Accord signed on IT course for commerce graduates

CAN A Commerce student become a software professional too? The present academic system in our universities seldom offers such provisions. But, a new academic programme to be offered jointly by the Osmania University and the Eastern Michigan University allows a Commerce graduate to learn Information Technology along with Commerce.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed by representatives of the two universities, Prof. Earl Potter, Dean, College of Business, Eastern Michigan University and Prof. D. Obul Reddy, Dean, Faculty of Commerce, Osmania University, on Wednesday, in the presence of the Vice-Chancellor, Prod. D.C. Reddy.

The MoU facilitates a joint programme `Master of Commerce in Information Science' (MCIS) that envisages preparing a new generation of Commerce graduates well-versed in Information Technology (IT) to take up challenging careers in international business and service sectors.

A unique feature of this agreement is that it seeks to develop mutually-acceptable system for the recognition of academic credits between the two universities for ensuring smooth transfer of credits. A broad spectrum of areas like exchange of faculty, collaboration in research and publications and cooperation in continuing education are also on the agenda.

The MoU is a sequel to the visit of Prof. Reddy to the Michigan State last year. A team of Eastern Michigan University, consisting of Prof. Potter and Prof. Ramesh Garg, followed up the visit resulting in this MoU.

OU hostel facility

THE AMBIGUOUS policy adopted by the Osmania University in extending hostel facility to its students has caused heartburn among the students pursuing B.Ed course in the University College.

The B.Ed students who enjoyed hostel and mess facilities till last year are questioning the motive behind withdrawing the facilities while their peers in other MA, MBA and Law courses enjoy the same.

Already agitated with the steep hike in tuition fee from Rs.500 to Rs.3,800, the students have been boycotting classes for several days to press for their demands. `There is no logic behind denying mess facility when it is extended to all other courses and there is no convincing reply from the officials', a student said.

However, the officials maintain that the students were very clearly informed about the university's position at the time of their admission itself. About the reason behind withdrawing the facility, officials say that B.Ed is a one-year course and its academic year doesn't fit into the schedule of the university. Moreover, admissions to the course are made by the convener rather than the university.

But, the students don't buy the argument stating that there are several one-year courses like BCJ and BLISc run by the university and LLB and MBA courses conducted by different conveners.

MITE course on IT

FOR THE engineers of non-computer background, the Manipal Institute of Technical Education (MITE) is offering a seven month course in Advanced Internship training in Information Technology (AIIT) which envisages imparting IT education.

This course is aimed at the rising number of students shifting to IT and computer sciences after engineering in their post- graduation. The Roshni College of Information Technology is the sole authorised institution to offer the course in Hyderabad.

Entry into the course would be based on an entrance test to be conducted by the MITE in February. A total of 1,400 hours of teaching would be extended in seven months with 24 hours lab facilities, according to the directors of Roshni College. Further details can be had on roshni-it@yahoo.com or mite@mpl.icdsltd.com.

R. RAVIKANTH REDDY

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