Exchange programme students set to get varsity marks

The University of Mumbai is mulling to give marks to students who undertake exchange programmes through their colleges.

The University of Mumbai is mulling to give marks to students who undertake exchange programmes through their colleges. Until now, recognition of these exchange programmes for select students from different colleges would only be in the form of participatory certificates. These kind of programmes, however, could soon be considered as part of internal marks for assessment, informed pro vice-chancellor of the university Dr A D Sawant.

The idea was thought about during the US visit of a delegation of around 13 principals and secretary, Higher and Technical education department, J S Saharia to nine universities in the US,nbsp;led by the vice-chancellor and the Sheriff of Mumbai that concluded last week.

Among other universities that have such tie-up programmes with city colleges, the New York University Stern School of Business, which was visited by the delegation, has exchange programmes with St Xavier8217;s college, Fort and HR College, Churchgate. nbsp;

8220;It was at this school that we thought of formulating a credit system for such exchange visits. Students go to these universities and spend two-three weeks working on projects. These could easily be considered as part of their curriculum assessment. They should be able to get this benefit,8221; Dr Sawant said. This idea will soon be put forward before the management council, he added.

Besides this, the delegation also met Fulbright officials and discussed with them the possibility of introducing short term Fulbright programmes for working professionals and academicians. Dr Sawant elaborated, 8220;The Fulbright officials said they will try to design short modules that could be specifically used for Indian professionals. These could enable vice-chancellors, professors, business executives to undertake shorter visits and resume their work.8221;

Currently, these programmes extend to not less than six months.

In all the visits to the universities, the delegation noted that there was a lot of emphasis on extracurricular activities besides academics. 8220;In Columbia University, there is a dedicated team of 40-50 staff members who only handle 250 societies that look after extra curricular activities like sports, music, counselling, art, theatre etc.nbsp;Colleges herenbsp;have a lot to learn from institutions there,8221; said Sawant.nbsp;nbsp;