Wednesday, Jan 18, 2012
Kozhikode: The University of Calicut has sought suggestions, plans, and ideas from the public in a bid to make the institution a learning centre of global standards.

Addressing a press meet here on Tuesday, Vice-Chancellor M. Abdul Salam said the new initiative was part of an effort to transform the university into a centre of excellence. The university, he said, was looking for ideas from the public in specific areas such as new-generation courses, new departments, research areas, industrial tie-ups, learning methods, and new partnership models.

“We need to put our heads together to prepare a solid development agenda for our university,” Dr. Salam said.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) had earmarked Rs.1,84,740 crore in the 12th Plan to materialise a quantum leap in the higher education sector while ensuring quality, accessibility, and equity of education, he said. “We need to make maximum use of this opportunity by promptly acting together,” he said maintaining that the year 2012 was significant as the 12th Plan period would begin in April.

The university was preparing a development plan to create a new trajectory of growth, he said.

Citizen panels
Stating that the university was planning to institute a Citizens Advisory Panel to derive innovative ideas of development in a sustained manner, the Vice-Chancellor called upon the civil society to come up with ideas and practical suggestions. Suggestions may be sent, along with contact details to The Vice-Chancellor, University of Calicut, Tenhipalam - 673635. The e-mail is cashewsalamvc@gmail.com

The university had recently taken steps to improve its functioning, the Vice-Chancellor said.

A permanent exam calendar had been prepared under the new exam management system of the university. “No changes will be made on this calendar under any circumstances,” Dr. Salam said.

The Vice-Chancellor, who is also an agriculture scientist, said a meeting of Principals and managers of 348 affiliated colleges under the university would be held on the university campus on Thursday. “The meeting will discuss various developmental issues faced by the colleges in the changed scenario,” he said.