<p>Delhi University, one of the country’s most esteemed and coveted universities is now a synonym for surprises and wrong decisions. Despite receiving flak for the semester system which is yet to stablise, University authorities are pushing for a four-year term in graduation from the next cademic year.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The four-year degree structure, approved by statutory bodies of the University, i.e., academic and executive councils, will comprise discipline I and II course papers, 11 foundation course papers and five application course papers. Discipline I will have two project-based research papers to be pursued only by those who continue in the fourth year of degree, i.e., the seventh and eighth semesters.<br /><br />Although the decision has been taken, professors and lecturers are not happy at all. Sanam Khanna, an English lecturer in Kamla Nehru College, says, “The only benefit it may have is that students will recieve knowledge over a longer time frame. It is a path-breaking decision and all the stakeholders should have been a part of it. But nobody was even asked. They just took the decision.” She adds, “It is a national policy and we have been following the 10+2+3 pattern for decades now. DU also seems to be facing a crisis similar to national politics and hence, losing its charm and discipline.”<br /><br />The University seems intent on experimenting with the future of its students, without being bothered about the consequences. Shomojeet Bhattacharjee who teaches Economics in Kirori Mal College condemns the hasty step. “This decision is totally undemocratic and was taken without any consultation or discussion with any department, deans or professors.<br /><br /> There will be no value addition except that of a year. This will further elongate the employment ladder. There is a new course on ‘Integrating mind, body and heart’. What is this? What crap course is this? They are creating a mess. It is a mindless and thoughtless decision taken in a hurry.”<br /><br />He further added, “Apart from this, the new undergraduate programme will also have two exit options. A student can exit after the second year with an Associate Baccalaureate degree or in the third year with a Baccalaureate degree. On completion of four years, a student will be awarded a baccalaureate with honours/BTech degree. Will somebody just tell me who in the job market would understand a ‘baccalaureate degree’? They just want to see the simple DU certificate after your honours courses.”<br /><br />The University which is already giving jitters to its present students has now become a worry for those who want to apply to it in 2014. Arindam Roy, who is currently in Std XII and is planning for admssion to DU next year, is confused. “After all this, I am wondering whether to take admission in DU or some other university which is established and not experimenting. Taking admission in any university is a big step and I don’t want to take any chances.”<br /></p>
<p>Delhi University, one of the country’s most esteemed and coveted universities is now a synonym for surprises and wrong decisions. Despite receiving flak for the semester system which is yet to stablise, University authorities are pushing for a four-year term in graduation from the next cademic year.<br /><br /></p>.<p>The four-year degree structure, approved by statutory bodies of the University, i.e., academic and executive councils, will comprise discipline I and II course papers, 11 foundation course papers and five application course papers. Discipline I will have two project-based research papers to be pursued only by those who continue in the fourth year of degree, i.e., the seventh and eighth semesters.<br /><br />Although the decision has been taken, professors and lecturers are not happy at all. Sanam Khanna, an English lecturer in Kamla Nehru College, says, “The only benefit it may have is that students will recieve knowledge over a longer time frame. It is a path-breaking decision and all the stakeholders should have been a part of it. But nobody was even asked. They just took the decision.” She adds, “It is a national policy and we have been following the 10+2+3 pattern for decades now. DU also seems to be facing a crisis similar to national politics and hence, losing its charm and discipline.”<br /><br />The University seems intent on experimenting with the future of its students, without being bothered about the consequences. Shomojeet Bhattacharjee who teaches Economics in Kirori Mal College condemns the hasty step. “This decision is totally undemocratic and was taken without any consultation or discussion with any department, deans or professors.<br /><br /> There will be no value addition except that of a year. This will further elongate the employment ladder. There is a new course on ‘Integrating mind, body and heart’. What is this? What crap course is this? They are creating a mess. It is a mindless and thoughtless decision taken in a hurry.”<br /><br />He further added, “Apart from this, the new undergraduate programme will also have two exit options. A student can exit after the second year with an Associate Baccalaureate degree or in the third year with a Baccalaureate degree. On completion of four years, a student will be awarded a baccalaureate with honours/BTech degree. Will somebody just tell me who in the job market would understand a ‘baccalaureate degree’? They just want to see the simple DU certificate after your honours courses.”<br /><br />The University which is already giving jitters to its present students has now become a worry for those who want to apply to it in 2014. Arindam Roy, who is currently in Std XII and is planning for admssion to DU next year, is confused. “After all this, I am wondering whether to take admission in DU or some other university which is established and not experimenting. Taking admission in any university is a big step and I don’t want to take any chances.”<br /></p>
