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JAMMU: The University of Jammu has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Cluster University of Jammu and Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (SKUAST-Jammu) to facilitate eligible students in pursuing two academic programmes simultaneously in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed by Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu; Dr. Anil Kumar, Registrar, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu; and Shri Ankur Mahajan, Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu, in the presence of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, and Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu. The MoUs mark another significant step towards strengthening academic collaboration, fostering institutional linkages and promoting greater flexibility among higher educational institutions. Prof. B.N. Tripathi, Vice-Chancellor, SKUAST-Jammu, also conveyed his best wishes for the successful implementation of the MoUs.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, said the initiative was aimed at promoting academic flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, skill enhancement and wider educational opportunities for students.
Prof. Rai said the arrangement would enable students to gain diverse expertise, broaden their academic horizons and excel in their respective fields while continuing their regular programme at their parent institution. He said such initiatives were in consonance with the changing landscape of higher education and the emphasis of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 on providing students greater flexibility and multidisciplinary learning opportunities.
Under the MoUs, eligible students pursuing Undergraduate (UG) or Postgraduate (PG) programmes in regular/conventional mode at the collaborating universities will have an opportunity to simultaneously pursue another approved programme from among 20 programmes offered by the Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), University of Jammu, through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online Mode. The facility will be subject to prescribed eligibility conditions and applicable regulations.
A key feature of the arrangement is the relaxation in the requirement of a Migration Certificate for eligible students admitted to CDOE, University of Jammu, under the MoUs. Such students will continue to remain enrolled in their parent institution while simultaneously pursuing an additional academic programme, in accordance with UGC and University of Jammu guidelines.
Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, said the partnership would foster academic mobility and empower students to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.
The MoUs also provide for a simplified admission mechanism. Students will be required to submit the prescribed application, academic qualification documents, proof of current enrolment and other documents as required by CDOE, University of Jammu. The collaborating institutions will facilitate dissemination of information regarding available programmes, eligibility criteria, admission schedules and fee structures.
The implementation of the MoUs will remain strictly subject to UGC regulations, notifications and guidelines relating to the simultaneous pursuit of two academic programmes. The institutions will ensure that no student is permitted to pursue programmes in violation of applicable regulatory requirements.
The MoUs further provide that the academic interests of students already admitted under the arrangement will be protected even in the event of termination of the MoUs. Suitable arrangements will be made to enable such students to complete their respective programmes.
The collaboration marks an important step towards strengthening inter-university academic cooperation and advancing the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, particularly in promoting flexibility, multidisciplinary education and expanded opportunities for higher learning.
The signing ceremony was attended by Dean Planning and Development, University of Jammu; Director Education, SKUAST-Jammu; Director, DIQA, University of Jammu; Director, IQAC, Cluster University of Jammu; Director, Extension and Outreach, Cluster University of Jammu; Assistant Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu; Assistant Director, Resident Instructions, SKUAST-Jammu; all faculty members and officers of CDOE, University of Jammu.