SMVDU: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) held its 38th Academic Council Meeting under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Pragati Kumar to deliberate upon and approve key academic matters aimed at strengthening the university’s academic framework and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The meeting was conducted in both offline and online modes, and was graced by the presence of eminent members, including Prof. Majid Jamil (Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering, Jamia Milia Islamia), Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic (Professor, Department of Physics, University of Jammu), and Er. Amrendra Kumar (Director-South Asia, Winoa Abrasives India Pvt. Ltd.) in offline mode, while Prof. Sandeep Sancheti (Vice President – Research Relations & Academic Ambassador, Elsevier India) and Sh. Pranavant (Partner, Deloitte India) attended virtually.
All Deans, Heads of Schools, Dean Academic Affairs, Registrar, Finance officer, Librarian, Director (Quality Assurance), and CEO (TBIC), Faculty incharge examination, Associate Dean Academics (Engg. & Non Engg.), Training & Placement Officer, Program Coordinators were also present to discuss and review academic improvements and future initiatives. The meeting began with welcome remarks by the Vice-Chancellor, followed by agenda presentations by Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean Academic Affairs, and Dr. Shafaq Rasool, Associate Dean, Academic Affairs. The minutes of the 37th meeting and action taken reports from the 36th meeting were confirmed and discussed.
Several important academic and administrative matters were deliberated in the 38th meeting, which included the approval of revised postgraduate course structures in line with UGC and NEP 2020 guidelines, the launch of a peer mentorship program “PeerLINK-SMVDU”, and recommendations for enhancing the quality of question papers. Discussions covered the introduction of new academic programs like B. Tech (Robotics & Artificial Intelligence), M. Sc Data Science and M. Sc Chemistry, curriculum revisions, examination reforms, research promotion, and enhancement of student support mechanisms. The Council also reviewed progress on NEP implementation and initiatives for interdisciplinary learning, skill development, and industry collaboration. Proposals for establishing a DGCA-approved Remote Pilot Training Organization (RPTO) and Drone Lab, were also discussed.
The 38th Academic Council meeting marked another important milestone in SMVDU’s journey toward academic transformation, student empowerment, and innovation-driven growth. With dynamic leadership and active participation from academic and industry experts, SMVDU continues to evolve as a premier institute dedicated to quality education and holistic development.