File picture of the Gauhati University campus

Feb. 2: Gauhati University has decided to introduce an “academic audit scheme” in order to bring a sea change in its teaching methodology.

Vice-chancellor Amarjyoti Choudhury said the executive council, the highest decision making authority of the university, discussed various issues relating to academic affairs of the university during its recent meeting.

After a brainstorming session, the council approved the introduction of the academic audit scheme.

The scheme, which has helped the IITs and IIMs to implement innovative and effective teaching methodology, will now be discussed at the meetings of the varsity’s academic council and GU Teachers’ Association, after which it will be given the final shape.

The scheme will become effective from the next academic year.

Under the scheme, all faculty members will submit a self-appraisal form provided to them by the university. The performance of the staff would be reviewed at the end of every year.

The components of the proforma will focus on teaching capabilities, field specialisation, PhD guidance to students, research projects and number of conferences attended.

At the intermediate level, the department’s strength would be evaluated based on the number of courses conducted along with the student strength — sanctioned and enrolled. Outgoing students would be asked to evaluate the performance of the departments with reference to their course.

“Advancement of science and technology has changed the formats of modern-day educational processes. In the process, it has also led to a new consumerism of students. They are on the lookout for competent faculty, right ambience and infrastructure for learning and research. A modern university must incorporate these changes readily. So the academic audit has become very relevant,” Choudhury said.

The 59-year-old university, which was plagued by many administrative and academic problems in the recent years, could not give due focus and emphasis on the academic sphere, he said.

Expressing his hopes about the future of the university, Choudhury said the students now want to excel by facing new academic challenges. He said a new form of professionalism has also swept the faculty members. Teaching and competent research have turned the teachers into experts in their respective fields. Under the changing circumstances many the academic audit system would be a successful tool of reformation, he said.

Sources said another reason for implementing the academic audit system is the proposed visit of a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) team this year. The team would review the performance of the university during the past five years on the basis of its four status and will decide whether it should be accorded the four-star status.

“Since the varsity is now aiming for five-star status, introduction of a modern concept like academic audit will go a long way to impress the team,” an official said.