Almost everyone knows what Annamalai University is all about - quality of the distance education programs. It is probably the only university whose distance courses are exponentially more popular than its regular stream courses. This is due to the facts that:
Course content is well thought out and up to date.
Variety and choice of courses is extensive.
There are several unique courses not available elsewhere.
Fees are reasonable.
Exams are timely, well organised and always on schedule.
Evaluation is fair and results are as expected, compared to other universities.
Courses are recognised and respected nationally and internationally.
Given the above superb strengths, it does have its weaknesses as well.
Firstly, it relies solely on the ’’efficiency’’ of the postal service to send out course material and important intimations on time. Many times you will come to know about important events and dates through rumour and hearsay as the official letters always arrive too late. The above problem is mainly due to fact that it has absolutely no e-presence at all. No web site, no course contact email ids, nothing. You will have to run to the study centre in your town every time you want to know something.
Secondly, the print quality of the study materials is pitiful. Sometimes pages are illegible, blurred or not printed at all. Also, there seems to be no proof reading being done of the content matter - spelling and grammatical errors are numerous.(except in English language subjects).
Thirdly, no student handbook is available. All that exists is the prospectus from which you have to glean as many details as you can. This means that you have no idea where or when a contact program is going to be held, until a couple of days before. For working persons whose courses involve contact programs, this is a major disadvantage.
If the university comes out with a web site and virtual campus, it would overcome most of the drawbacks. Till then, we have to manage on its existing strengths.
OK! It now has a web site. It is https://annamalaiuniversity.ac.in
This solves one of the main drawbacks making Annamalai University’s distance education one of the best choices for working executives.