Fourth-year worth pursuing for DU’s undergraduates? Varsity to hold orientation today to clear doubts

“We’ve requested principals and all department teacher-in-charges to be present for the session. It has been recorded and will be shared with those unable to attend,” DU’s Dean of Academics K Ratnabali told The Indian Express. “We are also holding an offline session where I will lead one segment, and two other professors will discuss specialisation tracks.”

The orientation, aimed at breaking down learning outcomes for the fourth year, follows a February 10 notification, titled ‘Amendment to Ordinance V’, approved by the university’s Executive Council on January 17.

As per the notification, students shall have the option to choose from three specialisation tracks — Dissertation Writing, Academic Projects, and Entrepreneurship. While the first track targets students pursuing academic research, the Academic Project track focuses on applied research. The Entrepreneurship track aims to guide students through market research, business development, and financial planning.

The university has also revised the definition of Generic Electives (GEs), expanding course selection flexibility. “From Semester V, all students of BA (Programme) can opt for GEs from the open pool other than that of the core disciplines they are studying,” the notification states.

Special provisions have also been introduced for students who did not study Hindi up to Class VIII. The amendment specifies: “Students of BA (P)/ BCom (P) with two non-language core disciplines, and who have not studied Hindi up to class VIII, shall be allowed to opt for GE from the open pool if he/she cannot be provided GE(L) of their mother tongue. However, the principal of the college shall have to seek permission for the same.”

“Similar provision may be made for students from South India or the Northeast who do not have the proficiency to study the GE(L) Hindi prescribed for those who have studied Hindi up to class VIII. Further, those who have not studied Hindi/Modern Indian Language up to class VIII may also be exempted from studying the second language of GE(L),” the document added.

Despite the university’s efforts to clear the air about the fourth-year framework, apprehensions remain. Faculty members have also raised concerns about the feasibility of implementing the new tracks within the existing academic structure.

A principal, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “There is no clarity among teachers as to how to guide students and no clarity for students as to whether they want to take up the fourth year. The outcomes of the fourth year should be made clear to all stakeholders to make an informed decision. On the other hand, infrastructure too is a problem. Popular colleges are already overflowing, we have no idea how to accommodate students who opt for the fourth year.