The change that might drive other institutions in Kerala to follow suit is a forerunner to CET’s objective of throwing up the doors to its facilities round-the-clock
Scripting yet another chapter in its tumultuous history, the 83-year-old Institution of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) is likely to become the first State-run college to extend its campus hours until night.
From February 15 onwards, the college will operate from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., practically tripling its working hours to 12. It now works from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The change that might drive other institutions in Kerala to follow suit is a forerunner to CET’s objective of throwing open the doors to its facilities round-the-clock. The decision, which has been made on the basis of long-standing requests by the student community, is sure to benefit various academics including 246 research scholars and approximately 1,400 MTech students.
Besides, several undergraduate students have participated in special projects in advanced study fields such as robotics and vehicle engineering.
Higher Education Minister R. Bindu will officially launch the expansion of campus hours on February 15. She will also commission the rebuilt students’ centre complex and a central computer facility on the occasion.
This is not the first time CET and its students have fostered change in an age-old profession. The determined efforts of its students against conservative standpoints pushed the government to abolish the curfew that existed in women hostels in the State and extend its timings to 9.30 p.m. equal to what existed in men’s hostels four years ago.
CET head V. Suresh Babu said the extension of the campus hours was likely to increase the academic participation of students and teachers. Besides, students will be able to enjoy its sports and exercise facilities till late hours.
Dr. Babu pointed out that the class hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. would stay unaltered. The institution also does not foresee a shift system for its professors as yet. While students would gain via unfettered access to the libraries and labs for research activities, the availability of lecturers and technical experts might be requested if required.
The college’s desire to operate all throughout the day is afflicted with problems. The campus has yet to be completely guarded with various areas laying open in the lack of a compound wall. While this might leave the school exposed to invasions by outsiders, the college administration will deploy extra guards to improve security. Plans are also afoot to boost visibility by putting roughly 10 high-mast lights around the campus.
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