The University of Sindh Jamshoro has released a new strategic plan 2014-19 that will guide the University to forward over the next five years. The five-year strategic plan 2014-19 has been developed as per instructions of the Higher Education Commission under its Medium Term Development Framework (MTDF-II) which is being funded by the World Bank through its Tertiary Education Support Program (TESP).
The core objective of the plan is to strengthen the internal governance and management system by improving the strategic management, planning and accountability on the campus. Besides, the new strategic plan contains measures that will be used in determining the success of the plan through its implementation. Outlined within the plan are strategic directions, which include Excelling as a Comprehensive University; Inspiring and Supporting Student Potential; Promoting Access to Quality; Affordable Post-Secondary Education; Building Internal Community and Enhancing Relationships with External Communities; and Enhancing the Sustainability of the University of Sindh.
According to HEC guidelines, the University of Sindh had constituted a five member core committee consisting of the heads of Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), Planning & Development Cell, Finance Wing, Registrar Office and Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in September 2013. The core committee was trained by HEC representatives. Similarly, under the said training the final draft of the strategic plan was prepared & submitted to HEC on January 27, 2014 with the approval of the Sindh University Vice-Chancellor.
In this regard, an opening ceremony for the release & implementation of the strategic plan was organized here on Monday at Vice-Chancellors Office, which was attended by the top management personnel including the Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans and senior officials of the varsity. On the occasion, the Vision, Mission and Goals of the strategic plan were inaugurated and displayed as an implementation of the first chapter of the plan. Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Vice Chancellor Dr Imdad Ali Ismaili said that the main priorities of the University of Sindh, in the next five years, are included developing, growing, sustaining, and evaluating new and ongoing strategic initiatives that serve university missions and advance its vision.
He said the other priorities of the plan were teaching, creating, conducting research, and serving the university in spaces that support and enhance exemplary work and multidisciplinary community. "This new strategic plan makes absolutely clear where our priorities lie and what the commitments are that we have to make to our students and to society in general," says Dr Ismaili. "The progress of the University over the past 60 years is an exceptional story, as already our institution is recognised a national leader. However, now it is not the time to be complacent and this new strategic plan will ensure to remain relevant to our important stakeholders well into the future." He said.
He added that the strategic plan included a new vision, mission & goal of the university so that it might touch the sky by sweeping successes in the field of higher education and research. "We will be country's destination for all who seek a comprehensive, liberal education-based university that promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and inspires research-informed teaching and learning, creative discovery, scholarship, professional endeavour, experiential opportunities and community engagement." Dr Ismaili maintained.
He says the SU strategic plan 2014-19 clearly defines "Who We Are, Why We Exist, Our Fundamental Principals, Strategic Directions are connecting to Action. Dr Azhar Ali Shah, the Director of Quality Enhancement Cell, Sindh University says the strength of the new Strategic Plan 2014-19 is due to the broad participation of the University community in the process.
"We had a robust discussion across Allama I.I Kazi campus, our additional campuses and broader community in creating this very important plan," says Dr Shah. "Through open forums, the feedback gathered using social media, the faculty members, sessions with students, consultations with academic as well as administrative units, alumni and other community members, we have a plan that encapsulates our aspirations as a university and provides a guide for how to achieve them." He maintained. Dr Shah says going forward there may be interim amendments made to the plan as opportunities arise and landscapes change.
The SU strategic plan 2014-19 consists of 13 chapters including introduction, governance & ownership, environmental scan, academic programs, students, research and consultancy, international academic network, human resource, finance, networking, linkages with national as well as international donors, marketing and promotion of academic excellence. All of these chapters are focused around six strategic goals to develop high-quality student population, improve student learning, assure high-quality faculty and staff, enhance institutional integrity and effectiveness, promote the entrepreneurial environment, and generate new avenues for income.
In the meeting, the first chapter of the strategic plan which defines the vision, mission & goals of the University of Sindh inaugurated by Dr Imdad Ali Ismaili. "Through this inaugural ceremony we are initiating an awareness campaign and we will install the boards suggesting the vision, mission & goals in all administrative as well as academic offices of the University of Sindh" vice Chancellor Dr Imdad Ali Ismaili said. He said that the idea of this awareness campaign was to help all the administrative as well as academic units to set their respective vision, mission & goals in configuration with the University's vision, mission & goals in a bid to improve the education in a holistic manner.
"Our objectives are to provide the best preparation, the greatest intellectual challenge, the most intellectually satisfying opportunities, and the highest quality experience, to an increasing number of undergraduate students." Dr Ismaili said. He further said that he will prioritise the re-envision our research enterprise and the future of graduate education so as to provide infrastructure, support, and resources that advance our vision. Through this plan the University is committed to discovery, dissemination and preservation of knowledge based on creativity, innovation, and excellence in teaching and research. The University aims are inculcating an academic environment which values integrity, quality and teamwork and serves as an engine for socio-economic development of the country. This commitment envisions to enhance the position of the University as a premier seat of higher learning in the country and to achieve international distinction for creativity, innovation and excellence.
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