NEW DELHI: The Goa Institute of Management (GIM) recently concluded a five-day Academic Leadership Program (ALP) for heads of Delhi University colleges, bringing together academic leaders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.Held from June 29 to July 3, the program saw the participation of principals representing more than 40 colleges of Delhi University, including Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Hindu College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Hans Raj College, Ramjas College, Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, Sri Venkateswara College and Lady Irwin College. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional leadership and preparing higher education institutions for evolving academic and administrative demands.Focus on leadership and institutional readinessThe program was designed to facilitate discussions on institutional planning, governance and strategies for building future-ready higher education institutions. The sessions were conducted by experts from GIM, Delhi University and National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA).Key topics covered during the program include the use of artificial intelligence in education, the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, digital transformation, institutional governance, change management, inclusive leadership, financial management, ethics and student-centered education.
Over 40 Delhi University Leaders Attend GIM Program on Future of Higher Education
Addressing the participants, GIM director Prof Ajit Parulekar said that institutions need to continuously evolve to meet the changing learning needs of students while maintaining academic quality. He also emphasized that higher education should focus on developing responsible citizens alongside professional skills.Principals discuss common challengesOne of the key features of the program was a series of discussions between participating leaders on issues affecting higher education institutions. These include reducing student admissions and classroom attendance, the growing role of artificial intelligence in teaching and administration, improving the employability of graduates, and securing funding for institutional infrastructure.Participants also exchanged experiences and practical approaches to addressing these challenges, with the program serving as a platform to share institutional best practices.Platform for collaborative learningAccording to GIM, the Academic Leadership Program aims to support capacity building among higher education leaders and encourage collaborative learning on issues aligned with national education priorities.The initiative comes at a time when higher education institutions across the country are adapting to changing policy frameworks, technological advancements and evolving expectations around quality, innovation and global competitiveness.
