Nagpur University alliance with UK University for eco research

University in News: In a noteworthy lift for on-grounds inquire about, the Nagpur University has marked an update of comprehension (MoU) with University of Portsmouth for joint research tasks and extraordinary financing. 

The activity is probably going to reinforce NU's picture since it has regularly been critiziced for absence of true research work regardless of granting an extensive number of PhDs. Leading group of College and University Development (BCUD) chief DK Agrawal disclosed to TOI he had a meeting with a designation from the UK college on Thursday. The guests communicated their longing to lead examine on ecological issues. 

"Around Rs10 lakh would be apportioned by Nagpur University for joint research works. Same sum would be kept aside by the University of Portsmouth. The central agent would be from Nagpur University while co-scientist would originate from Portsmouth for undertakings. Thus, our analysts would be co-agents in their ventures," Agrawal said. 

He included the examination undertakings could be of maybe a couple years' term. Agrawal said starting at now just a MoU had been consented to while another arrangement would be marked after video meeting amongst VCs and other top college authorities of the two colleges. "The designation would notify their college of the assention. Specific subject or point would be talked about and a last assention would be marked," he said. 

NU has effectively tied up with Portsmouth for understudy and staff trade in December. As indicated by MoU, NU understudies can apply for finishing a semester (likely the last) from Portsmouth and should take after its educational programs and in addition evaluating design. In staff trade, two teachers or connect educators with broad research work will be sent by the college for at least three weeks. NU will have understudies and instructors from Portsmouth in a comparable way.

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Nagpur University Face MA English Students Anger now

Nagpur University Face MA English Students Anger now
A day subsequent to guaranteeing oddities in assessment, Master of Arts (English) third semester understudies on Saturday said that just a single or none has gone in no less than two subjects in top city schools. They likewise claimed that one of the universities where understudies are from Hindi or Marathi foundation have recorded out of the blue high scores. They have based their claim after expressly going by these universities to gather bolster. 

Be that as it may, Controller of Examinations Neeraj Khaty destroyed the cases refering to exam information of 23% pass rate. Be that as it may, the understudies countered this adage the 'twentieth Century Amercian Literature' is a discretionary subject and regardless of the possibility that all bombed in it the outcome would even now be 23%. "Understudies can settle on European Fiction or African American Literature in the event that they would prefer not to offer 'twentieth Century Amercian Literature'. At one school, we found no understudy offered the last mentioned," understudies said. 

"Around 25 understudies had gone to the exam segment on Saturday with a demand to direct revaluation of the paper. Be that as it may, we were advised to bring no less than half representation," the understudies said.

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University in News: Failed bidder alleges scam in Nagpur University contract

NAGPUR: Disqualified bidder Logisys has alleged a mega scam in Nagpur University awarding the pre and post examination works contract to Promarc Software Pvt Ltd. It claimed a series of violations in technical criteria while awarding the contract. However, NU and Promarc have denied the allegations.

Rahul Mude, who claimed to be a representative of the Bengaluru-based Logisys, accused varsity officials of issuing a false experience certificate to Promarc. Addressing a press conference at Patrakar Bhavan on Tuesday, he said Promarc doesn't posses the requisite experience or documents to qualify as a bidder. He claimed that Promarc was set up only in 2012, as seen on the ministry of corporate affairs certification.

However, agreements signed by Nagpur University with Promarc reveal that the firm has been engaged in several exam related works since the last 11 years. NU had first entered into an agreement with Promarc, then a proprietorship firm, for LLB and BEd exam form entry and mark sheet work in 2005. In 2011, the company issued the first online mark sheet. In 2012, NU introduced tendering process for its examination works. The tender for the current contract were invited in July 2016. Besides Logisys and Promarc, Mindlogix Infratch Ltd was the third bidder.

"To qualify for the bidding process, we had to register Promarc as a private limited company. It was a proprietorship firm when we started taking up Nagpur University assignments. Later, Promarc DBL was taken over by Promarc Software Private Ltd. By virtue of the take over, all the experience and assets were transferred to the new company. Promarc DBL no longer exists," Mayuresh Katyayan, managing director of Promarc, told TOI.

Mude, however, claims that Promarc managed to bag the contract with the help of a false experience certificate issued by NU. He attached a copy of the experience letter with his complaint to the vice chancellor and registrar.

The experience certificate, issued by the NU controller of examination states, "Promarc has been doing examination work of this university from October 2005. The work of exam processing includes pre and post exam stages. Promarc processed more than 6 lakh students annually for the last five years."

Mude has based his allegations on a typographical error on the certificate and the duration of experience. The certificate is dated January 11, 2015, while January 11, 2016, has been noted with the CoE's signature. The certificate was issued by assistant registrar Navin Mungle, who was holding additional charge then.

"The error happened in copy pasting the letter head. Since Promarc has been associated with us since 2005, there was no need for any clarification. The selection of contractor was done through a transparent system involving the tendering committee. There hasn't been any violation of the terms and conditions," CoE Neeraj Khaty said, pointing out that the experience certificate is a valid document.

Mude also alleged that Promarc failed to attach service tax registration or VAT registration.

But, Katyayan said the company was engaged with public universities and thus got tax exemption. "We have submitted the company PAN, which is another option. On the other hand, Logisys submitted its owner's PAN, which disqualifies it," he countered.
This article is copied from : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Failed-bidder-alleges-scam-in-NU-contract/articleshow/55968626.cms

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Nagpur University workshop "BA Syllabus in Sociology" 2015-2016

Nagpur University Workshop topic Changes in Syllabus 2015-2016 - RTMNU workshop "BA Syllabus in Sociology" 2015-2016 :- Dear Sir/Madam, The Department of Sociology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur, has organized a one day workshop on “B.A. Part III Syllabus in Sociology”, on Wednesday, 15th July, 2015, in the premises of the humanities building, University campus, Amravati Road, Nagpur. The workshop on the above syllabus assumes enormous importance in view of the changes introduced in its course content implemented from the current academic session, 2015-2016. The aim of the workshop is to expose the teachers to Indian Society in terms of making them thoroughly understand the intricacies of various issues and problems, and the strategies to tackle them effectively. There will be an elaborate and comprehensive discussion on the concept of structure and inequality, family, and the issues involving tribes, education and population. 

The workshop on the whole intends to show a specific direction for teaching the paper/subject as it is exclusively based on the core issues and problems

demanding theoretical as well as pragmatic approach in the context of Indian society. 

Thus it becomes mandatory for all the faculties of RTM Nagpur University associated with teaching sociology at the undergraduate level to participate in the workshop. You are, therefore, requested to kindly depute all your sociology teachers to attend this workshop. The teacher is to pay Rs. 300/-towards registration fee. 

Programme Schedule: 

Registration & Breakfast: 8.30 a.m. to 10.00 a.m. 

Inauguration: 10.00 a.m to 11.00 a.m. 

First Session: 11.00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Lunch break: 1.00 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Second Session: 2.00 p.m. to 5 p.m

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Campus of the University wi-fi enabled by the end of this year

Campus of the University wi-fi enabled by the end of this year: Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University increased his pace in the direction of digitization. If words are to be believed, the campus of the University wi-fi enabled by the end of this year. The development came in the light of the guidelines given by the Ministry of human resource development and University Grant Commission to digitize of the universities in the country.

BCUD Director at Nagpur University Dr. Nagpur Komawar Afolabi told today that large amount of work that has been linked to investigations are brought online. The process of enrolling students and announcing results were done and soon the answer sheets rating process will also be included.

He said to make the varsity wi-fi enabled, Mahatma Fule, LIT, Law College and the campus administration building on Maharaj Bagh would be connected. The new software would link 5000 subscribers, including researchers and students also facilitated will be. The plan to start virtual classroom is also underway, he informed.

It may be mentioned that the HRD Ministry has sought queries from universities across the country at various points such as availability of local area network, wi-fi Facilities in campuses, optical fiber networks of computer systems etc. The queries have to be responded back at the earliest.

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Infosys Selects 27 Students from Nagpur / Vidhar

Apeksha Padole had exceptionally good percentage in class XII, but they could not the pursuit of higher studies of her choice. Living in Gondia, she wanted to be an engineer and get a well-paid job like her older sister. Her parents all their savings to finance the education of their eldest daughter had exhausted and Apeksha had no choice but to go for a cheaper course.

Pursuing Bachelor of Computer application (BCA) of Gondia based B Bandhu Science College, Apeksha had no idea that she would be hired by a multinational company one day. Today, she is one of the 27 students from Vidarbha to get posted with Infosys.

These students of Nagpur Division were recruited during a campus swimming pool selection drive recently organized by Jhulelal Institute of Technology (JIT) in collaboration with Vidarbha Engineering Colleges placement Association. Noteworthy, almost 50% of the district's students are selected places in Wardha, Chandrapur and Gondia. "This is the first time Infosys students of colleges of these districts hired. 32 cleared from the 65 eligible candidates, the online testing process which 27 students were finally selected. The requirements were for maintenance of infrastructure services and independent validation services units, "said GM de Necker, Member in cost to information, employment and guidance Office, RTM Nagpur University.

The selection appears as an indication that Infosys is ready to start its activities on Magda. "This is a clear guideline that the company is getting orders and is all set to start operations here. Local students are recruited by the company because they are more likely to stay with the company for long. Also students from smaller towns are technically more sound because they seek live help from teachers and run under all circumstances can, "opined R Dhuware, head of Computer Science Department, D B Science College, Gondia.

To agree to this, Dean of JIT training and placement cell Kunal Padole said this is the beginning of a full recruitment process for local students. "With the advent of Madsen, many multinational and high paying companies will hire students from Nagpur Division. They will no longer be seen as inferior to their counterparts in metro cities, "he added.

Talk about the skill required, 20-year-old Pooja Kayarkar, which with Infosys posted got, said, "despite studying in Chandrapur, I never felt I was less competent than students studying in metro cities. We are so many trainable and talented as they are but the only aspect we lack in is communication and soft skills. In addition to our regular course, we have to be provided special training in personality development and soft-skills. "

OPENINGS OF OPPORTUNITY | The recent recruitment has renewed the hopes that Infy campus will start soon

Nr. of the selected students

9 | B Bandhu Science College, Gondia

4 | SP College, Chandrapur

4 * | Sindhu-Hindu College, Nagpur

7 * | Shivaji Science College, Nagpur

(* Final selection list yet to be indicated by Infosys. Data for other colleges was not available)

FIRST PACKAGE

Selected students have offered an annual package of Rs 2.19-3 lakh per year

Infosys has acquired land in Madey-SEZ 142 acre campus setting

The stone laying ceremony for the first phase held last year was about 20.5 hectares spread

The station has raised hopes that the the giant finally can start operations

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Engg students waiting for copies of answer sheets

Engg students waiting for copies of answer sheets for 2 months

More than a hundred students claim engineering do they not receiving photocopies of their answer sheets even two months after applying for them. Their problem is aggravated because they are due to appear before their senior year exam starting from November, and they are not informed about the results of the second year exam, for which they have applied for revaluation.

RTM Nagpur University officials promised to look into the matter immediately after it was brought to their notice. Subodh Shermaine, controller of examinations, said: "I will meet the students on Friday and trying to figure out what the problem is and will certainly help in finding a solution."

One of the students told TOI that rather's court clerks NOW not even on simple searches responded. "We went there many times, ask when we get photocopies of our sheets answer but they never had a clear answer. We applied for revaluation nearly 70 days ago, and technically should we have it within two weeks. Last week, we were told by a clerk that even they didn't know by when the copies will come, "said one student.

The students tried to meet the Acting Vice-Chancellor Anoop Kumar on Wednesday at the meeting of the Senate, but were not allowed inside, per protocol. "We then has a letter to his Office but are not sure if he received it or not. On Friday, we will comply with Linu and a quick release to our problem, "said the student.

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IMT to open new campus at Hyderabad

Institute of Management Technology (IMT), a leading educational establishment is all set to foray into South India with its futuristic Hyderabad campus. Rated among the top 10 business schools in India, IMT currently has campuses in Ghaziabad, Nagpur and Dubai.


Hyderabad has emerged as a major destination for IT/ITES, Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Entertainment, Financial Services sectors and is also poised to witness growth in other sectors such as Semiconductor, Hardware, Gems & Jewellery, Apparel and Aerospace. The city therefore become the obvious choice when IMT decided to expand into South India with its new business school.


Addressing a press conference in the city here today, Dr. V. Panduranga Rao, Director - IMT Hyderabad said that the campus would be inaugurated by Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for HRD, IT & Communication, Government of India on July 2nd, 2011. The inaugural ceremony would be presided over by Mr. N. Kiran Kumar Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Urban Development, Government of India.
IMT Hyderabad will offer a regular two-year, full-time, PGDM program with specialisations in cutting edge areas like Investment Banking and Business Analytics in addition to the conventional areas like Marketing, Finance and Operations.


The state of the art campus with nearly two lakh sq. ft. built-up area is located in 30 acres land at Cherlaguda Village, Shamshabad Mandal, Ranga Reddy District, Hyderabad. The beautifully landscaped green campus has an academic block, a library building, dining halls, hostels, faculty housing and a sports complex with cricket ground, football ground, basketball court, tennis court, badminton courts along with seven water bodies for water harvesting.


The Academic block will house nine-tiered lecture theatres, eleven flat classrooms, 55 faculty offices, IT labs with more than 100 systems, administrative offices, meeting rooms, conference halls and an open amphitheatre with a capacity of nearly 300. The learning resource centre is equipped with books, journals, CDs and electronic databases. All the hostel rooms are single occupancy, fully furnished and have internet connectivity.


The IMT Hyderabad campus boasts of world class infrastructure. The fully network networked campus with around 800 nodes with a backbone of 10 Gbps fiber connectivity with multi layer, high end Cisco campus wide network, 5 enterprise level servers with blade technology, a Wi-Fi enabled campus, Video conferencing and webcasting facility, and academic alliance SAP university, Microsoft and SAS. The classrooms are equipped with Wi-Fi enabled projectors, smart boards and learning management systems.


Along with the world class physical infrastructure, IMT Hyderabad has faculty members with research and teaching experience in top American and European B-schools. The young and dynamic faculty team have designed an innovative and industry relevant curriculum supported by a pedagogic approach which is student centric, participative, experiential and team based. This draws from the institute's philosophy of moving from a 'Knowing' mode to the 'Doing' mode and innovating for better lives, better organizations and a better world.


The curriculum has integrative courses that provide a holistic picture and learning about real life business situations and problems. Diverse learning opportunities are provided through case studies, simulations, real-time projects, seminars, workshops and interaction with industry professionals. In each of the courses, 25% of the sessions would be delivered by a mix of industry experts and practitioners. The program has a 14 week faculty supervised industry internship program at the end of the first year. The institute aims to develop socially responsible, innovative business leaders with a holistic perspective.


In due course of time, IMT Hyderabad plans to offer a one year full time Executive PGDM for working professionals with over five years of industrial experience; Certificate Programs in Management of 3-6 months duration; and also offer a Fellowship Program in Management.

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DU debates proposal to do away with admission forms this year

A proposal to change the admission process in Delhi University has kicked off a storm with many in favour and others hell-bent on blocking its passage. The proposal has to go to the Admission Committee for final approval.

If the new proposal is cleared, students in the general and OBC categories will no longer have to stand in queue to fill admission forms and wait for cut-off lists. Individual colleges will come out with cut-off lists and students making the cut will be able to secure admission directly.

Currently, there is a single, common application form for all colleges of Delhi University. Only students who fill this form are eligible for admission.

On Monday, Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh and principals of DU colleges held a meeting where they decided on the option of doing away with the form to simplify the admission procedure. The proposal will be presented before the Admission Committee for final approval.“This time, there will be five cut-off lists. So even students whose results have come late will get a chance to take admission,” said Savithri Singh, Principal of Acharya Narendra Dev College. She said she welcomes the move as it will ease the admission procedure for students.

“In the older system too, admissions were done on the basis of marks. For the last three years, we had been asking DU to do away with admission forms that are time-consuming. In the new system, there is not much change except for the fact that students will no longer have to buy forms and submit them,” Singh said.The only apprehension is about the cut-off marks. Prof Vinay Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, said that the first cut-off list will be based on past experiences but with the second, third, fourth and fifth cut-offs, there might be a problem.

“It is a remarkable development and I fully support it. The only issue is to determine what should be the last cut-off. If we set it too low, many students will apply. Since we cannot refuse students who come with the required percentage, there might be a tad too many,” he said.

Dr Suresh Kumar Garg, Principal of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, said even earlier the cut-off marks were based on past experiences since the single application form meant that each student applied to every college and course. “We used to get more than one lakh applicants for colleges. Everyone was applying everywhere since there was nothing to lose. This year, we will just have to be a bit more careful,” he said.

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NMSU students to bear burden of state's fiscal woe

The ripple affect of the state's budget woes will hit New Mexico State University students this fall.

The NMSU regents, in a 4-1 vote Friday, approved a 7.9 percent increase for in-state undergraduate tuition, or $213 more per semester.

"That's the first time I've heard about it," said journalism sophomore Tara Melton, 19. "It's going to greatly hurt me because I'm on scholarships, but I still have to pay about $200 out of pocket. If they add that I'll have to cover it myself. I'll probably have to take out a loan."

The move came as a result of an $8.1 million drop in state funding for NMSU next academic year.

NMSU has cut millions over the last three years - it eliminated or left positions unfilled, and slashed spending on things like travel, supplies, and vehicles. Deep state cuts have also impacted research and Extension services, among many others.

Since 2008, NMSU has raised tuition 28 percent, mostly due to declining state revenues.

President Barbara Couture said no one on the board or in the administration wants to increase the cost to attend NMSU or cut spending, especially when enrollment and the need for more support for programs are only growing.

"The cuts left us with few good choices," Couture said.

Spending cuts not enough

Tuition will go up even more for non-residents. The regents approved a 9.5 percent increase for non-resident tuition, or $794 a semester.

That kind of jump is significant for students like Vanessa Fai-Yengo, an 18-year old chemical engineering junior from Cameroon, who pays for school by working, loans, and family support.

"I don't have any scholarships. I pay for everything myself, and I'm a chemical engineering major and the books are very expensive. It's going to make a big difference for me," Fai-Yengo said. "It's going to affect everyone."

The tuition increase will generate $6.9 million, and combined with $40,000 in fee increases and various cuts made this year, will get NMSU within budget, according to NMSU administration and finance.

NMSU initiated $3.9 million in cuts over the past year, and has cut 68 administrative and 42 academic positions

Last year, 81 employees retired, saving the university $1.3 million by not refilling those positions, and the university projects to save $770,000 by cutting its vehicle fleet by 440 vehicles, Couture said.

Despite these savings, regents said the state cuts gave them no choice but to raise tuition.

Regent Isaac Pino said the board was under a time constraint to approve the tuition increase. He said NMSU has been able to avoid the layoffs and furloughs seen at many other universities, but perhaps only for so long.

"If this trend continues at the same pace, we may have to rethink the entire mission of this university over the next several years," Pino said.

Statewide pain

The Legislature approved a 4 percent cut in funding for higher education, but because of state funding formulas, NMSU took the biggest of any state institution, with a 4.9 percent cut.

All New Mexico colleges and universities are feeling the pinch.

The University of New Mexico approved an 7.9 percent increase in tuition and fees and millions in cuts.

Eastern New Mexico University, which raised tuition and fees 9.8 percent last year, will consider a proposed 6.5 percent increase for next year.

Highlands University offers one of the cheapest tuition rates in the West, but its regents passed a 9.6 percent tuition increase last week. And Western New Mexico University approved a 6 percent increase last month.

NMSU has sustained $35 million in state cuts since 2008. Couture warned future cuts will have a significant impact on the university's ability overall to deliver quality services to its students, as well as support existing faculty.

The cuts have already resulted in fewer classes and sessions available for students, which Couture said could affect students' ability to graduate on time.

'Lack of debate'

Some students say college already costs a lot, and most will adapt to another jump in the expense of getting a degree.

Seniors Leonard Thurman III and Travis Le-Doux said NMSU still offers a very good value compared to other area universities.

"I don't think it was communicated well (to students). Probably there should have been more debate. Seven percent seems pretty drastic. But I think most people want to be here and they're just going to pay it anyway. I don't think anybody's going to get up and leave," Thurman said.

Couture said over the last couple weeks she has met with department heads and student government leaders forewarning them of additional cuts and a likely increase in tuition.

But Regent Javier Gonzales, who cast the lone vote against the increases, said there should have been more public notice about tuition going up again.

The specific amount of the increase was not made public until just before the regents meeting Friday morning.

"I would hope we could table this action. This is a big decision that has impacts on the students and faculty members," Gonzales said. "I was hoping this tuition increase would go out earlier to the public, but it didn't."

Gonzales said the tuition increase "is being done on the backs of the people who can't afford it."

"If these tuition increases continue, I fear we will get to the point where we are the most expensive institution in the state and that goes against our land grant mission," he said.

Regent president Laura Conniff said she shared those concerns.

"We did not make these decisions lightly," said Conniff. "Whether we agree or disagree, I think we've done everything we can for the best interest of the university and we will continue to do so."

Christopher Schurtz can be reached at cschurtz@zianet.com.

2011-2012 tuition increase

•Undergraduate in-state 7.9 percent or $213 a semester

•Undergraduate non-resident 9.5 percent or $794 a semester

•Graduate in-state 8.1 percent or $235 a semester

•Graduate non-resident 9.6 percent or $816 a semester

•Housing rates increase 2.5 percent; no increase in meal plans

•Parking fees were increased by 17 cents per month for students and 33 cents per month for the majority of employees.

Do-a Ana Community College tuition increase

•In-state 8.8% or $60

•Non-resident 14.8% or $300

Alamogordo Community College

•In-state 10.1% or $84

•Non-resident 9.7% or $216

Four years of increases at NMSU

•2008-2009 6.9%

•2009-2010 5%

•2010-2011 8%

•2011-2012 7.9%

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Keele University opts for maximum £9k tuition fee

KEELE University has unveiled plans to charge £9,000-a-year for all its undergraduate courses; the maximum amount allowed under new fee rules.

The first students to be saddled with the higher costs will be those beginning degrees in September 2012.

But they won't have to find this up front as people will only start paying back their fees after they graduate and earn at least £20,000-a-year.

Keele is the first of the area's three universities to declare its hand over fee levels. Staffordshire and Manchester Metropolitan universities are expected to announce their plans over the next couple of weeks.

So far, two-thirds of England's universities are proposing to treble tuition fees, sparking fears that many teenagers will be put off applying for higher education altogether.

To help sugar the pill, Keele University will be offering brand new scholarships to young people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.

These will be worth £3,000 for every year of their course: the support includes a £2,000 fee waiver and a £1,000 cash bursary. An estimated 166 students starting at Keele in 2012 will be eligible.

A further 335 students, who come from families earning £25,000 or less, are expected to qualify for bursaries of £1,000. It means a third of undergraduates will benefit from some extra support from the university.

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Sexual harassment row at Yale University

Yale University, which has taught five US presidents and 18 Nobel Laureates, is now facing a sexual harassment scandal, it was reported here.

Daily Telegraph reported that the US government has initiated a probe into a complaint by 16 students at the Connecticut college.

The students have alleged a string of serious assaults by groups of men that were not punished.

They have also claimed that Yale's management allowed the cultivation of a "sexually hostile environment".

A 26-page dossier also reveals many unpleasant incidents on campus.

Last October, a group of male students who were attempting to enter the Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) fraternity, had gathered outside the dormitories of new female students and chanted: "No means yes!"

The complainants say the "band of loud men shouting threatening and pornographic language" left the first year teenage girls terrified.

Doug Lanpher, the head of DKE, said the incident was "inappropriate".

"It's behind us now," Lanpher told The Daily Telegraph.

In another incident, a group of male students were at the entrance to a women's building at midnight as they held a sign stating: "We Love Yale Sluts."

Two years ago, an e-mail with the subject line - "pre-season scouting report" - rated 50 women by the number of drinks male students would need before taking them to bed.

US Vice President Joe Biden had even made a speech telling male students that if they forced themselves on women they were "flat-out cowards".

"No matter what a girl does, no matter how she's dressed, no matter how much she's had to drink - it's never, never, never, never, never OK to touch her without her consent," Biden was quoted as saying.

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Mumbai University yet to declare engineering exam results

The Mumbai University has failed to declare the results of the exams for first and final year engineering students that was conducted in December, in the stipulated time. The university, by law, is supposed to announce the results within 45 days of the exams. Students who have been awaiting the results, will have practically no time to go in for re-evaluation with the next exams scheduled to begin from May 15.

First year students are awaiting the results of the first semester exams, while final year students are expecting the fifth semester exam results. One of the students, on condition of anonymity, said, “The university promised to declare the results much in advance this year, but has failed to keep the promise. If we have failed in any exam, and will have to appear for the allowed to keep term (ATKT) exams, we will not have any time to get our papers evaluated again. The process for re-evaluation itself is longer with the university.”

The Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNVS) approached the controller of examination, Vilas Shinde, on Tuesday, demanding early announcement of the results. “The university decentralised the paper evaluation process and announced the BCom October exam results in a record time of 12 days. However, the process doesn’t seem to have worked for the other subjects. October exams for TYBCom were only for the repeater candidates, where there are fewer numbers of students. Engineering students are more in number,” said Sainath Durge, from MNVS.

University officials have announced that the results will be out in 10-15days. The university has also introduced an optical mark reader (OMR) for data feeding this year, which will help them reduce the time consumed for evaluation by a week. However, the system too has seemed to fail with fewer numbers of approved teachers participating in the evaluation process.

Vilas Shinde, the controller of examination, said, “The examiners have not reported for evaluation duty. Stringent action will be taken against such teachers. I am trying to get data of teachers who have not reported to work. Their details will be given to college and the colleges will have to take action against them. In the final year, only subjects like computers, information technology, electronics and telecommunication, the results are awaited. Results for the rest of the subjects are out.”

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Academic panel okays integrated tech course

The University of Pune's (UoP) proposed M Tech-PhD integrated course in technology received the all-important approval of the academic council on Tuesday.

The industry-sponsored course, which promises scholarships better than the one offered by the University Grants Commission ( UGC) for post-graduate research, is due for commencement from July 2011.

"We are through with all our initial commitments like setting up of an independent technology department and faculty; establishment of board of studies (BoS) and securing speedy approval for the entire initiative from various statutory bodies of the university," UoP vice-chancellor R K Shevgaonkar told reporters on Tuesday.

"We will now approach the industry for the scholarships, which will eventually determine the number of seats we are to start with for the course," Shevgaonkar said. He sounded sure about securing at least 25 scholarships, going by the strong support extended by the city-based industries to the course. "Companies like Bharat Forge, Persistent, Praj, Infosys, Tata and Zensar have supported the initiative," he said.

Moreover, he said, "We are yet to approach the automotive companies and plan to do the same through the Maratha Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) through their upcoming meeting in May first week."

Shevgaonkar said that four BoS have been set up in areas relating to mechanical and materials, electronics and telecommunication, computer and information technology, and biotechnology and life sciences. Compilation of data on qualified PhD guides for the course has also been completed, he said.

Referring to the course, he said, the BoS has defined a set of minimum core studies, which every PhD student has to go through. Then there is a subject core and, finally, the third and the most important component of open elective subject that enables inter-disciplinary research and study, he added. Shevgaonkar had mooted the course during a presentation before the MCCIA last year and has since been following the initiative.

Asked about the regular PhD admissions, Shevgaonkar said, "We want the process to be simple and we are trying to minimise the procedural delays. Also, we are working towards a situation where the research and referral committee, which clears the PhD research projects, meets once every four months and takes expeditious decisions. The whole idea is to see that getting into PhD programme is simple but getting out of the same with a degree remains subject to very tough standards of assessment and evaluation."

The university is also working on increasing the number of PhDs in the engineering and pharmacy courses. This will go to an extent in addressing issues like lack of qualified PhD guides as well as qualified faculties in these two areas of studies, he added.

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Southern University AD arrested on charge of soliciting a prostitute

Houston police spokesman John Cannon says the 52-year-old former NFL tight end was arrested on a downtown street about 8:30 p.m. Sunday as a result of a reverse prostitution sting by undercover officers. LaFleur was released Monday on $500 bond.

Court records showed no attorney for LaFleur, whose home telephone has been disconnected. University spokesman Edward Pratt says Southern officials will investigate, then "will determine what action or actions are necessary."

LaFleur has been Southern's athletic director for six years. The Ville Platte, La., native and former LSU star tight end and receiver played with the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts in the NFL.

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Uclan student union calls for rethink on tuition fees

The president of the University of Central Lancashire (Uclan) has called on the government to reconsider its policy on university funding.

The Preston university has announced it will charge £9,000 a year - the maximum allowed by the government - from 2012.

The government has said it wants to replace direct government funding of courses with increased fees.

Union president Michael Palmer said he believed the plans would not be affordable.

"The government is trying to implement a scheme which it believes is cheaper on the Treasury and on the tax payer.

"It is simply not. It therefore cannot afford to run it. It is going to be forced to re-think its policy.

"As the Student Union here has always said, we are trying to say to the government, 're-think your strategy'."

Uclan vice chancellor Malcolm McVicar said it could only continue to provide a "superlative education" if it replaced lost state funding through fees.

The university is due to announce ways for students from all backgrounds to be able to afford the fees.

In total, 30 universities have declared their fee levels for next year, with the majority planning to charge £9,000.

They include the universities of Oxford, Imperial College, Durham, Exeter, Essex, Leicester, Surrey, Manchester, Warwick, Aston and UCL.

Ministers have warned universities that if the majority set fees at or close to the maximum £9,000 then more funding for teaching could be lost.

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University of Central Lancashire to charge £9,000 a year in fees

THE University of Central Lancashire, which has campuses in Preston and Burnley, has announced it will charge students £9,000 fees next year.

Bosses have set the level at the maximum after the government scrapped the current £3,290 cap.

Blackburn College has already announced its fees will be set between £6,000 and £7,000.

In a statement, UCLAN vice-chancellor Malcolm McVicar said the institution can only continue to provide a 'superlative education' if it replaces lost state funding through higher fees.

"We are proud of our world class facilities, extensive international partnerships and culture of combining academic excellence with innovative approaches and real world practicality," he said.

"We must continue to invest in order to maintain and improve these opportunities for the students of today and tomorrow.

"Fee levels of £9,000 will allow us to do that and in the coming months the university will announce a comprehensive student package to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, can continue to benefit from the life changing opportunities a UCLAN degree offers."

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Engineering student stabbed

Tags:Student stabbed|Mayo Hospital|Illicit relationship
NAGPUR: A 21-year-old engineering student was stabbed by three youths for having an illicit relationship with one of the culprit's wife. According to the police, for some time Amol Mendhe is allegedly having an illicit relationship with Swapnil Humne's wife. Doubting this, Humne along with his two friends attacked Mendhe with sharp weapons while he was heading towards a bank at Pachpaoli on Saturday afternoon.

Mendhe is undergoing treatment at Mayo Hospital while Pachpaoli police has registered a case against Humne.

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Visually challenged girl shows the way at IGNOU

At first look, IGNOU graduate Gunjan Shakya seemed like any other student being awarded her degree at the convocation held in the city. But that isn't the case. Visually challenged, 25-year old Gunjan has not had it easy on her way to reach the educational peak.

On Saturday when she was awarded a master's degree in English literature, her thoughts were already racing towards the synopsis presentation she had done for a PhD. "I am doing my PhD from Nagpur University on the works of author Tehmina Durrani," said Gunjan.

Having spent her entire student life in and around Nagpur, Gunjan has been an above average student throughout. She cleared her 10th and 12{+t}{+h} from CBSE board with percentage marks well in the 70s and B.A (English) from IGNOU.

What is unique is the way Gunjan went about her studies. "Since I was a child my father would record the entire syllabus on to a tape. Then I would listen to the audio recording and learn. I followed the same method for my master's degree and it worked well," said Gunjan.

IGNOU's regional director Sivaswaroop praised the efforts of Gunjan and said it shows "her zeal to pursue higher education for self betterment". About 2.3 lakh students all over India passed out from IGNOU in the 2010-11 academic year.

Nagpur university's vice-chancellor Vilas Sapkal, who was the chief guest, said, "Distance education has made a great impact in our education system. Its importance was acknowledged at the conference of vice chancellors which was held recently."

Sapkal also said that 'internationalization of education is an important consideration for every country'.

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Moily to open DBA's 135th anniversary

 It came into existence in 1876 and since then it is providing selfless service to scores of people by helping them in getting justice. The District Bar Association (DBA) of Nagpur is celebrating its 135th anniversary and to commemorate the occasion, the members have organized a mega event 'Justicia-2011' on Sunday at Vasantrao Deshpande hall at 9.30am. Union law minister, Veerappa Moily, would inaugurate the event. Supreme Court judge justice Vikas Sirpurkar, Bombay high court judge Sharad Bobde, and district judge A S Shivankar would be the other dignitaries who would grace the occasion.

In the two-day event debates and talks on various topics will be held. On Sunday debates will be held on 'Role and responsibility of lawyers in matrimonial disputes' and 'Where do we go wrong in conducting sessions trial' in two separate sessions. Former principal judge of family court Meera Khaddakar would chair the first session while justice Arun Chaudhari would chair the second one. The debate session organized on Monday will be chaired by justice Ambadas Joshi while justice Bhushan Gavai would be the chief guest for valedictory function along with newly appointed registrar general of high court, Sunil Shukre.

According to DBA president Dipak Kolhe, the beautiful stone building made of black stones (Dagdi building) was constructed in 1915 and occupied in 1916. The old bar rooms were also constructed around the same time. After its formation in 1876, DBA gradually became a powerful association. The present building was occupied in 1977. At the time of its inception there were about 800 lawyers in the association, which has now swelled to over 4,000. Even Britishers (barristers) practised in the old courts.

DBA has produced a strong line up of eminent legal luminaries who include Sir B K Bose, judges like M B Kinkhede, M R Bobde and M B Niyogi. It also has been home to many eminent lawyers like V R Manohar and MR alias Bhayyasaheb Bobde among others.

The present DBA team has also contributed greatly for the development of bar by establishing e-library on the premises and also outsourcing certified judgment copies. Currently, there are 103 courts operating in Nagpur district of which 79 are in Nagpur. All these courts are accommodated in 54 halls leading to cramming. The state government had sanctioned a new building, but its work is held up as the plan is yet to be cleared by the Heritage Society. DBA is also in favour of setting up a National Law School in the city as was assured by President Pratibha Patil during her recent visit to the city, Kolhe said.

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