Pursuant to the directions of Lt. Governor, J&K, UT, regarding opening of offices of universities/colleges in the UT of J&K, a marathon meeting of the COVID -19 Task Force constituted by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu comprising senior academicians and other top functionaries of the University was held on 6th May 2020.

"The Committee was mandated to formulate an action plan in view of the order issued by the J & K Government to put academics and research on track in the University, in the wake of COVID-19," said Dr Vinay Thusoo, Official Spokesperson, JU . Based on the resolutions of the Task Force chaired by Prof Manoj Dhar and to ensure smooth, safe and secure functioning, he said, an order was issued by the JU that the Offices of Vice-Chancellor and few other important Administrative Offices shall continue to function. However, these offices will not allow any visitors/outsiders/general public till further orders. For other offices a proper resumption plan was also devised.

The period up to 30th May,2020 shall be treated as preparatory one, wherein the university shall make every effort to put in place the required mechanism as well as the essentially required infrastructure, safety equipment, gadgets etc. for smooth implementation of the revised Academic Calendar in conformity with the UGC and COVID-19 related safety guidelines notified by the Govt. from time to time, he said. Earlier, he added, another Committee of Senior Deans also formulated an action plan with respect to the matters pertaining to Campus PG Choice Based Courses covering broadly all aspects regarding conduct of classes through online modes by using the various virtual platforms and conduct of online viva voce through Skype/WebEx based/ any other platform for M. Phil/Ph. D students as per the UGC guidelines.

The Committee also made deliberations with respect to the Class work for learning through Distance Mode and it was decided that for Examinations and the admission schedule, the Directorate of Distance Education shall follow the same schedules as would be prescribed for other departments of the University.

For conduct of examinations, it was decided that Paper Setting and evaluation work shall be undertaken in a time bound manner, he said adding that the examinations shall be held in shifts, keeping in mind the social distancing norms. The Committee also deliberated upon the mode of admission for the next Academic Session(2020-21) and decided to develop a mechanism for the same keeping in view the post-lockdown scenario. Furthermore, the Committee also deliberated upon the matters pertaining to Affiliated Colleges UG/PG/Professional/DDE Courses and resolved that the Affiliated Colleges shall be brought on board for laying down the Academic as well as the examination schedule,s as per the UGC guidelines.

The University will soon develop separate road map/scheme of things, which shall be declared in due course of time. It was also resolved that all examinations shall stand suspended till further orders and the University shall shortly notify revised tentative Academic and Research Calendar for information of all its stake holders.