Our Students Are Empowered To Tailor Their Educational Odyssey: Abhay G Chebbi, Alliance University

How does the vision of Alliance University align with what the NEP states?

Alliance University's educational vision harmoniously converges with the fundamental tenets outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP), reflecting a dedication to excellence and innovation. Central to our educational ethos is the acknowledgment and nurturing of each student's distinct capabilities. We champion a dynamic learning milieu, wherein students are empowered to tailor their educational odyssey, erasing rigid demarcations between disciplines, activities, and vocational pursuits. This holistic pedagogical approach resonates with the NEP's advocacy for interdisciplinary learning, fostering the cultivation of a well-rounded skill set among students.

Our institution stands as a beacon of research prowess, with our faculty actively spearheading pioneering research endeavours spanning various domains. Noteworthy contributions include seminal works such as 'Enhancing Student Engagement in Online Learning through Facial Expression Analysis and Complex Emotion Recognition using Deep Learning' and 'The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Algorithms for Energy Efficiency Applications', among others.

A commitment to perpetual evolution underscores our curriculum design and instructional methodologies, ensuring alignment with emergent educational paradigms. Faculty members serve as catalysts in the educational journey, assuming roles as mentors and exemplars who ignite inspiration and fortitude within students, nurturing them to emerge as trailblazers in their respective spheres. Moreover, we prioritise the integration of technology into our educational framework, equipping students with indispensable digital proficiencies requisite for success in the contemporary milieu. Robust digital learning platforms facilitate seamless course delivery, virtual classrooms, and interactive learning resources, fostering flexibility and accessibility to educational materials.

How does the university prepare its students for 21st Century world of work? What makes the university stand apart from other new-age higher education institutes?

At Alliance University, preparing students for the dynamic demands of the 21st-century workforce stands as a paramount objective. Our distinctive approach begins with a meticulously curated curriculum, crafted in collaboration with industry stalwarts to ensure alignment with contemporary requisites and endowing graduates with indispensable skills.

What sets us apart is our commitment to industry relevance, evident in our array of industry-led courses and robust Centers of Excellence (COEs), which furnish students with supplementary certifications and immersive experiential learning opportunities. Through internships, case studies, and industry projects, including unique social internships integrated into engineering and technology programs, we fortify graduate employability by fostering real-world applicability of knowledge.

Moreover, we cultivate a culture of innovation and global acumen through interdisciplinary collaboration, enabling students to adopt a holistic perspective and thrive amidst evolving paradigms. International study avenues, student-driven research initiatives, global internships, and enriching masterclasses delivered by eminent practitioners amplify global exposure, broadening horizons and instilling the agility necessary for success on a global scale. Our robust industry affiliations ensure that our educational offerings and research endeavours remain at the vanguard of industry expectations, perpetually evolving to meet the exigencies of the professional landscape.

Going beyond conventional paradigms, Alliance University nurtures entrepreneurial acumen, empowering students to transcend the role of mere employees and emerge as dynamic creators and problem-solvers. Student-led research endeavours and flagship conferences such as ASICON and AllianceONE serve as catalysts for fostering innovation and instilling a sense of ownership and agency among students.

Our recent accolade, clinching the top spot in the National Sustainability Impact Institution's Ranking (NSIIR) by AIC-RAISE of the Atal Innovation Mission, serves as a testament to our dedication to excellence and sustainability in higher education. This recognition underscores our holistic approach to education, which encompasses the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum, robust student engagement initiatives, impactful research endeavours, sustainable campus operations, community outreach endeavours, strategic collaborations, meticulous monitoring, and visionary leadership. This not only reaffirms our steadfast commitment to upholding exemplary standards but also underscores our dedication to nurturing responsible future leaders equipped with the acumen and ethos to effect positive change. Embedded within our curriculum, the principles of academic rigour, collaboration, and excellence in transformative education (ACE) serve as guiding beacons, setting Alliance University apart as a trailblazer in the contemporary educational landscape.

AI has impacted all walks of life, including education. What shifts are you noticing and also how to prepare the faculty and students for the changes that are just beginning to come about?

Artificial Intelligence has become a game-changer in every aspect of life, including education, and Alliance University is leading the charge in embracing this transformative journey. Leveraging AI's potential, we're pioneering personalised learning experiences through AI-powered adaptive learning systems, which customise educational materials according to each student's strengths and requirements. Furthermore, we're exploring AI's capabilities to automate tasks like grading, empowering faculty to provide more nuanced feedback efficiently.

To prepare for this evolving educational landscape, we prioritise faculty development programmes focused on integrating AI tools into teaching methodologies and enhancing course design to engage students effectively.

Simultaneously, we're infusing AI concepts into our academic programmes to equip students with essential skills for the AI-driven future.  

Meha Mathur

BW Reporters The author works as Senior Associate Editor with BW Businessworld