'Professor Of Practice': UGC Asks Varsities, Colleges To Change Regulations To Hire Educators

UGC said in the letter that VCs and Principals are requested to make necessary changes in their rules and regulations to enable the engagement of Prof of Practice in their respective institutions. 

The University Grant Commission (UGC) on Monday wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellors of Universities, Directors of all institutions and Principle of all colleges for guidelines for engaging Professors of Practice in Universities and College, news agency ANI reported.

UGC Secretary PK Thakur stated in a letter to Higher Education Institutions that in the context of holistic and multidisciplinary education, as recommended in the NEP 2020, it is critical for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to address capacity constraints, particularly with regard to the integration of general education with vocational education.

"To enable HEIs expert to hire professional experts, the UGC has created a new position called "Professor of Practice" and already published the guidelines for engaging Professor of Practice. The commission has also written to all HEIs regarding the rules of engagement of Professor of Practice," Thakur stated in the letter. 

UGC Secretary further said in the letter that Vice Chancellors of Universities and Principals of Colleges are requested to make necessary changes in their rules and regulations to enable the engagement of Professor of Practice in their respective institutions. 

According to the Guidelines for recruiting Professors of Practice in Universities and Colleges. The Professor of Practice will be hired for a set period of time.

The appointment of a Professor of Practice shall be limited to university/college-approved positions. It has no bearing on the number of sanctioned positions or the recruitment of regular faculty members. The position of Professor of Practice is not open to current or retired teachers.

“It is envisioned that Professor of Practice can be engaged in one of the following categories. Professor of Practice funded by Industries. Professors of Practice are funded by HEIs from their own resources. Professor of Practice on an Honorary basis. Professor of Practice funded by Industries," reads the guidelines. 

Graduates with specialised skill sets are in high demand in today's economy. However, the higher education system produces graduates who lack the necessary abilities. As a result, many sectors now hire graduates and train them before hiring them. Involving industry professionals in teaching will assist both the sector and higher education institutions. Higher education institutions may work with industry to fund Professor of Practice posts in order to attract industry experts and professionals in this category.

Professors of Practice are supported by higher education institutions through their own funds.

Graduate programmes are being redesigned holistically and multidisciplinaryly in accordance with NEP 2020 policy directions.

(With Inputs From Agencies) 

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