Patna: The Patliputra University, which is to launch its first academic session from July/August this year, has appointed Jainendra Kumar as dean of student welfare and Mahendra Pratap Singh as proctor.

Both teachers are from the College of Commerce, Arts and Science.

"While Jainendra Kumar is senior botany professor, Singh is from the commerce department," said Patliputra University pro-vice-chancellor Girish Choudhary. The varsity has convened a meeting on Friday of all principals of its constituent colleges located in Patna and Nalanda districts. The meeting will be chaired by Patliputra University vice-chancellor (VC) Gulab Chand Jaiswal and will discuss teaching and non-teaching staff strength at these colleges. The meeting will also discuss the new courses to be launched at the university both at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.

"The focus will be on launching new postgraduate courses. The vice-chancellor has clearly stated that the focus will be on the launch of courses which are research-oriented," a teacher of a constituent college said under cover of anonymity.

Some of colleges offering postgraduate courses are AN College; the College of Commerce, Arts and Science; JD Women's College; Sri Arvind Mahila College; ANS College, Barh; and Nalanda College, Biharsharif.

Sources said the university is mulling setting up courses in microbiology, bioinformatics, and international relations.

The Patliputra University, carved out of Magadh University and headquartered in Patna, will have some of best educational institutions of the state capital.

The varsity has two colleges with A grades from the National Assessment and Accreditation Council - A.N. College and College of Commerce.

The process of setting up three new universities gained momentum in March this year after the Raj Bhavan appointed VCs and pro-VCs for Patliputra University, Munger University and Purnea University.