Providing an alternative for students with poor communication skills, the English department of the Panjab University has started a three-month course in English proficiency. The course, which has been introduced to enhance the written, spoken and reading skills of students, is open for outsiders, besides those already enrolled in the campus. The course will have not more than 30 students in one batch and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Students from different departments within the university or from outside too, can enroll for the same. The fees for the course is Rs 2,000 per month. Students will be made to take a test after the conclusion of the course and will be given a certificate. Dean Foreign Students, Professor Shelly Walia, said the course will help students enhance their communication skills. He added: “It was the students who demanded that such a course be introduced. And as we have an excellent faculty in English, we decided to start with the same. The university authorities too accepted the proposal quickly. The course is mandatory for foreign students and optional for others. It is also open for students outside the university.”Twenty percent of the money earned from the admissions will be given to the English department. Professor Walia added: “The course will prove beneficial and the university students can take it up as it will help them in future.”
