Extension of tenure sought for guest faculty in Calicut varsity

A Syndicate member in the University of Calicut (CU) has submitted a representation to the Registrar seeking the continuation of tenure of the existing guest faculty members in various departments on the main campus till March 31, 2027.

K. Mohamed Haneefa, the Syndicate member, said in the letter that extending their tenure would be essential in maintaining academic continuity and ensuring smooth conduct of the university’s teaching programmes. Their appointments were initially extended up to June 30, 2026, and then till the appointment of new guest teachers or July 31, 2026, whichever was earlier. However, the university is yet to issue a notification for fresh appointments. There are over 30 departments on the main campus, and each has at least two or three guest lecturers.

Mr. Haneefa said that the current guest faculty members had been actively engaged in teaching, internal assessment, examinations, valuation, project supervision, mentoring, research support, and several other academic responsibilities. With the first semester classes for the academic year 2026–27 already begun on July 1, the existing guest faculty were handling their classes as well. Their continued engagement would be vital for ensuring uninterrupted teaching, timely completion of the syllabus, and effective implementation of the academic calendar. In several departments, they were involved in open elective courses too.

Discontinuing their services at this stage, he said, would adversely affect the conduct of these courses. Since most higher education institutions in the State have already completed guest faculty recruitment for the current academic year, they are unlikely to get fresh job opportunities, Mr. Haneefa added.