Mangalore University has initiated the process to conduct its 37th annual convocation which in all likelihood could be held in April. The university authorities have sent a possible list of chief guests for approval by the Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala, who is also the chancellor of the university and the date will be finalised based on mutually acceptable dates to both the chief guest and the Governor.
With model code of conduct on account of general elections in force up to May 27, university authorities have for practical purposes ruled out the participation of elected representatives, especially minister for higher education, who is the pro-chancellor of the university. Model code does not bar universities from carrying out their regular activities including the convocation and several state universities have gone ahead with their convocations.
M Khan, registrar (administration) said University Grants Commission norms has made it mandatory for universities to confer degrees on students who have successfully completed their respective courses within 180-days of the declaration of the results. Accordingly, the university should have conducted the convocation for the academic year 2017-18 latest by December 2018 and the convocation is at least three months overdue now.
UGC has stipulated this norm to help students going abroad for higher studies. Most foreign universities do not accept provisional degree certificate that the university gives to students applying overseas, he said. To tackle this issue, UGC now is also now mulling to empower universities to hold two convocations in an academic year to cater to needs of students, who should not be penalised for administrative and other issues, he said.
In-charge VC Kishori Nayak K is keen to invite woman achiever of significance as the chief guest for the convocation not only to confer degrees but also deliver the convocation address. “We will take forward the process once we hear from the Governor’s office,” Khan said, adding this includes selecting names for conferring of Honoris Causa (D.Litt and or DSc) degrees to achievers who have made significant contribution in their chosen area.
Courtesy: TOI