Bharathiar University's new vice-chancellor A Ganapathi, who assumed office on Thursday, said his priority was to make the varsity a centre with potential for excellence (CPE). On the first day in office, Ganapathi also discussed his immediate plans for the university.
"Bharathiar University had almost made it to the list of universities declared as centre for potential with excellence. But, it fell short of certain parameters like faculty structure and research credentials," the 64-year-old professor of plant biotechnology said.
There are nine universities recognised as centre with potential for excellence by the Union government. And, they are provided with funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for research activities.
Ganapathi, who has 35 years of teaching and research experience, would meet all department heads to get an understanding of faculty structure, academics and research work.
"Every department must follow the faculty structure of at least one professor, two associate professors and three assistant professors. If there is a shortage of faculty in any department, the university will take necessary steps to fill the same," he said.
Asked about the allegations of excess faculty in the university, Ganapathi told TOI, "I am not aware of it. Will enquire with university syndicate and decide the course of action."
To manage the staff requirement for the centre with potential for excellence status, the new vice-chancellor said he might consider departments of similar disciplines and bring them under the umbrella of a school. For example, Ganapathi said, departments like botany and zoology etc., could be merged, creating a school of biological sciences.
"Another important factor for centre with the potential for excellence (CPE) status is research work published in peer-reviewed international journals. Higher the impact factor of the journals, the better it will be for the university," he further said.
Another priority for Ganapathi is the visit of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) scheduled for March 21.
When asked about issues raised by Bharathiar University staff and teachers associations during the former V-Cs tenure, he said, "I will discuss them (the issues) with the syndicate and other officials and ensure necessary action to solve the issue. Also, I assure that no such incident will happen during my tenure as this university's V-C."
"Bharathiar University had almost made it to the list of universities declared as centre for potential with excellence. But, it fell short of certain parameters like faculty structure and research credentials," the 64-year-old professor of plant biotechnology said.
There are nine universities recognised as centre with potential for excellence by the Union government. And, they are provided with funding from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for research activities.
Ganapathi, who has 35 years of teaching and research experience, would meet all department heads to get an understanding of faculty structure, academics and research work.
"Every department must follow the faculty structure of at least one professor, two associate professors and three assistant professors. If there is a shortage of faculty in any department, the university will take necessary steps to fill the same," he said.
Asked about the allegations of excess faculty in the university, Ganapathi told TOI, "I am not aware of it. Will enquire with university syndicate and decide the course of action."
To manage the staff requirement for the centre with potential for excellence status, the new vice-chancellor said he might consider departments of similar disciplines and bring them under the umbrella of a school. For example, Ganapathi said, departments like botany and zoology etc., could be merged, creating a school of biological sciences.
"Another important factor for centre with the potential for excellence (CPE) status is research work published in peer-reviewed international journals. Higher the impact factor of the journals, the better it will be for the university," he further said.
Another priority for Ganapathi is the visit of National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) scheduled for March 21.
When asked about issues raised by Bharathiar University staff and teachers associations during the former V-Cs tenure, he said, "I will discuss them (the issues) with the syndicate and other officials and ensure necessary action to solve the issue. Also, I assure that no such incident will happen during my tenure as this university's V-C."