Q When is the first day of class for New (2007) batch?

A Colleges starts on Wednesday, July 25, 2007. Not all courses start on this date though. For example, MBA starts on July 16 and M.Tech start on September 17, 2007. Check our online chart for the exact start and end dates of courses.

Q If the first class I am to attend is a tutorial (I haven't attended a lecture yet), are the tutorials held since they're usually based on the information covered in lecture?

A Great question! There's no hard and fast answer to this one, but we recommend that you are on the side of caution and attend. Some programs (like Humanities) definitely run tutorials, even those scheduled before a lecture. The professor or lecturer will take advantage of the tutorial to get acquainted with students, hand out course materials and begin discussing the course objectives. Important information you shouldn't miss!

Q I need to find out what happens if one of my classes is cancelled or I miss an exam. Where do I find this information?

A You'll find the JIS Group policies and procedures regarding student conduct here. We also publish information about what to do if you miss an exam due to illness. WBUT also has some Guidelines for Final Examinations in case your exams fall on a religious or some special holiday. But minium of 70% attendence is compulsory for the eligibility to attend the University examination. In case of less perecentage of attendance, parents will be informed to explain the reasons for the same.


Q I have classes from 10.00am to 5.30pm with 45 minutes break in between. If the classroom locations are far away from each other, how do I get to my classes without being late?

A You'll have time between classes to get from one location to another, even if they're in different buildings and one is scheduled to end at the same time another starts. The professor usually lets you out about 5 minutes before class actually ends. That is, if you have a class scheduled to end at 11:00am, you'll get out around 10:55am.

As for breaks, once you have 45 minutes time in your hand, you can have easily grab the tiffin or coffee inside the college campus or use the washroom. You'll be fine. Lots of students have classes back-to-back and are able to make it to their classes with no problems.

Q I can't find my class schedule online anywhere. Where is it?

A We provide you with an online or print version of your schedule just before commence of the new session 2007.

Q How do lectures function? Do we have discussion time or do we sit and listen to the professor for the duration of the lecture? What's the difference between a lecture and a lab or tutorial?
A Depending on your program, you could jump between different types of classroom settings: lectures, tutorials, labs, seminars etc. No matter what your program, you will be expected to attend lectures. These usually consist of a professor lecturing to a room of students (anywhere from 60 to 115 in years one and two). Lectures will focus on assigned readings and provide information for small-group discussion.
Tutorials (TUTR). These follow lectures (though not always on the same day) and are composed of a small group of students (15-30) discussing course material. Everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussion. Tutorials are taught by professors or Lecturers.
Labs (LAB). Usually part of science, information technology or language courses, labs work in the same sort of small-group setting as tutorials and may involve discussion of course material or practical application of knowledge in science experiments or language exercises.
Seminars (SEMR). A seminar is also composed of a small group (15-30) of students discussing course material but they are not associated with lectures. Seminars are usually held in upper years.

Most first-year courses, regardless of discipline, involve a lecture and any of the small-group settings. No more than four or five hours per course will be spent in the classroom. Since design your timetable by some eminent personality from the academics, depending on the timings you feel easy, the schedule will be unique to you.

Generally, you can expect to spend about 15 hours in-class per week (if you're taking a full course load). Engineering students will spend more time in class because of the lab components. It may not sound like much, but for every hour in-class, you can count on one to three hours of homework.

What if you need help with class material? Each professor (or the Lecturers associated with the course) will have posted office hours. Take full advantage of these - your professor is there to help you!


Q How do you prepare for lectures? Are there any study tips for reviewing before a major test or exam?
A There is a Student Development Program offered through the Colleges. You can find tips, dates of workshops and more information at your own college.

Q How do you approach a professor for help?
A The way you would with anyone else. Just go up to him or her after class. As well, all professors have office hours; this is your chance to drop in and ask questions outside of class. Your professor will let you know what their office hours are in the course outline (usually handed out the first week of class) or by announcement during first class.

Don't be afraid to approach your professor. They're there to help you and they love it when students take an interest in the class. Really!


Q Where can I find out the exact location of my classes at College? How am I going to find my way around?
A First, don't panic. You're not going to be the only one on campus a little lost in the first few days. Even people who have been here for years didn't come to the campus for the first time knowing exactly where they were going.

A few things you can do to help prepare for finding your way around campus.

Come for a campus tour.

JIS Group of Colleges will be offering a Welcome Service during the first week of classes. There will be senior students to help you find your way around.

Come to campus before classes and take a practice walk through your weekly schedule. That way, if you do get lost, it doesn't matter if you're late.