No guidelines from UGC yet, but JNU to open its doors from June 1

Phased Resumption Of Academic Activities In The Works

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:28.04.2020

Even though a decision on the lockdown is yet to be taken by the government, Jawaharlal Nehru University has decided to open its doors in a phased manner starting June 1.

Documents accessed exclusively by TOI reveal that students returning to the campus from June 1 will have to undergo two weeks of self-isolation and then be tested for novel coronavirus. Sources at JNU said all the recommendations have been approved by the academic council (AC) via email.

As per the plans, “the bulk of lectures for theory courses and theoretical aspects of practical courses will be completed through digital means by May 31.” The university is also planning to conduct the mid and end-semester examinations from mid-July and practical examinations in the last week of July.

A detailed plan for each school and centre on the new academic and examination plan has also been spelled out in the document, which includes online examination as a backup plan for students who cannot access online learning and examination.

This revelation has brought forth the question whether JNU has jumped the gun as a recent announcement by University Grants Commission (UGC) mentioned that guidelines would soon be released based on the recommendations of the two task forces for online learning and examination and the academic calendar.

When contacted by the TOI, JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar said, “All universities will have to follow the guidelines issued by UGC. The AC members, while considering the recommendations of various schools and special centres, took due note of the UGC guidelines. In any case, our understanding is that UGC guidelines are expected to be advisories to be implemented based on the conditions and preparedness in a university.”

Apart from completing the bulk of lectures online, JNU has already started online examinations, starting with School of Environmental Science’s mid-semester exams for MSc and MPhil/ PhD scholars from Monday.

Asked how the university will address the issue of students not being able to access online classes and tests, Kumar said the administration is offering a flexible approach, including “extra classes, if needed, after the university re-opens. Paper-pen examinations will be held where online tests are not possible.”

Another question is that even if the lockdown is lifted in May, will students be able to travel immediately? Anticipating that the lockdown would be lifted in phases after May 3, Kumar said JNU would not take any autonomous decision and follow the Centre’s guidelines. “Even if the lockdown is lifted in phases after May 3, it may take a couple of weeks for students to reach the campus,” added the JNU VC.

At present, out of the total strength of 6,400 students, 646 boys and 262 girls are living on the JNU campus. Asked what the university would do if the UGC guidelines are contrary to the plans, Kumar said, “JNU is committed to following the UGC guidelines. We are hopeful that they will take care of the diverse situations in the universities across the country.”