Central Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet Concludes at KIIT-DU
Curtains came down on the two-day Central Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), hosted by KIIT Deemed to be University (KIIT-DU) in the KISS DU premises. The conference, which primarily focused on the internationalization of higher education, brought together thought leaders and academicians from across the country to discuss strategies for global collaborations in education.
Themed ‘Globalization and Internationalization,’ the event deliberated on key topics such as strategies for international collaborations, global classrooms, attracting international faculty and students, and the challenges and opportunities in the internationalization of higher education. The conference also included discussions on innovative assessment and evaluation practices, emphasizing project-based learning, experiential assessments, and digital technologies to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills among students.
AIU President Vinay Kumar Pathak emphasized the need for equitable internationalization. “We are focusing on fostering partnerships with various countries and ensuring a balanced approach. Hard negotiations with international universities are required to achieve meaningful collaborations. Additionally, leveraging the strength of our global alumni network through international chapters is crucial,” he stated.
AIU Secretary General Pankaj Mittal highlighted AIU’s pivotal role in shaping Indian higher education. With 1,068 member universities, including 19 foreign institutions, AIU is the world’s largest association of universities. It serves as a think tank for higher education and has established an Indian network for internationalization to guide universities through the process. AIU is also vested with the power to accord equivalence to degrees and qualifications from universities worldwide with those offered in India. “Many institutions struggle with how to internationalize, and we are here to provide that support,” she remarked.
Welcoming the attendees, KIIT-DU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Saranjit Singh stated that KIIT has been at the forefront of internationalization. Over the past year, more than 100 faculty members from around the world have engaged in collaborative research with the institution. He reaffirmed KIIT’s commitment to providing holistic, inclusive, and compassionate education to students globally.
Prof. Amareswar Galla, UNESCO Chair on Inclusive Museums & Sustainable Heritage Development, acknowledged KIIT’s efforts and advocated collaboration with the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya in Bhopal to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage. Prof. William Cope and Prof. Mary Kalantzis from the University of Illinois shared their insights on fostering global classrooms and cross-border academic exchanges.
Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar, KIIT-DU and Vijendra Kumar, Head, Meetings Division, AIU, were the Nodal Officers for the conference. It witnessed the participation of many vice chancellors from the Central Zone, representing the states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, officials from various Government of India ministries and representatives from apex bodies such as AICTE, NAAC, NDSC, and ICAR were present.
The primary focus remained on three sub-themes: Strategies for International Collaborations, Global Classrooms (Attracting International Faculty & Students), and Challenges and Opportunities in the Internationalization of Higher Education. A special session on “Innovation, Skilling, Ranking, and Assessment” was also conducted.
The deliberations resulted in tangible resolutions for the government, Chancellors, and university functionaries. The recommendations will be presented at the National Conference of Vice Chancellors, culminating in a University Action Plan that will be submitted to Governors of all states, Ministries, and apex higher education bodies such as UGC, AICTE, NAAC, and ICAR for necessary actions.
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