For VCs and registrars, it is time to head to classrooms

Govt. to make it mandatory for them to go to classes and give lectures

Come September and vice-chancellors and registrars of 23 State-run universities will have to juggle between attending meetings in boardrooms and teaching students as the State government has decided to make it mandatory for them to conduct classes.

Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayaraddi told The Hindu that many of these vice-chancellors and registrars were specialists and had rich experience in academia. “After getting appointed to these posts, they forget that they are academics and become administrators. Their attitude needs to change, and so we will issue a directive that they should go to classes and give lectures in their area of expertise,” Mr. Rayaraddi said.

For principals too

Besides vice-chancellors and registrars of universities, the directive would also apply to principals of government and aided first-grade colleges. Although there is a rule that principals have to teach six hours a week, this is rarely being followed.

The Minister said the move, besides helping students to get exposed to experienced faculty members, would also bring an air of seriousness on the campus. “Other lecturers too will become aware that the vice-chancellors and registrars are in class and that will push them to work more seriously,” Mr. Rayaraddi said.

He, however, said that registrars who were KAS officers would get exemption from this rule.

The Higher Education Minister said the new rule would be announced at the vice-chancellors’ meeting next month, during which they would also work out the logistics of implementing it.

This proposal has received mixed response from vice-chancellors and registrars. While some were thrilled that this would help them to make their way into classrooms and interact with students, others felt that the move may not be “feasible” as they were not only burdened with administrative work in their offices but also had a series of meetings to attend.

Currently, as per the University Grants Commission guidelines, assistant professors are mandated to teach 16 hours a week while associate professors and professors are expected to teach 14 hours a week.

After getting appointed, VCs and registrars forget they are academics and become administrators: Minister

The new rule to be announced during the vice-chancellors’ meeting next month

Registrars who are KAS officers to get exemption from this rule

Proposal receives mixed response from vice-chancellors and registrars