Jamshedpur, Sept. 10: Classes have taken a backseat in the city colleges ? not because of protests by students? unions or ?pen-down? strikes by the teaching and non-teaching crew.

The teachers are gearing up for a momentous event ? the Ranchi University Senate election, being held after more than two decades.

Various constituent and affiliated colleges of Ranchi University here today notified the final electoral rolls for the election scheduled to be held on October 1.

The senate election will be held under statute 18 (16) of Jharkhand State Universities Act-2000.

Teachers interested in contesting the election should have at least five years? teaching experience. Teachers, other than deans, principals and heads of departments, are eligible to contest the poll. ?Nomination papers have reached the colleges. Teachers, who wish to contest the poll for Senate membership can fill the nomination papers till 4 pm on September 14,? said S.S. Razi, a senior member of the academic council and principal of Jamshedpur Workers? College.

University officials said the election would be held on a three-tier basis ? university level, constituent colleges and affiliated colleges.

According to a circular issued by the university, nomination papers will be scrutinised on September 16, while the last date of withdrawal of nomination papers is September 17.

The results would be declared on October 3. The teachers? election is being held after a gap of over twodecades. The last election was held in 1984.

According to the university circular, two members ? one each from science and commerce and social science and humanities streams ? would be elected from the post-graduate departments while 10 members would be elected from constituent colleges and one member from the affiliated colleges under the university.

Sources said campaigning for candidates have started in several colleges, including Jamshedpur Co-operative College, Abdul Bari Memorial College, Jamshedpur Workers? College and Graduate School College for Women.