Dean stipulates 5-hr presence of faculty in PU departments

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, July 13

The Dean University Instructions (DUI) office, Panjab University, has asked all faculty members to remain present for at least five hours in their respective departments.

In a circular, the DUI has instructed: “As per Panjab University calendar volume-III of 2019, chapter XX, faculty members have to be available for at least five hours daily in the university/college. All chairpersons/directors/coordinators of departments/institutes/centres are advised that the abovesaid mandate should be followed in letter and spirit.”

A teacher should be available for, at least, five hours daily in the university/college for which necessary space and infrastructure should be provided by the institution. The teaching hours include 16 hours for assistant professor and 14 hours for associate professor and professor. —Panjab University calendar volume-III

As per chapter XX (teaching load for university/college teachers page 353), the workload of a teacher in full employment should not be less than 40 hours a week for 30 working weeks (180 teaching days) in an academic year. “It should be necessary for the teacher to be available for at least five hours daily in the university/college for which necessary space and infrastructure should be provided by the university/college. The direct teaching hours include 16 hours (assistant professor), 14 hours (associate professor and professors) and a relaxation of two hours in the workload may be given to the professors who are actively involved in research, extension and administration,” states the volume.

“This is a routine circular mandated by the Panjab University calendar and also by the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines,” said Rumina Sethi, DUI.

Meanwhile, sources claimed that such initiatives will not only help students, but also help the faculty to adapt to the changing world of education. “The university is achieving new heights with each passing day and our faculty is playing a key role in this. To compete with the region’s private universities, such initiatives are helpful for better coordination between students and faculty members,” said a senior faculty of the university.

Recommendations for improving rankings

The office of the Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), has outlined measures and recommendations in order to improve the rankings of the university. As per the recommendation, international exchange programmes for both faculty and students may be strengthened to improve the international research network and collaboration with international institutions and co-author publications.

The publications from the faculty should reflect the full name of the university, mentioned as an affiliation institution, instead of the department concerned to which the faculty member belongs. During admissions, each department should conduct open sessions for candidates, where they could showcase their department’s research projects and others related things to enhance the academic-employer reputation and overall perception of the university.