CUS Academic Council endorses proposal to start MA Philosophy, skill courses

SRINAGAR, JUNE 14: The fourth Academic Council meeting of Cluster University Srinagar was held on Wednesday with several proposals being endorsed including introduction of M.A. Philosophy and various skill courses.  The council also ratified introduction of Clinical Biochemistry, Food Science & Technology, Anthropology and Public Administration as major subjects at UG level. 

The meeting was held at Institute of Advanced Studies in Education (IASE) and was chaired by Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Qayyum Husain.Special invitees who attended the meeting included Vice Chancellor, Dr. Abdul Haque University, Kurnool (AP) Prof. Fazlur Rahman; Dean Academic Affairs, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Malik, Prof. Assadullah Khanof Int. Disciplinary Biotechnology Unit & Director IQAC, Aligarh Muslim University and Prof. ZahoorAhmad Kallo from Department of Botany, University of Kashmir.

From Cluster University Jammu, special invitees who attended the meeting in virtual mode included Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Jammu, Prof. BechanLal; Dean Academic Affairs, Dr Naveen Anand and Registrar, Dr. Jatinder Khajuria. Others present on the occasion included Dean Academic Affairs, Cluster University Srinagar, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad Lone; Controller of Examinations, Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Mir; Deans of various faculties, Principals of constituent and affiliated colleges, Coordinators of IG programmes and some senior faculty members from constituent colleges. 

Dr. Khurshid Ahmad Mir briefed the members about the various items on agenda, including the matters meant for ratification and those proposed for consideration in the higher decision making bodies. The meeting began by confirming the minutes of the meeting of the third academic council which was held in March earlier this year.

Regarding the proposal to start PG Programme in Philosophy from next academic session, Vice Chancellor, Prof. Qayyum said there was a pressing demand from the students, particularly those with Philosophy as one of the subjects at UG level but who have no opportunity to pursue higher studies in it. 

“The subject is presently taught at UG level in two colleges of the university viz. A. S. College and Govt. College for Women, MA Road. The concerned faculty has prepared the course structure and tentative syllabus for all the four semesters,” he added. It was decided that the proposed curriculum would be reviewed in consultation with some co-opted members from IUST which is also planning to introduce Masters degree in Philosophy.

Pertinently, Cluster University Srinagar has already approached Higher Education Department for creation of posts of Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors for various subjects.

The council decided that the future course of action with respect to introduction of Major subjects would be subject to the outcome of Board of Studies to be convened by respective Deans.

Among other proposals which came up for discussion included starting one year certificate course in Early Child Care and Education, identification of Skill Courses to be started in the constituent colleges as per UGC guidelines in terms of NEP-2020; collaboration with KM Technical Training and Management Institute and introduction of Peace Education programme as a subject at UG level.

In their post-meeting remarks, the special invitees appreciated the way the academic council meeting was conducted in a democratic manner with all inputs being heard out and taken on board for further consideration. They also commended Vice Chancellor, Prof. Qayyumfor ensuring a free and fair exchange of ideas for constructive outcome of the meeting. 

Dean Humanities & Liberal Arts, Prof. Deeba Sarmadpresented formal Vote of Thanks.