Universities and higher education institutions will soon be able to appoint eminent experts as faculty members under a new category that will not require formal academic qualifications and publication requirements. decision was taken by University Grants Commission (UGC) At its 560th meeting last week, a further plan – “Professor of Practice” – is likely to be notified next month.
Experts from fields such as engineering, science, media, literature, entrepreneurship, social sciences, fine arts, civil services and armed forces will be eligible for hiring, according to the approved draft guidelines of professors of practice, accessed by PTI. “Those who have proven expertise with at least 15 years of service or experience in their specific profession or role, preferably at senior level, will be eligible for Professors of Practice. A formal educational qualification is required for this position. are not considered if they have exemplary professional practice in lieu,” read the guidelines, which are likely to come into force from the upcoming academic session.
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“These experts will also be exempted from the requirement of prescribed publications and other eligibility criteria for recruitment of faculty members at the professor level. According to the guidelines, “However, they should have the skills to perform the duties and responsibilities.”
The Commission has decided that the number of Professors practicing in an Institution of Higher Education (HEI) at any point of time should not exceed 10 per cent of the sanctioned posts. Faculty members under the scheme will be appointed in three categories – professors of practice funded by industries, professors of practice appointed by HEI from their own resources and professors of practice on honorary basis.
“The engagement of the Professors of Practice will be for a fixed period. Their recruitment will be other than the sanctioned posts of any University or College. This will not affect the number of sanctioned posts and the recruitment of regular faculty members. The scheme will not be open to those who are in teaching position – either serving or retired,” it said. The persons hired in this category shall be paid a consolidated amount as remuneration mutually agreed between the institution and the specialist.
“Engagement can take up to a year initially. At the end of the initial engagement or subsequent expansion, the HEI will conduct an assessment and decide on the extension. HEI will prepare its evaluation process for expansion based on the contribution and need of experts engaged as professors of practice. “The maximum period of service of a Professor of Practice in a given institution shall not exceed three years and may in exceptional cases be extended to one year and the total service shall not in any circumstances exceed four years,” the document read. .
Involved in curriculum and curriculum development and design, introducing new curricula and lecturing in accordance with institutional policies, encouraging students in innovation and entrepreneurship projects and providing necessary advice for these activities as defined duties and responsibilities for professors of practice are among.
They will also focus on increased industry-academic collaboration, organize workshops and seminars jointly in collaboration with regular faculty, deliver special lectures and training programs and provide joint research projects or consultancy services in collaboration with regular faculty members from the respective HEIs. will do. “The Vice-Chancellor and the Director may invite nominations from eminent experts for the posts of Professor of Practice. Experts desirous of serving may also be nominated or may submit their nominations with a detailed resume and a brief description about their potential contribution to the HEI. can be sent along with the Vice Chancellors.
“Such nominations will be considered by a selection committee consisting of two senior professors from HEI and an eminent external member. Based on the recommendations of this committee, the Academic Council and the Executive Council or the statutory bodies of HEI will decide on the engagement,” it said.
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