The Tamil Nadu Open University has added 19 skill-based diploma and certificate courses from the current academic year. These include courses in the health sector, computer application, fashion design, catering, plumbing and home appliances repair and services. TNOU Vice-Chancellor Chandrakantha Jeyabalan said the university had decided to provide skill-based programmes in collaboration with the National Skill Development Council.
“We are not experts in the subjects, but we have aligned with the NSDC to prepare the curriculum. We will be offering 18 courses from the current year,” she told reporters here on Wednesday.
She said uhe University was the first to get recognition from the University Grants Commission for continuing its distance education programmes in the current academic year.
The TNOU had been recognised by the UGC under 2 (f) and at present granting 12-B status is under consideration. “This will permit us to go for grants and finally to launch pure science programmes,” she said.
Two of the university’s graduates had secured administrative positions. P. Boopalan, a B.Sc Geography student, was training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration. Another student, who had completed B.Ed, was posted as an IA&AS officer, the VC said. The university plans to start a programme in Library Science besides diploma courses in film and theatre acting, writing, archaeology and bibliography.
Two locations with 10 acres each had been identified in Sholinganallur for the university to build a college. “We have to finalise the locations before we start building,” she said. The university will hold its convocation on October 10. About 15,000 persons will be getting their degrees.
Programmes include health sector, computer application, fashion design
