor of the cell seeks to create awareness and provide forum to discuss issues related to women and gender-biases.

Anti-Ragging Cell

Ragging is a crime which can ruin a student’s life. It can destroy the physical and emotional confidence of students. In recent times, innumerable students have been victims of ragging activities inside the institute campus as well as in hostels. Unable to confront ragging many students commit suicide. Authorities of higher education have shown great concern to root out ragging in all forms in various forms, in various colleges and universities. The institute’s Anti-ragging cell takes care of prevention of any case of ragging.

Anti-Ragging Policy

• Faculty of Commerce, GLS is a ZERO TOLERANCE ZONE in the matter of ragging or any kind of indiscipline related to it. Anyone found guilty for abetting ragging in active or passive manner or is involved in any conspiracy towards ragging is accountable to be punished in accordance with the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009 as well as under the penal provisions enacted by the State.

Internal Complaint Committee (ICC)

• As per the guidelines of Supreme Court, UGC, Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013, an Anti-Sexual Harassment Cell has been constituted to provide effective enforcement of basic human right of gender equality and guarantee against sexual harassment and abuse, more particularly against sexual harassment at work places. It has further advised the universities to be proactive by developing a conducive atmosphere on the campus, where the status of woman is respected and the way they are treated with. Keeping the above guidelines in view FOC has constituted a Committee against Sexual Harassment.

Grievance Redressal Cell

The institute is always very keen in solving students’ grievances. Grievance Redressal Cell is functioning in the Department of Commerce.

OBJECTIVES:

• To provide an exclusive platform to students to forward their grievances either in person or in writing.
• To provide safe and conducive environment to students.

Infrastructure:

• Located at a prime location and equipped with modern infrastructural facilities like AC classrooms, Library, Auditorium, Conference room, Computer Laboratory, Language Laboratory, Sports ground, Cafeteria, NSS room, CWDC room etc.
• On-campus Medical centre with a qualified doctor.
• A plush and well-equipped auditorium.
• Equipped with CCTV cameras at key positions and life safety equipment to provide safe and well cultured environment. Security guards are also deployed at the institute main gate, parking etc.
• On-campus international class well equipped Gymnasium.

Cafeteria:

An on-campus cafeteria, attractively laid out, which provides hygienic refreshments at reasonable cost to the students throughout the year.

OPPORTUNITIES AT FOC

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) U.K

CIMA – UK Chartered Institute of Management Accountant is powering up business and finance professionals with the right knowledge and skills for today's and tomorrow's workplaces. CIMA provides Professional Qualification leading to CGMA. CIMA is the largest professional body of Management Accountant established in 1919 and has presence in around 179 countries.

CIMA and FOC have launched a study centre in the Institute that will offer CIMA qualification to the students. CIMA has a joint venture with the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) to establish the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation. CGMA is the global quality standard that further elevates the profession of management accounting. CIMA announced its partnership with FOC, with an aim to provide the students of Ahmedabad an opportunity to study the most relevant international professional qualification for business.

Concordia College, New York

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Faculty of Commerce, Ahmedabad and the Concordia College, in Bronxville, New York, for a Transfer Program and a Faculty Exchange Program at Concordia College. The MoU facilitates dual degree to FOC students. Students can complete 6 semesters at FOC and do 2 semesters with Concordia College to earn a Bachelors American degree and proceed to earn a Post Graduate in One year instead of Two years.

Banking & Insurance:

A Certificate Course in Banking & Insurance is offered, to make the student ready for the job market in the Banking & Insurance sector as soon as student completes graduation. This course is designed in such a manner so as to balance between theoretical and practical aspects of modern Banking & Insurance services.

Bridge Course

A Certificate Course in English Language, to help students develop English Proficiency skills. The students are trained exhaustively for the advanced level (BULATS) of SCOPE Exam – a Govt of Gujarat initiative wherein they are awarded a Certificate by University of Cambridge.

PLACEMENTS

The placement cell at FOC offers the recruiters an access to talented minds. The institute has developed a placement cell for conducting the unique placement process, striving for a best fit between the students and the companies and helps both these stakeholders make informed choices.

The Placement cell gets involved in the process right from identifying the corporate houses to corporate interactions throughout the year, and the pre-placement talks thereafter, to co-coordinating activities during placement days.

Reputed companies like Tata Consultancy Services, ICICI Bank, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, TATA- AIG General Insurance Company, Vodafone, Birla Sun Life Insurance, Azure, Anand Raathi Insurance Brokerage Firm etc. visited our campus for Placement and the institute provides 100% Placement support.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

FOC Alumni, a connecting link between the past and present of the institution has actively and constructively committed to the alma mater. FOC alumnus, globally placed in different fields, has meaningfully contributed to the institute by being a part of different activities and has guided generations of students of FOC.

Over a decade, some 17 batches have been successfully awarded B.Com. degree under the flagship of B.Com. Programme of FOC. We have a strong database of registered alumni members till date with whom we are in regular touch in form of various activities and events.

PARA-ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

• Orientation Programme: A warm welcome to Sem1 students and their parents.
• Workshops: Professionals from the industry guide the students and prepare them for various inter college competitions.
  • Dance and Fashion Show Workshop
  • Theatre Workshop
  • Photography Workshop
  • Fine Arts Workshop
  • Folk Dance Workshop
  • Personality Development Workshop
• Clubs & Forums: To help Students interact with each other, gain leadership experiences and to develop a broad range of skills to fit interests and career goals, various Workshops, Group Discussions, Guest Lectures, Intra-class Competitions, presentations, book Reviews etc. are conducted throughout the year.
  • English Club & Reading Club
  • Economics Club
  • Statistics Club
  • Management Club
  • Swami Vivekananda Youth Club
  • Forum For Gandhian Philosophy
• State Level Accounting Talent Hunt: To hone accounting skills, the institute conducts this test for higher secondary & college students.
• Management Lecture Series:An initiative to enhance the managerial skills of the students by interacting with the corporate stalwarts.
• Study Enhancement Program at AMASessions on different subjects like ‘Creative thinking’, ‘Concentration power’, ‘E-Marketing’, ‘Interview Techniques’ etc.
• Educational & Industrial Visits:Visits to various industrial units and educational campuses in and out of Gujarat are regularly organized.
• Seminars and Conferences: To provide a platform to the academicians as well as students to engage in knowledge oriented practices.
  • Career Guidance Seminar for students
  • Seminar on E-Commerce
  • Financial Literacy Seminar
  • Seminar on Virtual Reality and Opportunities in Commerce Sector.
• Parent Teacher Meeting:In PTM, both the major influences in a student’s life i.e. parent and teacher come along to celebrate the success and achievements of the student as well as plan for a better future. It is organized once in each year.

CO-CURRICULAR & EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The college participates in the following extra-curricular activities. The students are provided guidance from the institute faculty for each competition. The students have to abide by the instructions of the concerned faculty. Students are requested to contact the concerned faculty member for registering themselves for the competitions.

• Facets – FOC’s Annual Culfest
• Drama Competitions
• Dance and Fashion Show
• Garba competitions
• Management Competitions
• Literary Competitions

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

• Nishulk Shikshan Abhiyan: Underprivileged students of 10th and 12th standard are imparted education free of cost on every Sunday at Sanand since 2006 by faculty of FOC. Around 1500 students have been benefitted.
• Prayas – A Charity Mission:Christmas Celebration at Bahera Mungani Shala, Visit to Old Age Home, Visit to Children's cancer ward at GCRI, Blanket distribution to the foot path dwellers during winter. Necessary utility kits which include things like clothes, school bags, toys, stationary, etc. are distributed during these visits.
• NSS Programmes: Blood Donation Camp, NSS Day Celebration, Cleanliness Drive , Tree Plantation Drive , Traffic Awareness & Road Safety Drive.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS

The institute is keen to develop, sustain and offer excellent sporting facilities and events to the players for different games. Games like Cricket, Football, Hockey, Basket Ball, Handball, Badminton, Lawn Tennis, Table Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Shooting, Athletics etc. are patronized by the institute.