The professor said that such a step was necessary considering that many students who opt for English even at the MA level are often unable to read or write it fluently. This was among many suggestions given on Friday by former department heads and retired professors of the university after the inauguration of the renovated guesthouse of ICSSR. The university had invited them to get their views and suggestions for future improvement.

“We found that some of the suggestions already stand implemented and some were quite useful observations. I wasn’t aware that such a situation exists where students in the English department could be weak in the language. Though we have the activated business communication section of the department, there’s certainly a need to revive the cell,” said university Vice-Chancellor Vijay Khole.

A large number of the retired professors were of the opinion that the university needs to create an environment of good quality teaching and research. Also, institution of awards for excellence in teaching and research, which can be given every two to three years to encourage the younger generation and exploration of greater university-industry interaction so that research is more applied, were suggested.

Khole said that while the university is known to be closer to the chemical industry, it is in the process of coming closer to the software and computer sectors. “Also, in our nano science and nano technology project, we will have a corridor for the electronic and machine-making industries. We’ve made a beginning and according to the suggestions made, definitely there’s more to be done,” he said.

Other recommendations included public defence of thesis as done in universities aboard and for lecturers who present worthwhile research projects, the university may give some lecturers off for a certain period so that they are able to concentrate on their thesis.

Another professor proposed a cell for data collection and dissemination so that the information is easily accessible by the researchers.

The university was also asked to seriously look into the aspect of tapping its alumni who are in good positions and get their inputs for improvement.

Khole said that the suggestions will be classified as per syllabi, new programmes, infrastructure and administration and “instructions will be passed on to the departments concerned for action”.

Professor M S Kambli (former director of the institute of distance education or IDE) said the department needs to develop its own faculty who can be given the specific assignment of producing quality study material for the subject concerned so that students don’t face any problems. He also insisted that there should be a dedicated advisory committee for guidance. Khole said that while observations with respect to IDE are “useful”, he has reconstituted the new advisory committee.

While the professors said that there must be provision for a separate centre for international studies, Khole said “we have been toying with the idea and will look into it”. Similarly, U Kutti (former head of department of German) said that while a lot of enquiries come from Germany regarding international relations and exchange of students, the eligibility system and admission formalities are long and need to be simplified.

S Tanna, a former department head, said many times students are treated as intruders by the administrative staff, hence, there is a need for a dedicated and regular mechanism to train and sensitise the non-teaching staff towards students “who are an equal partner in development of student life”. He also said there should be a mechanism to bridge the gap between the community and students and teachers who need to be sensitised to the needs of the community.