COVER STORY
Improve What Parag Diwan wishes for is an excellent year for his institution. His wish list will work for other administrators as well
ENROLMENTS AND PLACEMENTS
M
y wish list for 2011 is short. Most of the concerns are, I am afraid, selfish. The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies will be celebrating its eighth year in 2011. This year, I hope that it continues to do well, or perhaps, even better. My wishes focus on four prime areas of concern: campus, institute, faculty and government. I would also say that the wish list comprises steps that we have already started implementing in the institution. We hope to fine tune them by the end of the year. Finally an administrator’s concerns remain students, faculty, and finally the brand.
Hundred Percent Placement
FACT FILE Name: Parag Diwan
BY NITISH SHARMA
Designation: Vice Chancellor, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies Trivia: Dr Diwan is an institution builder, an author and a professor in new emerging technologies
When it comes to the year that has just started— my hopes surrounding my students is that they get great placements. I also hope that their transition from campus life to corporate is as smooth as it can be. There are several issues that govern this transition: lack of exposure is one. I hope, this year we will be able to provide the training that will make students’ transition into the real world easier.
Great Research Output I wish that specialised institutions like us successfully establish great research output and facilities. That will be our top priority. Ideally, every institution should move research to the top of their list.
Faculty Development Programmes The University of Petroleum and Energy Studies will be looking at extensive faculty development. To be a little more specific, we are targeting four core capacity development programmes. We will be looking at innovations in pedagogy, research aptitude, networking and consulting, and training programmes.
A Little More Clarity, Please I guess the consensus is clear—university administrators will be happy with a little more clarity and stability of rules and regulations. It will be great if the Ministry of Education reduces the dichotomy and contradiction in the bills: on one hand we are inviting foreign universities to establish base here. At the same time, when an Indian university hopes to make the transition and move beyond national borders, the rules become stricter and there are regulatory hurdles in plenty. Hopefully, our government will be able to figure out universal rules for both national and international universities which will remain the same for all education providers, irrespective of where they come from. If foreign universities get a level playing field then Indian universities should get the same and be able to operate. As far as our infrastructure is concerned: it will be looking at completing all tasks involving infrastructure and facility. February 2011 EDUTECH
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