New V-C unveils Ravenshaw roadmap

CUTTACK: Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University Prof B C Tripathy on Friday unveiled his vision for the historic institution focusing on a complete revamp of academic structure and revision of syllabus as well as modernisation of campus and classroom infrastructure. Prof Tripathy, who assumed charge as the second Vice-Chancellor of the University on the day, announced plans for compartmentalising different disciplines into schools and developing them into centres of excellence. As many as nine schools in different faculties have been envisioned to be brought up in a phased manner. Research activities would be given a fillip. The first in the line would be School of Life Sciences having MSc and PhD programmes in life sciences, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics. The stream is close to the heart of Prof Tripathy as he was the professor of School of Life Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University before his present appointment. The Vice-Chancellor proclaimed not to limit himself to administration but actively engage in teaching and research. He would be holding classes in Botany, Zoology and Biotechnogy on a regular basis, he announced. The other schools envisaged are in the streams of Geophysics, Computational Sciences, Space and Planetary Sciences, Law and Governance, Nano Sciences, Public Policy on Social Issues, Planning and Architecture, Journalism and Mass Communication, Creative and Performing Arts and a Department of International Studies and Relations. The syllabus would be revised in line with changing trends, contemporary demands and new education policy of the Central Government. The classrooms would be modernised and converted into IT-integrated smart-domains. Semester system would be introduced in the undergraduate level as per UGC norms, the V-C told mediapersons here. He also spoke on infusing efficiency into the administrative machinery and developing strong student-administration relations through bilateral discussions. “A students cell would be established to look into grievances of students. ‘’We will meet students at least twice a month to hear their viewpoints and take immediate steps to address their genuine problems,” Prof Tripathy asserted.