BU V-C: Academics, skill development go hand in hand in empowering students

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In an exclusive interview with News Trail, Prof. Dr. Jayakara Shetty M, Vice-Chancellor of Bangalore University, discusses the institution's vision for academic excellence and inclusivity.

Dr Shetty highlights the university's strategic goals, commitment to mental well-being, and it's holistic approach to education and skill development.

He also touches upon the integration of AI and technology in modernising teaching methods.

Additionally, Dr Shetty emphasises the university's initiatives to support students from rural backgrounds and its efforts towards fostering research, innovation, and sustainability on campus.

Here are excerpts.

What is your vision for Bangalore University, and what are the primary strategic objectives you aim to achieve?

Our vision is to be a leader in academic excellence, fostering a society that is both vibrant and inclusive.

We aim to achieve this by expanding access to highquality education across all disciplines, while also encouraging cutting-edge research with real-world applications.

We have 47 postgraduate departments and 108 courses that we offer. We also have 296 colleges affiliated with BU with A++ grade from the NAAC.

Preparing our graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the globalised job market is a key objective.

What steps is the university taking to prioritise the mental wellbeing of its students to navigate career paths and secure job placements?

Students’ mental wellbeing is a top priority. We offer dedicated counsellors, workshops, and mindfulness programs to support our students.

Students can contact our on-campus mental health counsellors anytime to provide them with the support they need.

We have students from EWS and deep rural backg rounds who are mentally very strong by nature and our campus is very inclusive for everyone from different backgrounds to feel safe.

What is the approach of your institution towards education and skill development?

At our institution, we believe in holistic education. While academics lay the foundation, we place equal emphasis on skill development.

We understand that a blend of academic knowledge and practical skills is crucial for students to be truly employable in today's competitive world. Our curriculum and programs are designed to nurture both the intellect and the practical abilities of our students, ensuring they are wellprepared and confident to succeed in their chosen careers. 

What measures are adopted by the university to cultivate a lively student extracurricular environment?

We actively promote extracurricular activities through student clubs, intercollegiate competitions, cultural events, and a vibrant arts scene.

We have multiple departments and even if we calculate one cultural event per department, we will have cultural events throughout the year that allow the students to take a break from academic life, and interact with students from other departments and backgrounds.

These activities foster teamwork, leadership, and a wellrounded student experience.

What are some of the ways the university is implementing the use of AI and technology?

We're integrating AI-powered tools for personalised learning, streamlining administrative processes, and enhancing research capabilities. Gone are those days when teachers used to write on a blackboard and students took notes with pens and notebooks.

Blackboards have been replaced with smartboards, and notebooks have been replaced with tabs and laptops.

In my view, by the year 2045, everything in the world will be functioning with AI and technology and we should keep upskilling ourselves for that every day.

How does our institution support students from rural areas in overcoming language barriers?

I understand the challenges students from rural areas face, especially with language barriers. That's why we've established a dedicated language block to assist these students in enhancing their communication skills.

Through specialised training and support, we aim to bridge the linguistic gap, empowering them to engage in academic and professional settings.

How does BU cultivate an environment that encourages research and fosters innovation?

We provide comprehensive entrepreneurship development programs, state-ofthe-art incubation centres, and personalised mentorship to empower students to transform their ideas into businesses.

Our campus hosts seminars an