Jammu, 14 June (H.S.): For the first time in history, the University of Jammu is going to convene its Academic Council meeting at its Bhaderwah Campus on June 15.

Announcing the decision at a curtain raiser press conference, Vice Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai described the initiative as a meaningful stride towards deepening academic engagement and enhancing the University’s outreach to the youth and communities in far-flung areas of the region.

He emphasized that convening the Academic Council meeting outside the main campus reflects the University’s evolving approach to inclusivity-by directly connecting with its regional campuses, students, and civil society. He underscored the vital role of offsite campuses in shaping academic vision of the University and integrating them into the mainstream of decision-making.

In addition to the Council meeting, the University has outlined a comprehensive series of parallel academic and community engagement activities.

Prof Rai informed that six thematic working groups have been constituted to develop policy inputs on critical focus areas including Multidisciplinarity in academics, Internationalization and global outreach, Skilling and entrepreneurship, Industry-academia collaboration, Start-up ecosystems and innovation, Strategic development of offsite campuses. These groups will present policy-oriented papers to help guide the University’s long-term academic planning and institutional growth, he added.

The Vice Chancellor further stated that such key academic and administrative engagements will also be conducted at other offsite campuses of the University, in a phased manner.

Other planned events include cultural programmes and interactions with civil society. Individuals from the local civil society who have made significant contributions in education, literature, and social development will be felicitated at Bhaderwah.

Describing the Bhaderwah Academic Council meeting as a “defining moment” for the institution, Prof. Rai asserted that the initiative reflects the University’s larger vision of becoming globally competitive, nationally aligned, and regionally inclusive.

On the occasion, Prof Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, shared detailed insights into the academic components and events scheduled to be held alongside the Academic Council meeting.

Also present during the press conference were Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development; Prof Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare; Dr A R Manhas, Deputy Chief Proctor; and Irfan Goni, Campuses Development Officer.

The proceedings were conducted by Mansi Mantoo, Media Officer, University of Jammu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar