University of Mumbai Defers Dual-Degree Program Launch

• UoM postpones approval for concurrent degree programs until SEP launch.
• University withdraws staff pay cut plan; TRB and TNPSC to oversee recruitment.
• Collaboration with Melbourne University introduces blended BS and dual degree options.

The syndicate of the University of Madras (UoM) postponed the decision to permit students to pursue two degrees concurrently. Officials stated that a decision will be made following the announcement of the State Education Policy (SEP) for higher education.

As per the draft guidelines, students enrolled in a regular degree program will be permitted to simultaneously pursue a degree in distance mode starting this academic year (2025-26).

Students enrolled in distance mode programs will be permitted to register for another distance mode program. On Monday, the draft guidelines were submitted to the syndicate for approval by the university. "The state govt is expected to unveil the SEP for higher education soon. So, the higher education department wanted to defer a decision on introducing dual degree at UoM," a syndicate member said.

"This initiative would allow students to pursue a degree of their choice in addition to what they are studying. It cannot be seen as a suggestion from National Education Policy (NEP) alone. This also would have helped the university to increase enrollment in distance mode courses," said a senior professor from the varsity.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) released a notification in 2022, and the university chose to apply it starting from 2022-23. Professors mentioned that this was among the student-focused initiatives by the UGC. The state government also notified the syndicate that all faculty members would be hired by the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB). Over two-thirds of its faculty roles are unfilled.

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The syndicate also chose to retract the plan to lower the pay scale for current non-teaching staff after a demonstration. "All the university staff in the state will get a common pay scale. So, the pay scale revision will be applicable only to the new staff members. The govt also informed that the non-teaching staff would be recruited by TNPSC," another syndicate member said.

Syndicate members indicated there was resistance to transferring the university's land at Purasawalkam to CMDA for establishing a public library and co-working space. The syndicate also approved a dual degree program with Melbourne University.

The university has begun providing a three-year blended BS program in partnership with Melbourne University. These students will now have the chance to engage in a two-year foundational programme at the University of Madras and a two-year advanced course with Melbourne University.