We are planning to start MSc Molecular Biology and MBA Travel and Tourism: CUAP VC
In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, Prof S A Kori, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Andhra Pradesh speaks about various new initiatives and steps taken by the University to ensure quality education is provided to one and all. He also talks about various new courses the university is planning to start.
We are planning to start MSc Molecular Biology and MBA Travel and Tourism: CUAP VC
Q. Central University of Andhra Pradesh (CUAP) has been using CUET scores for admissions until now. How do you feel the adoption of CUET across the central universities will change the admission scenario in the country?
A. In India, there are 1,043 universities. Among these, 48 are under the central government, 386 are under the state government, and 396 belong to private universities. Until now, each university, whether central, private, or deemed-to-be-universities, have been conducting its own private entrance tests. And it was a burden on the students, as dates at times overlaps, and students needed to fill separate forms for different universities, making it economically not feasible. Until now, every candidate is appearing for 15-20 entrance exams to get a seat in any one of the colleges.
However, with the University of Grants Commission (UGC) making it mandatory for central universities in the country to conduct the admission process using the CUET 2022 score, students can now appear in one exam and can choose the university of their choice as per their score.
Q. How do you feel the pandemic affected the academics in last two years?
A. COVID-19 pandemic has definitely affected the whole education sector. However, it has also taught us good and innovative things. Of course, students underwent tremendous pressure from being at home and attending classes online. The teaching-learning gap was created in these two years.
Though the classes were conducted online to avoid academic loss, the results have shown that it has not helped students much. For students to listen to a lecture for four hours every day was a tedious process.
As per the statistics released by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on how effective were online classes and how serious were students during the online classes, it was found that only 50 per cent of students either attended classes properly or were found attentive. So, we can say that as far as teaching-learning is concerned, it was not 100 per cent effective.
Apart from this, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us and introduced us to many new things. Earlier, teachers had no idea about conducting the classes online, but now a student can attend the class while sitting at his home online. Technology helped us to connect to anyone and everyone across the globe.
Q. During the pandemic time, did CUAP provide any scholarship or monetary help to needy students?
A. We have given a fee exemption of INR 600 every semester to the students during the COVID-19 period.
Q. Are you planning to introduce any new courses this year?
A. The University began its operation four years back. We started with four undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes. Last year, we introduced five postgraduate programs. And this academic year 2022-23 we are planning to start another two postgraduate programmes; i.e. MSc Molecular Biology and MBA (Travel and Tourism).
Other than that we are also planning to start diploma courses in line with National Education Policy 2020 with entry and exit options. We will start this year with, Diploma in English, Diploma in Hindi translations and a Diploma in Mobile Journalism. We will also be starting a Diploma in Information & Technology for army people in Goa. Also, we are planning to introduce four to five courses every year. So, by the end of 4-5 years, we have 30-40 programs to offer in different areas. So, under one umbrella we have humanities, social science, science, law, management and other courses.
Q. UGC has recently directed universities to add Supernumerary Seats for all those who lost their parents to covid. How you are planning to implement it across your courses?
A.We are waiting for UGC guidelines and we will act accordingly. Whatever the number of seats, UGC will ask us to add, we will add it in the courses defined.
Q. Will there be a fee hike in any of the courses this year?
A. We are not planning to hike fees in any of the courses this year.
Q. What are the focus areas of research?
A. We have already submitted a proposal for introducing a science and technology innovation hub at our University. It will help in addressing a lot of rural issues, i.e. harvesting, sanitisation, health, education, agriculture, underground water and others. Through this, we are planning to offer short-term courses in computer science to rural areas. We are also building a training center for providing coaching to civil service aspirants.
Q. What are the new initiative or collaborations with Indian or foreign universities you are looking for this year?
A. We are collaborating with IITs, NITs, Central Universities and private Universities in Bangalore. For example, we have collaborated with Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore, which is known for its Data Science courses. Our students are going to the University in Bangalore to study the same. We are also planning to provide paid internships to students, so more students participate in the same. We have also collaborated with Ramouji city, Hyderbad, which is a tourism hub. One batch has already passed out. While some have taken internships abroad, some have started working in Ramoji city itself.
Q.What are the challenges you are facing in faculty recruitment?
A. During the pandemic, we recruited guest faculties from one of the best institutes and universities across the country. We have now started offline classes, we have faculties from renowned universities. We do have 5-6 faculties on campus and more than 25 guest faculties from all over the country.
Q. What would you like to tell the students who are looking forward to taking admission to CUAP?
A. Last year, 19 states students got enrolled in CUAP as compared 6 or 7 states earlier. Students from diverse cultures come here. Students can learn here about the diverse cultures, and ethos. Though we have minimum space and we aim to provide quality education. We have 20+ smart classrooms plus a very good library. We are also providing 1000+ e-books to students. We have a fully equipped Wi-Fi campus.
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