PU staff, students want VC to review decision on syllabus completion

Amarjot Kaur

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 13

Even though a Panjab University (PU) panel appointed by Vice-Chancellor Prof Raj Kumar has unanimously resolved in favour of May 9 deadline for completing the syllabus for this semester, the decision has drawn flak from both faculty and students of the university.

They said the 26-day deadline was unrealistic and had no authorisation from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Prof Rajesh Gill, president, Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA), said since the introduction of online courses, the varsity authorities had not sought any kind of feedback from the teachers here. “Many professors are not savvy with the software being used and learning them will take time. The varsity should have got a reality check done here or at least a feedback should have been taken,” she said.

Another cause for concern is the recent Covid-19 case, where a PU assistant professor was tested positive. “We are so demoralised after hearing about the varsity professor. He has been critical and the university is bothered only about completing the syllabus,” professor Gill said.

Sharing that the deadline leaves the faculty and students with only 26 days, she said, “The ‘internal assessment is a compulsory component of semester tests and it is evaluated on five performance parameters: class test, class performance and snap test, attendance and assignments. This is to be sent to the examination branch before the examinations begin. Semesters start in the second week of May, but some departments start early. How will we give internal assessment to the students?”

Meanwhile, Panjab University Campus Student Council (PUCSC) president Chetan Chaudhary said, “The recent direction given by the Vice-Chancellor to all colleges, regional centres and departments of our university regarding completion of the syllabus by May 9 and conducting exams 15 days after lockdown is totally out of line since all departments of PU are yet to finish the major syllabus and lack the facility for online classes.” He added, “Besides, practicals cannot be conducted during this period. I sincerely request the Vice-Chancellor to reconsider this.”

‘Varsity should have done a reality check’

• Many professors are not savvy with the software being used and learning them will take time. The varsity should have got a reality check done here or at least a feedback should have been taken, said Prof Rajesh Gill, president, Panjab University Teachers’ Association (PUTA).
• PUCSC president Chetan Chaudhary said, "The recent direction given by the Vice-Chancellor to all colleges, regional centres and departments of our university regarding completion of the syllabus by May 9 and conducting exams 15 days after lockdown is totally out of line since all departments of PU are yet to finish the major syllabus and lack the facility for online classes