Professors of Practice

09 Nov 2022 Professors of Practice

Significance for Prelims: Professors of Practice

Significance for Mains: Role of Professors for Practice; Objectives behind Professors for Practice.

News: University Grants Commission (UGC) issued new guidelines where higher education institutes can hire experts from various sectors without having formal academic qualifications such as a PhD as a faculty in any college or university in India.

Eligibility to apply for the post of Professor of Practice: 

• An individual who is a “distinguished expert” and  “made remarkable contributions in their professions” is eligible for appointment.
• Individuals must have at least 15 years of service or experience.
• Higher Educational Institutions are free to decide the sector from where they want to rope in professionals.
• Diverse Background of professor of practice: He can be anyone from technology, science, social sciences, media, literature, armed forces, law, fine arts, etc.
• Professors of Practice positions are not open for serving or retired teachers. 
• Professors of Practice does not fall within the ambit of formal academic qualification or UGC’s minimum qualifications for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff. 
• Engagement for Professor of practice can be full-time or part-time for at least four years. Initially, the hiring will be for one year and can be extended to four years based on performance.
• Institutes and experts being hired decides the remuneration. Universities can also approach the industries for financial support.

Mechanisms for appointments of Professors of Practice:

• Basis of appointments: On a nomination basis, Universities and colleges will carry out appointments. Vice-chancellors or directors can invite nominations for filling up posts. But, nominations cannot exceed 10 per cent of the sanctioned faculty strength of an institute.
• After the invitation of nominations, Interested persons can send their applications with detailed biodata with a brief write-up regarding how they can potentially contribute. 
• Selection committee for reviewing applications of professors of practice consists of two senior professors from the respective institute, and one “eminent external member”.
• Academic council and the executive council of the institutes took the final calls on appointments based on the recommendations of the committee. 

Role of Professors of practice:

• Development and designing of courses and curriculum for the institute along with delivering lectures. 
• Enhancing industry-academia collaborations. 
• Collaborate with regular faculty members for joint research projects or consultancy services. 

Objectives behind the Professors of practice initiative:

• Augment faculty resources in universities and colleges: India’s higher education institutes (central and state universities)  are understaffed. So, recruiting industry experts and professionals will help in filling vacancies. 
• Improving the quality of graduates being produced by Indian colleges and universities. Current industries require graduates with specific skill sets, but the higher education system failed to impart those skill sets to graduates. 
• To facilitate and promote the integration of academic scholarship with practical expertise and experience through the introduction of real-world practices and experiences into classrooms. 
• Professors of practice aim to churn out industry-ready graduates.

Source: The Indian Express

Article: UGC clears ‘professors of practice’ in all colleges, and universities: who are they and what will they do?

Article Link: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/ugc-clears-professors-of-practice-in-all-colleges-universities-8184530/ 

Yojna IAS Daily current affairs eng med 9th November

sharad