Autonomy

STATUTES OF R.P.D. AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE

2024

1. SHORT TITLE, APPLICATION, AND COMMENCEMENT:

1.1 The statutes shall be called the Statutes of RPD College of Arts and Commerce (Autonomous)

1.2 These statutes shall come into force from the date of conferment of Autonomous College status.

2. DEFINITIONS:

In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

2.1 “Academic Council” means the Academic Council of the Autonomous College

2.2 “Affiliation” means association of a College and its admission to the privileges of the University.

2.3 “Act” means the University Grants Commission Act, 1956

2.4 “Board of Studies” means the Board of Studies of a Department of the Autonomous College

2.5 “College” means an institution, whether known as such or by any other name, which provides for a programme of study beyond 12 years of schooling for obtaining a Degree conferment.

2.6 “Commission” means the University Grants Commission (UGC)

2.7 “Finance Committee” means the Finance Committee of the Autonomous College

2.8 “Governing Body” means the Governing Body of the Autonomous College, which is different from the Trust Board or the Board of Management or the Executive Committee or the Management Committee

2.9 “Parent Body” means the Society registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, or a body corporate, established or incorporated under a Central or State Act for the time being in force, or a Trust or a Company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013; the Government or local authority or any University (for college/institution run by them)

2.10 “Notification” means a notification issued by the parent University declaring a college as an autonomous one after the conferment of autonomous status by the UGC

2.11 “Parent University” means the University to which the College concerned is affiliated or of which the College concerned is a constituent

2.12 “Statutory body” means a statutory body of the Autonomous College

2.13 “Standing Committee means a Committee comprising of 3 or more Members

2.14 IQAC means Internal Quality Assurance Cell established by an Autonomous College in accordance with the UGC Regulations made by the Commission and the guidelines on IQAC issued by the Commission, as may be amended from time to time

3. ROLE, TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AN AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE:

The role, terms and conditions of an Autonomous College in general and subject to the provisions of Regulations will be as under:

3.1 Review the existing courses / programmes and, restructure, redesign and prescribe its own Courses / Programmes of study and syllabi.

3.2 To formulate new courses / programmes within the nomenclature specified by UGC as per the Specification of Degrees 2014 as amended from time to time.

3.3 Evolve methods of assessment of students‟ performance, conduct of examinations, and notification of results.

3.4 To announce results, issue mark sheets, and other certificates; however, the degree shall be awarded by the parent University with the name of the College on the degree certificate.

3.5 Autonomous colleges need not pay affiliation fees to the parent University.

3.6 Prescribe rules for admission in consonance with the reservation policy of the state government/national policy.

3.7 Autonomous Colleges may fix fees as per the norms of the State Government/ Statutory Council(s) at their own level, as applicable.

3.8 Constitute own Governing Body, Academic Council, Finance Committee, and Board of Studies.

3.9 The teaching staff and Principal in the Autonomous College shall be appointed as per the University Grants Commission (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and other Academic Staff in College and other Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2018 as amended from time to time or any regulations notified by UGC in this regard from time to time.

3.10 Autonomy granted to the College is at the institutional level and is not partial and shall cover the programmes at all levels of U.G. and P.G. offered by the College. The courses introduced by the College after the conferment of autonomous status shall automatically come under the purview of autonomy.

3.11 Ph.D. programmes shall be offered strictly as per the UGC Regulations notified in this regard from time to time.

4. MATTERS REGARDING STARTING OF NEW COURSES:

4.1 An autonomous college is free to start certificate or diploma courses without prior approval of the parent University. The Autonomous College should inform the parent University about the introduction of such new courses. Approval of the concerned statutory bodies of the Autonomous College and Statutory Council(s) should be obtained, wherever required. Certificates and Diplomas shall be issued under the seal of the Autonomous College.

4.2 An autonomous college is free to start a new degree programme (s) at undergraduate and postgraduate levels with the approval of the Academic Council of the Autonomous College and concerned Statutory Council(s), wherever required, provided the nomenclature of the degree is in consonance with UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014 as amended from time to time. Such courses shall fulfill the minimum standards prescribed by the parent university/UGC/Statutory Council(s) in terms of number of hours, curricular content and standards, and the parent University shall be duly informed of such courses.

4.3 An autonomous college can start Ph.D. programme with the prior approval of the parent University. UGC Regulations for Ph.D. programmes as notified from time to time, must be adhered to by the parent University/Autonomous College.

4.4 An autonomous college may rename an existing course as per the UGC Notification on Specification of Degrees, 2014, as amended from time to time after restructuring/redesigning it with the approval of the Academic Council of the Autonomous College. The parent University should be duly informed of such proceedings. However, this renaming of course(s) will not be applicable to previous batches.

5. EXAMINATION CELL:

5.1 Autonomous College shall have an Examination Cell and should maintain all the records of the

Student evaluations and examinations.

6. GOVERNANCE OF AN AUTONOMOUS COLLEGE:

The Autonomous College shall have the following Statutory Bodies/Committees to ensure proper management of its academic, financial and general administrative affairs.

• Governing Body
• Academic Council
• Board of Studies
• Finance Committee

The College shall, in addition, have other committees such as planning and evaluation committee, Grievance Appeal Committee, Examination Committee, Library Committee, Student Welfare Committee, Extra-Curricular Activities Committee and such other committees needed for effective implementation of policies of the College.

6.1 Governing Body:

6.1.1 Constitution of Governing Body:

Constitution of Governing Body of Colleges run by Society shall be according to the structure given below.

6.1.2 Term:

1. The Governing Body shall be reconstituted every five years.
2. The tenure of a nominated member shall be two years, except for the UGC/State Govt. Nominee whose tenure will be full 5 years.
3. The concerned authority shall fill up any vacancies arising for any reason

6.1.3 Meetings:

1. Meetings of the Governing Body shall be held at least once in every six months.

2. The meeting of the Governing Body shall be held on the date(s) determined by the Chairperson. The Principal/ Head shall issue a notice of meeting at least 15 clear days before the date of the meeting. The Principal/ Head shall issue an agenda of the meeting to the members at least 7 clear days prior to the date of the meeting. However, in case of an emergency meeting the period notice or agenda shall be waived.

3. Provided further that, in case of any emergency, other items may be taken up for consideration with the approval of the Chairman, even if these items are not included in the agenda.

4. The Chairperson, or in his/ her absence, a member nominated by him/ her for the purpose shall preside over the meeting. However, in the absence of the so nominated member, the members present shall elect the Chairperson for the meeting.
5. The Governing Body may refer any of the subjects within its purview to the relevant Committee/ Body of the Autonomous College. The report of such Committee/ Body shall be considered by the Governing Body.

6. The decision of the Governing Body shall be recorded in the resolution form. The resolution shall not contain the deliberations and discussion and whether the decision is unanimous or otherwise, except the mention of dissent specifically requested for by the member(s) for being so recorded.

7. The Member-Secretary shall read the minutes of the meeting at the end and the same shall be approved by the Chairperson. The minutes of meeting shall be circulated to the members of the Governing Body. Upon approval of the minutes by the Chairperson, the Member-Secretary shall proceed with the implementation of the said resolutions. The action taken on the resolutions shall be reported to the Governing Body in its subsequent meeting(s).

8. The Member-Secretary shall ensure that the action taken on every resolution of the Governing Body is duly reported to the Governing Body as soon as the action thereon is completed. In order to ensure proper reporting, the Secretary may adopt suitable administrative measure such as maintaining the register of the items, the resolutions thereon and the nature of action taken.

9. The members of the Governing Body shall safeguard the interest of the Autonomous College and Honour the resolutions.

10. Presence of a minimum 50% (6 members) of Members shall constitute the quorum. In case of want of quorum the meeting shall be adjourned by half an hour and no quorum shall be required for such adjourned meeting.

6.1.4 Functions:

Subject to the existing provision in the bylaws of Autonomous College and rules laid down by the state government/ parent University, the Governing Body of the Autonomous colleges shall:

1. Approve new programs of study leading to degrees and/or diplomas.

2. Assess the feasibility and approve proposals received from Academic Council for academic programs.

3. All recruitments of Teaching Faculty/Principal shall be made by the Governing Body/state Government as applicable in accordance with the policies laid down by the UGC and State Government from time to time.

4. To provide for procedure for selection of teaching and non-teaching unaided staff and to make their appointments.

5. Lay down conditions of service of teaching and non-teaching unaided staff including their emoluments and allowances.

6. To be a disciplinary authority for the teaching and non-teaching staff in accordance with rules and procedure to be laid down by it.

7. To make, amend and repeal rules and regulations.

8. Institute scholarships, fellowships, studentships, medals, prizes, and certificates on the recommendations of the Academic Council.

9. Approve the annual budget of the Autonomous College.

10. Fixing the fee and other charges payable by the students of the College/ Institution on the Recommendation of the finance committee.

11. All financial matters including investment of the college money and raising resources for the College/ Institution.

12. To consider and adopt the financial estimates and audited statements of accounts etc.

13. To delegate administrative and financial powers to the Principal and other teaching and non-teaching staff of the College/ Institution.

14. To constitute Committees for academic and administrative purposes.

15. To either approve or refer the syllabus, change in syllabus or any examination related reforms back to academic council for resubmission with necessary observation.

16. To consider the report of the internal and external review committee of the Autonomous.

17. College on the recommendations of the Academic Council and take further necessary action.

18. To accept endowments, donations etc. on behalf of Autonomous College.

19. To approve academic calendar of the Autonomous College in consultation with the academic council.

20. To perform such other functions and Institute committees, as may be necessary and deemed fit for the proper development of the Autonomous College, and fulfill the objectives for which the College has been declared as Autonomous.

The powers and functions of the Governing Body shall be exercised in accordance with the guidelines, rules, regulations that may be issued by the UGC, State Government, Parent University and College Management from time to time.

6.2 Academic Council:

6.2.1 Constitution: According to UGC guidelines the composition of academic council is as given below.

1. The Principal (Chairman)

2. All the Heads of Departments in the Autonomous College

3. Four teachers of the Autonomous College representing different categories of teaching staff by

rotation on the basis of seniority of service in the College.

4. Not less than four experts/academicians from outside the Autonomous College representing

such areas as Industry, Commerce, Law, Education, Medicine, Engineering, Sciences, etc.,

are to be nominated by the Governing Body. Three nominees of the University, not less than Professors.

5. The Controller of Examination of the Autonomous College

6. A faculty member nominated by the Principal (Member Secretary).

6.2.2 Term: The term of the nominated members shall be three years.

6.2.3 Meetings:

1. The member secretary shall, with the approval of the Principal convene the meetings of the Academic Council at least twice a year and on such occasions as may be necessary.

2. He/She shall, with the approval of the Principal prepare the Agenda for the meeting.

3. One half of the members shall constitute the quorum. However, if there is no quorum for up to half an hour, then the meeting shall stand adjourned to the next convenient day fixed. In the adjourned meeting, if there is no quorum for up to half an hour, then the members present shall themselves constitute the quorum and conduct the meeting.

4. The Principal shall convene the Special meeting of the Academic Council if any urgent decision is to be taken which cannot be kept pending till the regular meeting of the Academic Council. The Special Meeting can be convened on a short notice. The quorum and other requirements are as applicable to ordinary meetings.

6.2.4 Functions:

Without prejudice to the generality of function mentioned, the Academic Council shall have powers to:

1. Adopt the regulations regarding the admission of students consistent with the Government/University norms to different programmes offered by the college.

2. Scrutinise and approve the proposals with or without modification of the Boards of Studies with regard to courses of study, academic regulations, curricula, syllabi and modifications thereof, instructional and evaluation arrangements, methods, procedures relevant thereto etc., provided that where the Academic Council differs on any proposal, it
   will have the right to return the matter for reconsideration to the Board of Studies concerned or reject it, after giving reasons to do so.

3. Make regulations regarding the following:
4. Establishing and functioning of research centres
5. Sports and extra-curricular activities.

• Maintenance of infrastructure related to sports and extra-curricular activities.

1. Functioning and maintenance of hostels.
2. Recommend to the Governing Body to institute various scholarships, studentships,

fellowships, prizes and medals, and to frame regulations for the award of the same.

4. Recommend to the Governing Body to introduce new programmes and facilitate academic reforms to meet the changing demands of education.

5. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Governing Body.

6. Approve the list of successful candidates for conferment of Degrees by the College

7. Frame Regulations consistent with the College norms/Guidelines for the conduct of examinations and initiate measures for improving the quality of teaching.

6.3 Board of Studies

6.3.1 Constitution: According to UGC guidelines the composition of academic council is as given below

1. Head of the Department concerned (Chairperson).

2. All faculty members of the Department.

3. Two subject experts from outside the parent University are to be nominated by the Academic Council.

4. One expert is to be nominated by the Vice-Chancellor from a panel of six recommended by the Autonomous College Principal.

5. One representative from industry/corporate sector/allied areas to be nominated by the Principal.

6. One member of the College alumni to be nominated by the Principal.

7. Experts from outside the Autonomous College, whenever special courses of studies are to be formulated, to be nominated by the Principal.

6.3.2 Term: The term of the nominated members shall be three years.

6.3.3 Meeting: The meetings of the BoS shall be convened by the respective chairperson with the consent of the Principal as and when necessary, but at least once in every six months. One half of the members shall form the quorum for a meeting. The Joint Board of Studies shall also meet once in a year to discuss common academic issues.

6.3.4 Functions: The functions of the BoS are as follows:

1. Prepare and revise the syllabi of various courses keeping in view the objectives of the college,

interest of the stakeholders and State/National requirements, for the consideration and approval

of the Academic Council.

2. Suggest methodologies for innovative teaching and evaluation techniques.

3. Suggest panel of names of experts to the Academic Council, for appointment as examiners.

4. Coordinate research, teaching, extension and other academic activities of the department and

5. Any other functions that may be assigned by the Academic Council.

6.4. Finance Committee: The Finance committee shall advise the Governing Body on all matters

connected with the finances of the College. The constitution of the Finance Committee shall be

as given below:

6.4.1Constitution: According to UGC guidelines the composition of academic council is as given below

1. The Principal (Chairman)

2. One person to be nominated by the Governing Body of the Autonomous College for a period of two years.\

3. One senior-most faculty member of the Autonomous College to be nominated in rotation by the Principal for two years.

4. Finance Officer/Officer in-charge of Finance and Accounts of the Autonomous College (Member Secretary)

6.4.2 Term: The term of the nominated members shall be three years.

6.4.3 Meeting: The finance Committee shall meet at least twice a year. One half of the members shall form the quorum for a meeting. 

6.4.4 Functions: The Finance Committee shall act as an advisory body to the Governing Body to consider:

1. Budget estimates relating to the grant received/receivable from funding agencies, income from

fees, etc. and

2. Audited accounts for the above.

7. GENERAL MATTERS:

7.1 Examination system : In order to ensure high academic standard of the Autonomous College and to avoid victimization by either teachers or students of any group, there shall be various alternatives to the internal examination system. Both internal and external examiners shall evaluate students’ performance in the examinations.

• Board of Examiners: The Principal in consultation with the Academic Council shall constitute

the Board of Examiners of the Programme. Each Board shall be responsible for all matters connected with planning and conduct of examinations and evaluation. The Board shall also have powers to review and finalize the examination results and to take remedial measures wherever considered necessary. The Board shall analyze the performances of students and report its findings to the Academic Council and the Governing Body for their consideration and necessary action, if any. The Board of Examiners may appoint Sub-Committee to assist in discharge of its functions.

7.3 Award of Degree through the University:

The Autonomous College shall hold its own Graduation Ceremony after completing the prescribed period of the programme of study to confer the Degree/Diploma/Certificate on the students who have been certified to have passed the concerned examinations. Such Degree shall be issued by the University bearing the seal and signature of the Vice-Chancellor with the mention of the name of the concerned Autonomous College.

The students of Autonomous Colleges shall be eligible for ranks, medals, prizes etc., awarded by the concerned College only and not of the University.

The Autonomous Colleges shall be free to institute medals for meritorious students. The other terms shall be decided with the approval of appropriate Bodies in the College.

The University shall award Degrees to the students evaluated and recommended by each Autonomous College. The Degree Certificates shall be in a common format devised by the University. The name of the College shall be mentioned in the Degree Certificate.

8. MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS:

1. The admission of students to courses of studies offered by the Autonomous College shall fulfill the minimum qualification laid down by the University/Council for the course of study concerned, subject to Rules of reservation for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backward Classes as laid down by the State Government from time to time.
2. Copies of the proceedings of the Academic council and Governing Body shall be sent to the University within four weeks of the meeting for information and record.
3. Organization of special need-based short-term courses under Continuing Education Programs of the College shall be an important activity of the Autonomous Colleges. Such courses shall be planned to benefit the students/staff of the Colleges, besides outsiders who may enroll for them.
4. The time spent by teachers on Collaborative/Sponsored Research projects and extension work shall be counted for reckoning their workload, as prescribed by the University/Council.
5. An Autonomous College shall prepare a calendar for meetings of various Bodies to ensure that the implementation of the recommendations made by them is not unduly delayed for reasons of non-convening of such meetings
6. A wide variety of courses may be evolved in modules, so that students may opt for them according to their convenience. Such courses may help them acquire additional credits.
7. Autonomous College shall carry out continuous assessment of students’ work during each semester
8. Teacher evaluation in Autonomous Colleges shall include periodical self-evaluation, institutional assessment of teachers’ performance, students’ feedback and research appraisal and other suitable forms of teaching appraisals.
9. Autonomous College may explore networking opportunities for mutual benefit by taking up cooperation/collaboration in chosen areas such as management skills, National service, service projects, inter-collegiate/intra-collegiate sharing of expertise and human resource for teaching and evaluation processes.
10. Choice Based Credit System and Credit transfer among Colleges in general and Autonomous

Colleges in particular shall be suitably adopted.

9. 9. MANDATORY DISCLOSURES:
10. The autonomous college will, without fail, upload on its website information regarding the courses offered by it, the fees for the courses, the details of the faculty along with qualification and unique ID, the admission procedure, the details of relevant infrastructures, research activities of the college (if any).
11. The college will also put on its website the creation of various committees/cells as mandate of UGC regulations notified from time to time.