Mangaluru: Mangalore University is aiming to secure a higher accreditation grade in the upcoming National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) cycle, vice-chancellor Prof PL Dharma said on Thursday, even as the accreditation body transitions to a new evaluation framework.Addressing reporters, Dharma said the university, currently accredited with a B+ grade, has uploaded comprehensive data covering five years up to 2025 on the NAAC portal, and is awaiting further communication. We are targeting an A++ grade in the next cycle, he said.He attributed the lower grade in the previous cycle primarily to a shortage of permanent teaching staff. Vacancies in several departments are affecting students and weakening research centres, he said, adding that no appointments have been made against posts vacated due to retirements since 2018. The issue has been brought to the attention of higher education department secretary Thulasi Maddineni, who has assured consideration, he said.While guest lecturers are being engaged to bridge the gap, Dharma noted that the minimal age difference between some guest faculty and students makes it difficult for students to discuss issues freely. Of the 273 sanctioned teaching posts, only 115 have been filled, leaving 158 vacant. In the non-teaching category, 160 of 547 posts are filled, with 387 remaining vacant.Dharma said the university has streamlined the admission process and set up a dedicated help desk. It has also introduced consolidated marks cards for final-year students to aid employment. The sixth and eighth semester undergraduate examinations concluded on July 10, with valuation completed by July 18. Results of 17,076 out of 17,347 students were announced on July 29. Results of 261 students are pending due to technical issues, for which a UUCMS specialist has been deployed, with grievances being resolved within two to three days. For the first time, the marks entry and grading process at valuation centres was fully computerised through an online system, he said.Dharma said the newly appointed registrar (administration) has prioritised repairs to water lines, electrical systems and other essential facilities. Upgradation of outdated computer labs is also under way, with new equipment being procured under the PM-USHA scheme and expected to be installed within a week. He said that pensions for 461 retirees are now dispersed within the first week of every month through a dedicated pension trust. Payments to guest faculty and part-time staff have also been streamlined, with salaries released by the fifth of every month.The university has proposed setting up a govt-supported sports academy at the Belapu centre.Dharma said several programmes started by affiliated colleges without required approvals have been temporarily suspended. Students enrolled in such courses will be shifted to the university campus until approvals are obtained. Admissions were conducted for 46 programmes across 34 departments last year. However, applications have been invited for all programmes, and courses will be revived subject to adequate enrolment and government approval.
