University of Madras: Only 2 extra years for UG, PGs to complete degree

Chennai: As per the new guidelines adopted by the University of Madras on Friday, undergraduate and postgraduate students will be given only two extra years to complete their degrees. In the syndicate meeting held on Friday, the university has taken several innovative steps to bolster academic performance and teaching quality.

P. Duraisamy, vice-chancellor, University of Madras, said, “We have adopted UGC guidelines for uniform course duration. However, in exceptional circumstances, a further extension of one more year will be granted.” In a move to encourage e-learning, the university will allow students to take up to 20 per cent of their course work online through portals like Swayam and NPTEL.

The university is all set to create a new centre for e-learning to facilitate the development and delivery of high quality courses. The centre is awaiting the Governor’s assent.

“The university is going to take steps to attract international students, initially in the three regions of Africa, the Gulf and south Asian countries,” professors said. “It plans to send staff members to these countries to engage with students.

The admission process for international students will be simplified and accelerated,” they added.

The university has also decided to create a new entity to give fast track clearance for all research projects which is expected to improve the university’s ranking in research output.

The university is all set to celebrate 160 years and the syndicate has approved one crore rupees towards this.

In a firm move, the university will strictly follow the selection procedure for teaching posts in all affiliated colleges. It has rejected appointments in Pachaiyappa’s College and Kandasamy Naidu College for failing to adhere to the selection guidelines.

It has also decided to take strict action against examination centres found engaging in malpractice.