Section 55. Autonomous University department or institution, college or recognized institution.

(1) A University department or institution, affiliated college or recognized institution may apply to the University for grant of autonomous status. The Executive Council on the recommendation of the Academic Council may confer the autonomous status. (2) The autonomous University department or institution or college or recognized institution, may constitute its authorities or bodies and exercise the powers and perform the functions and carry out the administrative, academic, financial and other activities of the University, as prescribed. (3) The autonomous University department or institution or college or recognized institution may prescribe its own courses of study, evolve its own teaching methods and hold examinations and tests for students receiving instruction in it and award degrees or certificates of its own. Autonomous University department or institution or college or recognized institution shall function with the objectives of promoting academic freedom and scholarship on the part of teachers and students which are essential to the fostering and development of and intellectual climate conducive to the pursuit of scholarship and excellence.