Quality test for BU profs likely

BANGALORE: Bangalore University professors may soon face quality test on the job.
If the University syndicate has its way, professors will have to work hard to keep their confidential records (CRs) clean. The move is aimed at bringing in accountability, quality and academic excellence, the syndicate argues.
“It was mooted because of the pathetic performance of some of the faculty members...The university had been put in an embarrassing situation. Students' appraisals of their teachers are rather moderate, if not bad. This is the reason for introducing confidential report (CRs) for professors,'' syndicate member A P Ranganath said.
The CR will contain remarks by the department head on professor's functioning and the result of student appraisals.
BU registrar Sanjay Vir Singh did not find anything wrong with the idea. “It will definitely bring in accountability and some amount of fear among university teachers.''
The issue was raised at the last syndicate meeting and it was decided that it should be taken before the Inter-University Board (IUB).
But vice-chancellor H A Ranganath cited some innate problems in implementing the system. “In a government department, there is a clear subordinate and a head. But in the university, heads of departments assume charge on a rotation basis. Professors can be vindictive against one another and include negative remarks in CRs. This will defeat the very purpose of the system. Since it's a policy matter, let the IUB take a decision,'' he said.
Some syndicate members say: “Why not BU take the first step? With some checks and measures, it will revolutionise the higher education sector.”
srinivasan.nandagopal@timesgroup.com