NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 1
The Gujarat government has decided to grant Centre of Excellence (CoE) status to seven private universities in the state, an official said on Tuesday.
CM Shri @vijayrupanibjp, chairing a high level meeting of Education Dept, decides in principle to accord 'Centre of Excellence' status to seven universities of the State, viz. Nirma University, CHARUSAT University, Ahmedabad University, Marwadi University, PDPU, CEPT and DA-IICT. pic.twitter.com/2F6AA9DYAN
— CMO Gujarat (@CMOGuj) May 31, 2021
As per an official release, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday gave in principle approval to grant seven universities the CoE status, so that they make their mark globally.
The list includes Nirma University, CEPT University, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DAIICT), Ahmedabad University, Charotar University of Science and Technology and Marwadi University.
The decision will improve the quality of education at these universities and give them an “international touch”, Rupani said in a statement, adding that the move will also boost research, innovation and a culture for creating start-ups.
A detailed action plan on how these universities can contribute internationally will be prepared soon, the release stated.
Students will get quality infrastructure and facilities such as best faculties, laboratories, libraries and hostels, it said.
State Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama will hold a meeting with the heads of these seven universities within a week to prepare an action plan, which they will have to submit to the chief minister in two weeks, the release said.
Proud moment for CEPT University: Dr Bimal Patel, President
According to a CEPT University release, it has been accorded an in principle status of Center of Excellence (COE) by the Government of Gujarat after a rigorous process that spanned over a year. The University had applied for the COE status in July 2020 as per the prescribed structured format with self-assessment and information on key parameters pertaining to its functioning. These were vetted and validated by a scrutiny committee; followed by an online presentation with the COE High-Level Committee; the committee also visited the University campus to interact with various stakeholders separately viz. the Management, the Faculty, the Students, and the Alumni.
Commenting on this coveted status, Dr. Bimal Patel, President – CEPT University said, “It is a proud moment for all of us. I want to congratulate Government of Gujarat for being the first state in the country to recognize institutions of excellence. Gujarat has always been at the forefront for its visionary approach to education and it has greatly benefited from the efforts of many visionary leaders. This bold step will deepen the culture of excellence in education in the state and serve as a model for other states to emulate. In my opinion, it is truly in line with the vision and ethos of the National Education Policy.”
Adding further he said, “CEPT has always believed in pushing the boundaries of excellence. Informally, the University has always been well known as one of the top institutes for Architecture and Planning. The in-principle recognition as a Center of Excellence, and the autonomy that comes with it, is a big responsibility. We would like to strengthen our efforts towards having a means blind admissions process—which means that no student should lose the opportunity of studying at CEPT due to lack of financial means. We are hopeful that even more students will be able to benefit from participating in the vibrant and liberal learning environment of CEPT. This recognition will also strengthen our collaborations with other universities in India and abroad.”
Salient features of CEPT University
CEPT University, through its education, research and advisory activities, strives to improve the impact of habitat professions in enriching the lives of people in India’s villages, towns and cities. Its teaching programs aim to build thoughtful professionals and its research programs deepen understanding of human settlements. CEPT University has a unique pedagogy that emphasizes choice-based learning and cherishes individual interests and abilities of the students. The teaching programs focus on building professional capacities and are therefore centered on ‘studios’ or ‘labs’, where students engage with well-designed life-like problems.
CEPT works as a collaborative of full-time academics and practicing professionals to strengthen the quality of teaching and learning. Professionals, adept at decision-making and real-world insights, bring their experience to classrooms and academics impart a more thoughtful and critical approach. Teachers at CEPT University see themselves as coaches. Their role is to support individual students in their explorations and in their capacity-building quests. The coursework, seminars, and research assignments – all aim at developing conceptual, analytical and problem-solving abilities of students.
