BANGALORE: Outgoing Bangalore University Vice-Chancellor M.S. Thimmappa may have attracted widespread attention for his bold stand against the previous government's alleged attempts to politicise the university academic bodies, but his achievements as the head of one of the country's largest universities are significant in terms of academic reforms, infrastructure development and administrative reforms.

At the end of Dr. Thimmappa's tenure, the university is poised to gain the status of "university with potential for excellence", a title reserved only for the top 10 varsities in the country. Here is a look at the developments in the university during his tenure.

Academic reforms

Dr. Thimmappa was instrumental in introducing the semester system for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses between 2003 and 2005. The syllabi for these courses were revised on the lines of the UGC (University Grants Commission) model, and Environmental Studies, Constitution of India and Computer Fundamentals were made mandatory subjects for all students.

Last year, Dr. Thimmappa brought in new regulations for Ph.D. to achieve excellence. An entrance test, a doctoral committee to monitor progress, a pre-submission presentation and publication of articles based on the work were part of the new rules. New courses were introduced, including M.Sc. programmes in Electronic Science, Apparel Design and Management, Yogic Sciences and Human Consciousness; Master's in Visual Arts; M.A. in Women's Studies, and Master of Financial Accounting. Postgraduate diploma courses in Community-based Rehabilitation, Gandhian Studies, Ambedkar Studies, Geoinformatics, International Business, Insurance and Risk-taking, and Health Administration were launched.

A curriculum was developed to introduce integrated Honours courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Education and Law.

It was also decided that only academics would head local inquiry committees for affiliation of colleges. Dr. Thimmappa stuck to his stand that only eminent educationists should be nominated to academic bodies by the Government.

Infrastructure

A compound wall was built around the Jnanabharathi campus to prevent encroachment. New buildings were constructed for the departments of Biotechnology, Psychology and Psychological Counselling, University Law College and Environmental Science.

A hostel for physical education students, an open air theatre at Gandhi Bhavan and a 1,000-seat Jnanajyothi auditorium were built.

The biodiversity park at Jnanabharathi was developed with the addition of "Charaka Vana", "Sushruta Vana", "Panchavalkala Vruksha Dhama" and a bonsai garden. Dr. Thimmappa requested the Government lift the ban on staff recruitment, and it agreed to fill at least 60 per cent of vacant posts financed by the university.

Administrative reforms

For the first time in the country, the university's finance branch introduced the fund-based accounting system to ensure speed, accuracy and transparency.

The examination process was computerised. The university library, both at Jnanabharathi and Central College, was computerised and online access to over three lakh volumes provided.

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