Three colleges in Ernakulam that have got the government’s nod for becoming autonomous are gearing up for the visit of the expert panel appointed by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam; U.C. College, Aluva; and M.A. College, Kothamangalam, were among the latest nine colleges that received the government recommendation for becoming autonomous colleges.
Senior officials in the Higher Education Department and the Directorate of Collegiate Education told The Hindu that they were awaiting a reply from the UGC on when the inspection teams comprising expert academicians would visit the campuses. “We have completed almost all the steps required before the visit of the team by identifying the persons to be included in the governing and academic councils. A faculty member is already performing the role of the Controller of Examinations, which is one of the steps to be taken as part of being an autonomous college,” said Prof. Harry Cleetus, Principal of St. Albert’s College.
Opposition from several faculty members against autonomy have slowed down the pace of preparations ahead of the UGC team visit at U.C. College in Aluva.
“A meeting of the sub-committee appointed by the college governing council has been scheduled this week. It will present a report on the way ahead regarding the proposed autonomous status. The committee will also try to evolve a consensus among the stakeholders,” said Prof. P. Thomas Mathew, Principal.
Prof. Winny Varghese, secretary of the Mar Athanasius College Association, said the college was ready with its preparations. “We had been planning for it since the last five to eight years. The mandatory requirements for getting the autonomous status will be fulfilled after the visit of the UGC expert team. It will be done based on their recommendations,” he said.
The college managements observed that they would be able to exercise the autonomous powers, especially revision of curriculum and conducting its own admission process, only by the next academic year.
