Tribhuvan University (TU) has implemented a new rule restricting the appointment of Assistant Deans to a maximum of three per office in its subordinate institutes and faculties. The Executive Council made this decision in a meeting held on Friday, and it will apply to all nine institutes and faculties, according to Rector Khadga KC.
This action comes after the university's recent selection of eight Deans, more than 20 campus leaders, and Assistant Controllers of Examinations via a competitive process. The institution is again proceeding to appoint Assistant Deans and departmental leaders through competitive means.
The appointment process at TU has faced criticism for potential political patronage. Nevertheless, TU professors contend that enhancing the number of actively teaching, researching, and contributing faculty is essential. They assert that implementing competitive processes has minimized the sway of political parties and organizations on appointments.
Previously, up to four Assistant Deans could be appointed based on political connections. Rector Khadga KC stated that the Executive Council is also considering reducing the number of Assistant Deans and Assistant Controllers of Examinations. It was revealed that these positions were often added unnecessarily to fulfill quotas from various political parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), and other smaller parties.
The Institute of Engineering is appointing Assistant Deans and the Chief of Pulchowk Campus; five professors have applied for the latter. The Institute of Medicine is also appointing the Director of Teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj Medical, and the Chief of Nepalgunj Nursing Campus. A selection committee has been formed, and Sunita Acharya and Tulsa Sunar have applied for the Nursing Campus Chief position.
Previously, faculties such as Medicine and Engineering had four Assistant Deans, but faculties like Law, Forestry, and Agriculture will now be limited to a maximum of three. Rector KC clarified that faculties with smaller student populations, like Law and Forestry, typically have two Assistant Deans, while larger faculties can have up to three. He also noted that the Executive Council is contemplating a further reduction to two for the smaller faculties.
Tribhuvan University has introduced the "Tribhuvan University Regulations on the Basis and Criteria for Appointment to Temporary Posts 2081" to help guide the appointment process more smoothly. These helpful regulations have been followed for the appointments of Deans and campus chiefs across the country, and they will also be applied to selecting Assistant Deans and other positions in subordinate agencies. The regulations set forth a clear and supportive process that includes forming a recommendation committee, inviting applications, evaluating candidates, and ultimately selecting one individual from a shortlist of three for a four-year term.
