New Delhi: Goa Institute of Management (GIM) recently organized a five-day Academic Leadership Program (ALP) for principals of colleges of Delhi University, bringing together academic leaders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education.The program, held from June 29 to July 3, involved principals from over 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 Commerce, Sri Venkateswara College and Lady Irwin College. Discussions focused on strengthening institutional leadership and preparing higher education institutions for changing academic and administrative needs.Focus on leadership and institutional readinessThe program aims to facilitate discussions on institutional planning, governance and strategy to build higher education institutions for the future. The session was moderated by experts from GIM, Delhi University and National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA).Key topics covered in the program include use of artificial intelligence in education, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, digital transformation, institutional governance, change management, inclusive leadership, financial management, ethics and learner-centered education.
Over 40 Delhi University Vice-Chancellors participate in GIM project on the future of higher education
Addressing the participants, Professor Ajit Parulekar, Director, GIM, said that institutions need to evolve to meet the changing learning needs of students while maintaining academic quality. He also stressed that higher education should focus on cultivating responsible citizens as well as professional skills.Principals discuss common challengesA key feature of the program is a series of discussions between participating principals on issues affecting higher education institutions. These include declining student enrollment and class attendance, the growing role of artificial intelligence in teaching and administration, improving graduate employability and securing funding for institutional infrastructure.Participants also exchanged experiences and practical approaches to addressing these challenges, and the program served as a platform for sharing institutional best practices.Collaborative learning platformGIM said the Academic Leadership Program is designed to support capacity building among higher education leaders and encourage collaborative learning on issues aligned with national education priorities.The initiative comes as higher education institutions across the country adapt to changing policy frameworks, technological advances and changing expectations for quality, innovation and global competitiveness.