UGC Issues the Guidelines for Facilitating Alternative Mode of Learning in Higher Education

University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the Guidelines for Facilitating Alternative Mode of Learning in Higher Education on 13 July 2020. This is as part of the Commission initiative to address the unprecedented impact of Covid-19 on regular academic activities of universities and higher education institutions. Earlier on 29 May 2020, Government of Nepal has formed the high level committee headed by the UGC Chairperson Prof. Dr. Bhim Prasad Subedi for providing the suggestions and preparing a guidelines to address the problem focusing on alternative mode of education in universities and higher education institutions. Prof. Dr. Dev Raj Adhikari, Secretary, UGC and Mr. Ram Sharan Sapkota, Joint-Secretary, Ministry of Education were in the committee as members.

 

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in unprecedented disturbances in humans and their daily activities throughout the world. Nepal could never be spared of this epidemic. The Government of Nepal has imposed lockdown and the timing to return life into normal is uncertain. Consequently, the education sector in the country has been adversely affected with this ongoing lockdown. Universities and campuses have not been able to follow their academic calendar since students and the staff and faculty cannot continue their academic programs, such as running classes and taking exams in normal physical classrooms Nepal’s educational institutions, including campuses and universities have been managing their programs and organizing classes through alternative e-learning platforms. In these lights, colleges and universities should be following directives issued by the government, it is also equally important to adopt measures, so that the loss incurred is mitigated to the extent possible without compromising the objectives of the curriculum. In such uncertainties and difficulties, it is the joint responsibility of all stakeholders, universities, students and parents to educate students address the issues and continue educational activities.