Punjab News Express/SK.Vyas
AMRITSAR: In a historical and strategic development, Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar has entered into a partnership with one of the leading universities of United States of America, University of South Florida (USF) to establish a program of exchange and collaboration in terms of having dual degree programmes in B.Com. and certain MBA courses.
A formal “MoU” has already been signed between USF’s Vice-President Professor Roger Brindley and Vice-Chancellor Professor Jaspal Singh Sandhu a few days back. The collaboration will increase the number of academic and research exchange opportunities between the students and faculty members of both the Universities. Under these proposed programmes, students will join Guru Nanak Dev University in B.Com and spend three years here and last year in University of South Florida (USF). Similarly, in the case of M.B.A degree programme, students will spend one and half year here and last six months at the University of South Florida (USF). Both the Universities will extend all facilities and support to the students. These initiatives will be undertaken under the newly set up Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Guru Nanak Dev University. Also a joint academic and research initiative in the field of Biomechanics will be undertaken by the Department of Sports Sciences & Medicine and the Department of Physiotherapy of the University of South Florida.
Today, the team comprises of Professor Roger Brindley, USF System Vice President, USF World, University of South Florida, USA and Mrs. Aruna Dasgupta, Country Advisor-India for University of South Florida visited Guru Nanak Dev University. On reaching the University Campus, this team was warmly received by Prof. Sandhu and other officials of the University.
Detailing about the achievements of the University, Prof. Sandhu said our University is creating a unique alliance and leading the way in shaping the future of Indo-US research partnership. Initially, a couple of courses will be started under this dual degree programme and later more courses will be incorporated keeping in view the need of the region. This initiative will further cement our University’s position as one of the world’s premier locations for research and innovation”.
Prof. Behl said that the modes of cooperation could include faculty visits for collaboration in research, student mobility programs for learning, development of joint research projects and dissemination of finding through scholarly publication knowledge especially for job oriented disciplines.
Professor Roger Brindley said that this strategic partnership between the University of South Florida and Guru Nanak Dev University is a milestone with respect to international relations. He said that we are looking forward to a long and fruitful collaboration with different departments of Guru Nanak Dev University such as Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CEI). A warm discussion was also held between members of both the Universities which also included students and faculty members.
Prof. Sarbjot Singh Behl, Dean Academic Affairs; Prof.Karanjeet Singh Kahlon, Registrar; Prof. Jaspal Singh, Head, School of Financial Studies; Prof. Shweta Shenoy, Head, MYAS-GNDU Department of Sports Science and Medicine; Prof. Partap Kumar Pati, Head, Department of Bio-Technology and Coordinator of Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation; Dr. Preet Mohinder Singh Bedi, Coordinator, University-Industry Linkage Programme were present on this occasion. Later, the officials of the University of South Florida (USF) also interacted with students of the University.