All universities in the country had been given a ‘road map’ so that they would know how they should restructure their external courses programmes in the future, the UGC Chairman said. After that was done, the universities would be able to recommence their external degree programmes and initiate online course for first degree as well.
Prof. Samaranayaka said that according to the new road map issued by the Commission all universities would be allowed to enroll external students (double the number of internal students) and they could decide on the courses inclusive of new programmes and extension of courses. English and IT would be added as additional components for external degrees as in the case of internal degrees.Prof. Samaranayake said that Sri Lankan universities would commence online courses as well in all three languages.
One of the changes proposed by UGCs was to accredit the private institutions that conducted private tuition classes for external degree programmes. The main criterion for such accreditation would be the qualification of the teachers conducting classes for an external degree programme.
The UGC has issued a Hand Book to universities where it has been specified that each university should start a fully fledged separate departments within the system for external courses.
Courtesy - The Island
