Varsity treading gingerly on semester system

MYSORE: The Mysore University has decided to go ahead and introduce the controversial integrated semester system (ISS) at the degree-level from this academic year — but it is treading carefully in troubled waters.
To start with, only students of commerce (B.Com.) will have the new system, while the old system will continue for other degree courses, including BA and BSc.
Such a move has been taken to appease teachers and students opposed to the introduction of semester system at the degree-level. The university plans to implement the semester system at the degree-level in stages.
Mysore varsity registrar N.D. Tiwari told The Times of India on Thursday, there was opposition to introduction of ISS at the degree level. “ We will introduce the semester system for B.Com now and for other degree programmes from the next academic year.�
The issue was hanging fire ever since the semester system was introduced at post-graduate level from 2000-01. Though the varsity authorities were trying to introduce the new structure at the degree-level, it has been met with stiff opposition from the teaching faculty. Last year, the varsity tried to implement the system by leaving the option to students and college managements. But it received poor response.
Hence, the authorities planned to introduce the system from this academic year starting with B.Com. The registrar said that degree colleges have agreed to implement the semester system. “We are facing technical problems in implementing the system for B.Sc students. And for BA, the university is facing opposition�.
In addition to the regular syllabus, students will have a paper of Indian Constitution under the new scheme. A circular has been issued asking colleges to induct students for B.Com under ISS, he noted.
When contacted, Mysore University Private College Teachers’ Association president Prof. K.P. Vasudevan said that even commerce teachers were opposed to the system. “They have submitted a representation to the university,� he noted, adding implementation of the new system will result in many problems to the teaching faculty.
Saying that they were not opposed to reforms, he said ISS will put the students at a disadvantage. “We oppose the integrated semester system and not the semester system per se.� His line of argument is: let the old system of students opting for three optionals continue so as to enable a student to face a competitive world better equipped.
The teaching faculty wants the ISS introduced in all degree courses and is opposed to its partial implementation, he added.
But playing down the opposition, the registrar said they were introducing ISS to help students. “We also have concerns about the student community.�
Clearly the teaching faculty and the university are heading for a showdown on the issue.