The College of Engineering, National University of Science and Engineering, conducted a new staff induction and orientation workshop on September 19th, 2024. New staff recruited for the AY 2024-2025 academic year were joined by the staff recruited in AY 2023-2024 to benefit from the induction workshop. Six new staff attended the workshop. This session aimed to familiarise new faculty with the university’s mission and operations. It emphasised NUST’s commitment to nurturing innovation, top-notch research excellence, and academic partnership, providing the necessary tools for new staff to integrate effectively into the institution.
Ms. Prekerthi Panikar, Head of Professional Development and Humanities, delivered the opening remarks. She introduced the university’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives. Additionally, she discussed NU’s strategic plan and how new staff can participate. The new staff were introduced to the various departments in the college, NUST’s achievements, and various activities that support staff Professional Development.
Professor Ahmed Hassan Al Balushi, the Dean of the College of Engineering, welcomed the new staff and emphasised the college’s commitment to excellence in teaching and student evaluation. He highlighted the importance of fostering a culture of academic rigor and integrity, encouraging faculty to engage deeply with students and contribute actively to the development of innovative teaching methodologies.
Professor Syed Mohd Rizwan, Assistant Dean of Research and Postgraduate Studies, outlined the university’s research priorities. He addressed the critical balance between teaching and research life, offering strategies for new staff to manage both responsibilities effectively. He highlighted that successful academics often integrate their teaching with research endeavours, enriching the learning experience for students. He also introduced essential research tools and resources available at the university, equipping new faculty with the knowledge to advantage these tools for their projects by demonstrating how to align their academic work with institutional objectives.
Professor Sudhir C V led a teaching, learning, and assessment methodologies session. He emphasised the importance of structured mentoring and robust student management systems to support faculty and students. Professor Sudhir highlighted the Learning, Teaching, and Assessment Strategy (LTAS), outlining its role in promoting effective teaching practices and fostering an environment conducive to student success. He also addressed the significance of mentorship, encouraging new faculty to develop solid mentor-mentee relationships and outlined strategies for mentoring that support academic and personal development.
The workshop also featured presentations on library services by Ms. Suha Al Mahrami, ensuring that new staff had full access to academic resources. Mr Elamana Yousef Ashraf highlighted health and safety protocols, emphasising the university’s commitment to maintaining a secure working environment. An open discussion facilitated by Ms. Panikar concluded the workshop, allowing for an interactive exchange of ideas and addressing any concerns raised by the participants.
In summary, the induction workshop provided a comprehensive introduction to NUST’s academic culture, research initiatives, and operational frameworks, preparing new staff to contribute effectively to the university’s mission of excellence in education and research.