UGC chief on objective behind introducing professor of practice

University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman M Jagadesh Kumar on Tuesday shared insights into the recently-introduced Professor of Practice.

According to Kumar, the objective behind introducing Professor of Practice is to enhance the quality of higher education. This will be done by bringing practitioners, policymakers, skilled professionals and others into the higher education system.

Objectives

As per UGC, the plan is to bring in experts from various fields - engineering, science, technology, entrepreneurship, management, chartered accountancy (CA), commerce, social sciences, media, literature, fine arts, civil services, armed forces, legal profession and public administration-into the academic institutions.

Eligibility

Those who have proven expertise in their specific profession or role with at least 15 years of service/experience, preferably at a senior level, will be eligible for Professor of Practice. A formal academic qualification is not considered essential for this position if they have exemplary professional practice in lieu.

These experts will also be exempted from the requirement of publications and other eligibility criteria stipulated for the recruitment of faculty members at the Professor level. The number of Professors of Practice in a Higher Educational Institute, at any point in time, should not exceed 10% of the sanctioned posts.

Tenure

The engagement may be initially for up to one year. At the end of the initial engagement or subsequent extension, the HEI will make an assessment and take the decision about extension.

As per UGC, The maximum duration of service of Professor of Practice at a given institution should not exceed three years and is extendable by one year in exceptional cases and the total service should not exceed four years under any circumstances.