Organisational Structure
Indira Gandhi National Open University

Context:
This selection from the annual report of the Indira Gandhi National Open University includes an organizational chart for this single-mode institution.

Source:
Indira Gandhi National Open University. 1992. "Organisational Structure." In Indira Gandhi National Open University, Annual Report 1991-92, New Delhi, pp. 6-8.

Copyright:
Reproduced with permission.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

During the initial phase, the organisational structure of the University was evolved with a view to perform the major functions, such as course design, development and preparation; production and distribution; student admission; evaluation and student record management; and other support services. The Schools of Studies set up by the University are mainly responsible for course design, development and preparation of materials. The Production and Publication Division and the Material Distribution Division are charged with the responsibility of producing the print material, its storage and distribution to students after they have registered for various programmes. Audio/Video programmes for various courses are designed and producer by the Communication Division in consultation with the Schools. This Division is equipped with modern facilities for the production and duplication of audio/video programmes. The Regional Services Division provides support services to students in the form of counselling, guid ance, feedback on assignments, etc. The Computer Division is primarily responsible for the maintenance of student records. There are separate Divisions dealing with Admission, and Evaluation of student performance. The Distance Education Division concerns itself with various methodological aspects of the University's instructional system and its evaluation.

AUTHORITIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

The major decision-making bodies provided in the IGNOU Act are the Board of Management, the Academic Council, the Planning Board, the Schools of Studies and the Finance Committee. The Board of Management is the principal executive body of the University and the Academic Council its principal academic body. The Schools of Studies are the basic units of academic Organisation. Each School has a Board of Studies responsible for designing courses, determining their content and structure, developing the course materials and so on. The Academic Council exercises overall academic supervision and control over the functioning of the Schools of Studies and lays down the academic policies of the University. The Planning Board is the principal planning body of the University and is responsible for designing and formulating appropriate programmes and activities; it has the right to advise the Board of Management and the Academic Council on any matter. It is also responsible for monitoring the progress of the Unive rsity. The functions of the Finance Committee include consideration of the annual accounts and financial estimates of the University, and fixation of the limits for the total recurring and non-recurring expenditure.

The Board of Management of the University held five meetings during 1991-92. The four Standing Committees of the Board of Management also held several meetings; the Establishment Committee had five meetings; the Works Committee met twice; and the Student Services Committee and the Purchase Committee held one meeting each.

The Academic Council and the Planning Board held two meetings each.