CU CORRESPONDENT
In a move that signals the end of an era for traditional academic structures, the University of Chittagong (CU) is officially transitioning to a unified semester-based system for all undergraduate programs. This sweeping change, designed to streamline the academic calendar and eliminate session jams, will take full effect starting with the 2025-2026 academic session.
The decision, which was cemented during the university’s 249th Academic Council meeting, aligns CU with the Bangladesh National Qualifications Framework (BNQF). By ditching the older, often fragmented annual or disparate systems in favor of a synchronized semester model, the university aims to ensure that every department moves at a consistent, modern pace. Students entering the new session can expect a more rigorous and structured path to graduation, with classes under the new format slated to begin in May 2026.
To meet this ambitious timeline, the university has issued an “urgent” call to all departments and institutes. Every academic unit must now overhaul their undergraduate ordinances and curricula to fit the semester structure. These documents must be vetted by the ‘Committee of Courses’ and respective faculty meetings before being presented at the 250th Academic Council meeting on April 29. To ensure the new semester cycles stay relevant, departments are being told to bring alumni and industry professionals into the planning room.
The administration is also putting a heavy emphasis on faculty readiness. Under the new semester system, the Institutional Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) will step in to provide technical coaching for teachers. This training will focus on the high-speed demands of semester-based teaching, specifically modern assessment methods and course management, ensuring that the transition from a yearly mindset to a semester-driven one is seamless.
By synchronizing the entire university under one semester-based umbrella, CU is not just updating its paperwork; it is reinventing the student experience. Authorities believe this change is the key to achieving international accreditation and ensuring that a degree from Chittagong University carries the weight and prestige required in the global job market.