332 universities across India select top professionals as ‘professors of practice’

‘Professors of Practice’ are not people who are teachers by profession or have a PhD. Instead, based on their professional experience, they will be hired to teach students in colleges.

New Delhi: Appointments for ‘Professors of Practice’ (PoPs) have begun in universities across the country as central universities (CUs) have started adopting the PoP scheme in various domains. So far, professionals under the ‘Professor of Practice’ scheme have been appointed in 32 higher education institutions, including central universities across the country.

UGC had asked to appoint the Professors of Practice at the meeting of the Vice-Chancellors of all the 45 Central Universities across the country. ‘Professors of Practice’ are not people who are teachers by profession or have a PhD. Instead, based on their professional experience, they will be hired to teach students in colleges. This Professor of Practice will teach students the subject in which he has proven expertise.

So far, 11,200 experts have sent online applications for ‘Professor of Practice’ posts at a total of 332 universities across the country. So far, most of the appointments made are experts in computer science, marketing advancement, engineering, hotel management and other fields.

However, under this scheme, professionals from different fields must have a minimum of 15 years of experience. As part of the PoP program, a portal was launched where professionals with expertise from various fields, including science, law, environment, industry, technology, industry, media, climate, music, art, etc. can register themselves.

UGC has written a letter to all higher education institutions regarding the rules for the appointment of Professor of Practice. The letter asked Vice Chancellors of Universities and Principals of Colleges to make necessary amendments in their laws, ordinances, rules and regulations to appoint practicing professors in their institutions.

UGC said the universities are also sharing the action taken in this matter on their activity monitoring portal. In addition, higher education institutions have also made changes to their appointment rules. In this arrangement, the appointment of a Professor of Practice is for a fixed period. The initial term is a maximum of one year. However, depending on the quality of the service, an extension may be granted.

The UGC says that the position of Professor of Practice provides a unique opportunity for educational institutions to bring diverse skills to complement the efforts of the faculty member. Such positions attract people with exemplary experience from industry and other professions to teach students in colleges. The UGC says it is continuously working with universities to encourage the appointment of experts as Professors of Practice.