School of Open Learning yet to start classes, print course material
NEW DELHI: While regular students of Delhi University are gearing up for the upcoming first semester examination, students of the University’s School of Open learning (SOL) are yet to even get their course material.
Each new session at SOL begins in September and books are distributed before commencement of classes.
Last year, classes had started on November 13. This year, however, classes are yet to begin.
“This year onwards, we wanted to convert the whole course structure and learning system into digital mode. We were waiting for the nod from the special governing body to start the online system. The delay was due to this, but now the printing committee has started work and students will soon get study material.
“Printing of materials takes time. Students can read e-books on the website and classes will start from December 2,” said C S Dubey, director, Campus of Learning, SOL.
SOL is one of the largest revenue generators of DU, as well as the varsity’s largest open school with 4.5 lakh students.
DU’S other open school, the Non-collegiate Women Education Board (NCWEB), provides under-graduate and post-graduate distance education only to Delhi’s girls.
Though NCWEB has started classes, course material is yet to be distributed to students.
“Both open schools have not even started the printing work, because everyone was waiting for clearance from DU to come up with the new syllabus and to start the new semester. We have sent the proposal to the varsity, but they are not responding.
“Our hands are tied and the students’ academic year is getting spoiled as they have been studying outdated syllabus since 2009,” said an SOL official, on the condition of anonymity.
SOL student Harish Gautam said, “We have been facing this discrimination for years. The centre does not start classes on time. We have not got the material. How will a student complete the whole syllabus in such a short time? When we demand for printed books, they tell us to study from the website.”