COVID-19 Lockdown 2.0: Replace semesters with annual system, says DUTA

NEW DELHI: With colleges and universities now closed for nearly a month, and the academic calendar disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, universities are now planning to bring things on track once the lockdown is lifted.

Delhi University which draws thousands of students from all over the country had to postpone its examinations and academic activities are being carried out online. The Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) has suggested conducting examinations for final year students on priority among several other measures to normalise things. The suggestions include going back to the annual mode of teaching from the current semester system, giving provisional certificates on the basis of grades already earned and holding exams on priority for final-year students.

As reported by Careers360 earlier, DUTA had written to the Vice-Chancellor of the university urging him not to conduct online examination considering the diverse character of the university.

The measures

The DUTA in its feedback letter has suggested measures which can be implemented once DU reopens after the lockdown is lifted. It has suggested adjusting the vacation period and that examinations (including internal assessments) should take place after completing remaining teaching days for the current batches of students, with priority accorded to final year students.

As many of the students have to go for further studies after their final year, it has suggested that final year students be provided with provisional certificates with grades past semesters and the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) based on that and listing all papers undertaken in the course work.

The teacher's body has also suggested shifting back to an annual mode of teaching, abandoned in 2010, to respond better to the crisis in case it continues. DU currently follows the semester system.

It has suggested for conducting internal assessment within 15 days of re-opening of colleges and departments. “In case universities are allowed to open only in a phased manner, priority should be given to final year students. In such an eventuality, examinations for other years of study can either be held along with the final year,” the letter says.

It has also suggested that essential classroom teaching to School of Open Learning (SOL) and NCWEB (Non-Collegiate Women's Education Board) be completed as per the requirements and the commitment of these programmes.

Also read:

• COVID-19: DU examination, admission process on track says VC
• DU plans to promote first, second year students without exams: Report
  

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