Coping Up With the Semester System at Delhi University

As the first semester draws to an end in November, college principals tell us how they are helping students cope with it. 

“Students in our college are still coming to terms with the new system. Classes are being held regularly as they will have to appear for four papers in every semester as compared to just five annually. Internal assessment and class assignments are also being taken care of,” says Rajendra Kumar, vice-principal, Sri Venkateswara College.
 
Hindu College students are not as relaxed as they were last year. “They are making a diligent effort not to miss any lectures. Teachers are leaving no stone unturned in finishing the syllabi. We have cut down on the festivities, lectures and seminars to devote more time for completion of courses,” says principal VK Srivastava. 

Also, for the first time in the history of the college, the library stays open even on Saturdays to enable students to access books and reading material.

“We are also planning to conduct extra classes to help students keep pace with the topics covered in class, especially for those who have been admitted under the ECA quota recently,” Srivastava adds.

The semester system, says Miranda House principal Pratibha Jolly, has been well-received by the students. “Coping with two systems at the same time is a tough task but we have managed to do well with both the annual exam mode and the semester system. Our cultural activities and flagship events have fitted in well with the new timetable.“Events such as the Indo-Dutch collaborative workshop are being planned carefully around the house and semester exams to ensure students are not disturbed.” Citing an example, Jolly says: “This year, the freshers’ party involving 22 departments of the college was held on a single day instead of being staggered over several days to complete the syllabi well in time before the semester ended.”

Source: HT Horizons