Colleges in coastal districts, including Mangaluru, have voiced concerns over the stifling heat, making it challenging to conduct classes effectively. They have appealed to Mangalore University to revise its academic calendar, aiming to conclude semester classes by March annually. The pandemic-induced disruptions further complicated scheduling, leading to chaos in class and examination timetables.
Traditionally, the second, fourth, and sixth semesters would conclude by March, with exams scheduled for April and May. However, soaring temperatures and the threat of heatwaves have rendered classrooms uncomfortable, resulting in student illnesses and declining attendance, particularly after lunchtime.
Senior lecturers emphasize the difficulties of conducting classes in such conditions, with fans providing little relief as they circulate warm air. Suggestions for immediate solutions include transitioning classes entirely online or adopting a half-day schedule to mitigate heat exposure and water scarcity issues on campuses.
Bhaskar Shetty, principal of Dr G Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College and PG Study Centre, Ajjarkadu, Udupi, advocates for a return to the pre-Covid academic calendar, starting classes in June and concluding the academic year the following May. This proposal seeks to alleviate heat-related challenges by aligning the academic schedule with historically cooler months.
However, PL Dharma, the vice-chancellor of Mangalore University, states that no written requests regarding heat-related inconveniences have been received from colleges. He asserts that the university will consider shifting classes online upon formal submission of such requests.
