Being in the U.S. or the U.K. is no more an impediment to attending a faculty interview at the Cochin University of Science and Technology.
Hiring has gone hi-tech at the university with a candidate for the permanent post of Associate Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Rubber Technology being interviewed via Skype, the internet video call service, for the first time. The candidate was in the U.S. and the selection committee seated at the office of the Vice Chancellor here. The interview was held more than a week ago. “The 39-year-old candidate was issued appointment order the other day after he came first in the rank list. The decision to do Skype was taken by the selection committee after he made a request stating his inability to appear in person,” said senior officials close to the development.
“It’s for the first time in Cusat’s history that a Skype interview was held for faculty appointment. The records say that it’s the second time a faculty appointment was made for candidates in absentia,” they said. The Hindu has reliably learnt that the Syndicate meet held on July 25 approved a proposal to conduct more Skype interviews in the future for faculty appointments. It will be permitted only for candidates outside the country.The decision was taken after the selection committee, headed by the Vice Chancellor, gave its nod for holding more such interviews via Skype in the future. Asked whether the appointment was in keeping with the regulations of the UGC, varsity officials said the norms only stated that interview should be conducted for faculty recruitment. “It’s up to the university to decide on how it should be held,” they said.
Associate Professor selected after interview via Skype.
