Panjab University in Chandigarh has launched a significant initiative to address its ongoing faculty crisis. The university is now appointing Professors of Practice across various departments. This strategic move aims to tackle severe staff shortages while enriching classroom teaching with real-world expertise.
Addressing the Faculty Crunch
Vice-chancellor Renu Vig announced the development on Tuesday. She explained that Panjab University currently operates with barely half of its sanctioned regular faculty strength. This shortage has negatively impacted teaching loads, course offerings, and academic mentoring for students.
The university is leveraging University Grants Commission norms to make these appointments. UGC guidelines permit up to 10% of sanctioned faculty strength in any department to be appointed under the Professor of Practice category. Panjab University is now actively utilizing this provision in a structured manner.
Proactive Appointments Across Disciplines
"We are appointing Professors of Practice proactively wherever departments see value in bringing in experienced practitioners," Professor Vig stated. The university has already cleared multiple appointments across different disciplines as part of this push.
In chemical engineering and nanotechnology, four professors of practice have joined the faculty. Additionally, one appointment was finalized in the University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology's Centre for Industry Linkages.
High-Profile Appointments in English Department
The department of English and cultural studies witnessed two notable appointments. Renowned poet-lyricist Irshad Kamil and distinguished poet-editor Sudeep Sen have joined as Professors of Practice. University officials stated these appointments aim to integrate contemporary creative practice directly with classroom teaching.
Kamil's association followed his recent visit to deliver the 3rd Professor Urmi Kessar Memorial Lecture. The visit sparked discussions about formal engagement with the university. "During his last visit, I personally asked Irshad Kamil whether he would like to formally associate with the university," Professor Vig revealed. "He was more than glad to contribute, and we began working on the formalities."
Kamil is an alumnus who studied journalism and Hindi at Panjab University before completing his PhD. He is expected to strengthen teaching and workshops in creative writing, poetry, and cultural studies. Sen's appointment was specifically recommended by the English department for his extensive work in poetry, translation, and editing.
Contractual Engagement Model
Under the UGC framework, Professors of Practice are engaged on contractual terms rather than as full-time regular faculty. They receive payment per lecture or per day of engagement. Departments will schedule various academic activities for them including:
- Special lectures
- Short modules
- Interactive workshops
- Interaction-based courses
Complementary Approach to Regular Recruitment
Senior university officials clarified that these appointments do not serve as substitutes for regular faculty recruitment. Instead, they function as a parallel mechanism designed to bridge immediate gaps while enriching teaching with practical, real-world experience.
Both English department appointees will begin their academic engagement in the upcoming cycle. Meanwhile, engineering appointments will be phased in gradually over the next few months. This structured approach allows Panjab University to address pressing faculty shortages while maintaining academic quality through practitioner-led teaching.
