Periyar University faculty ‚ay restrictions on summer vacations
Faculty members at Periyar University have alleged that the university administration has placed certain restrictions on their summer vacations this year.
A circular issued by Viswanatha Murthy, Registrar (in charge) of Periyar University, stated that the last working day for the academic year 2023–24 would be May 9. Subsequently, faculty members would be granted summer vacation from May 10 to June 28, and the University is slated to resume operations for the 2024–25 academic year from July 1.
During the vacation period, faculty members have been asked to provide the university with their precise contact information and address. Moreover, it was stipulated that one faculty member from each department must report to the university daily. The circular also emphasized the completion of the syllabus for the current academic year and the obligatory participation of faculty members in exam duties, without impeding the student admissions process.
Faculty members, speaking anonymously, expressed concern at the stringent restrictions in the vacation announcement. Traditionally, semester exams are expected to conclude by the ¢rst week of May.
However, this year, vacation was declared without specifying the semester exam dates. Additionally, while universities across Tamil Nadu typically grant a twomonth vacation period for faculty members to engage in research, they alleged that Periyar University repeatedly failed to provide adequate vacation time since 2017.
Concerns were raised about the potential challenges of conducting exams in May, particularly amidst the scorching heat in the Salem region.
With vacation announced under strict conditions, faculty members are required to ful¢ll exam duties in May and assist with admissions processing in June.
Since admissions are not conducted online, faculty members contend that there is minimal work for them, which university sta can handle.
Faculty members appealed for the prompt scheduling of exams and the withdrawal of restrictions on vacation to ensure the welfare of students and faculty alike.
Ocials associated with Periyar University attributed the exam delays to the Lok Sabha elections and assured that exam dates would be announced soon. It was clari¢ed that it is standard protocol for one representative from each department to report to the university.