Twenty eight schools in seven geographical areas constitute the academic core which conducts in consortium the academic programmes of the Graduate School. To qualify to be a participating school, an institution normally must have at least three teachers with a Ph.D or Th.D or equivalent and sufficient library holdings or research at master and doctoral level. If a participating school does not meet the qualification a period of 4 years is given to adjust.  Application to be a participating school is made to the Area Dean who will then make a recommendation to the Senate after she/he consulted with the Area Committee.