DHULABARI CAMPUS

(Affiliated to Purwanchal University)

FACULTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN- 2024

Introduction
This document outlines the Faculty Development Plan (FDP) for Dhulabari Campus, affiliated
with Purwanchal University (PU). Our FDP focuses on meeting essential standards for effective
classroom teaching, academic advising, student counseling, departmental collaboration,
curriculum development, research, and service contributions such as student and staff
recruitment.
The FDP aims to align with global standards over time, while in the short term, adhering to the
quality benchmarks set by Purwanchal University, the Engineering Council, and the University
Grants Commission (UGC). Our approach is a Nepal-specific adaptation of best practices from
internationally recognized universities and research institutions.
We recognize that a strong faculty is crucial to the reputation of the campus. Therefore, we are
committed to providing faculty members—especially in Civil Engineering—with opportunities
for continuous education, research, professional development, and participation in the growth of
the college, all contributing to the broader mission of the university.

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 Our Core Beliefs
Our faculty development approach is shaped by the following beliefs:
1. Cultivating Teaching Talents: Faculty who consistently nurture their teaching skills
create more enriching interactions with students, benefiting both the teacher and the
learner.
2. No One-Size-Fits-All Approach: While there’s no universal teaching method, certain
practices are more effective for individual teachers in specific contexts.
3. Student Learning is Central: All new technologies, techniques, or approaches should be
adopted with the primary goal of enhancing student learning.
4. Inspiration Over Obligation: Meaningful, lasting change happens when faculty are
inspired and supported, rather than being required, to evolve their teaching methods.
5. Respecting Faculty Commitment: Teaching development requires time and energy, and
opportunities should align with the level of commitment faculty can invest.

Goals and Objectives of Our Faculty Development Program (FDP)

The goals and objectives you’ve outlined for your Faculty Development Program (FDP) focus on
creating a supportive, innovative, and rewarding campus culture that prioritizes teaching
excellence. Below is a breakdown of your goals and actionable objectives to achieve them.

1. Provide Leadership in Teaching Excellence and Innovation

o Establish committees and teaching fellows to promote high-quality, innovative
teaching across campus.
o Organize teaching summits to share best practices and new strategies.
2. Share Faculty Teaching Successes
o Create a platform to showcase faculty achievements in teaching.
o Highlight teaching success stories in newsletters and through awards ceremonies.
3. Maintain Teaching as a Campus Priority
o Communicate regularly with leadership, faculty, and staff about teaching
initiatives.
o Hold forums and advisory group meetings to keep teaching on the agenda.
4. Create Opportunities for Faculty Development
o Offer workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs to share effective teaching
practices.
o Facilitate peer observation and discussion groups to encourage collaboration and
growth.

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Help Faculty Members Cultivate their Teaching Competency and Talents
To further expand on cultivating faculty members' teaching competencies and talents, we can
dive deeper into strategies, methods, and specific initiatives that may support long-term faculty
development. These initiatives could include:
1. Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement
• Foster Reflective Practice: Encourage faculty members to engage in self-reflection
regarding their teaching strategies, student outcomes, and personal development. This can
be done through reflective journals, post-semester reviews, or peer discussions.
• Peer Coaching and Mentoring: Establish a mentorship program where experienced
faculty mentor newer instructors, offering guidance on pedagogy, classroom
management, and professional growth.
• Annual Teaching Portfolios: Support faculty in developing teaching portfolios that
document their instructional practices, innovations, student feedback, and reflections.
This encourages ongoing self-assessment and growth.
2. Providing Varied and Ongoing Professional Development
• Workshops and Seminars: Offer regular workshops tailored to different teaching needs—
ranging from active learning strategies, culturally responsive teaching, flipped classroom
methods, to integrating AI or emerging technologies in teaching.
• Teaching Fellowships and Grants: Create opportunities for faculty to apply for teaching
fellowships or grants that fund innovative pedagogical projects. This allows faculty to
experiment with new techniques and share their findings with the institution.
• Online and Hybrid Training Modules: Develop flexible, asynchronous training modules
on pedagogy and technology integration. These can include video tutorials, resource
libraries, and online discussion forums for faculty to explore at their own pace.
3. Leveraging Data and Feedback for Growth
• Student Feedback and Learning Analytics: Encourage faculty to regularly analyze student
feedback (both qualitative and quantitative) as well as course analytics to assess the
effectiveness of their teaching. Offer training on how to interpret and act on this data to
improve instruction.
• Mid-Semester Student Feedback: Support faculty in collecting mid-semester feedback
from students to adjust and refine their teaching practices in real-time. This proactive
approach fosters a more responsive and effective learning environment.
• Data-Informed Teaching Development: Provide faculty with reports on course
performance metrics (e.g., grade distributions, student engagement patterns) and work
with them to identify areas for improvement or innovation in their courses.
4. Encouraging Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Learning

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 • Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs): Form Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs)
focused on specific pedagogical challenges or topics, such as enhancing student
engagement, improving online instruction, or developing assessment techniques. These
groups can meet regularly to discuss research, share experiences, and develop new
strategies.
• Cross-Disciplinary Collaborations: Facilitate collaboration between faculty from different
disciplines to explore diverse pedagogical perspectives. This can lead to creative teaching
approaches that draw on insights from various fields.
5. Innovating through Technology and Teaching Resources
• Exploring EdTech Tools: Regularly introduce faculty to emerging educational
technologies (e.g., augmented reality, virtual reality, adaptive learning platforms) and
how they can be integrated into teaching to improve student learning outcomes. Offer
hands-on training and pilot programs for testing these tools.
• Flipped Classrooms and Active Learning Spaces: Help faculty design flipped classrooms
or active learning environments that prioritize student engagement through problem-
solving, discussion, and group activities. Provide resources such as flipped classroom
templates, lesson plans, and assessment models.
• Digital Literacy Programs: Provide ongoing training for faculty on digital literacy,
including best practices for managing online discussions, creating digital assessments,
and fostering meaningful online interactions in hybrid or fully online courses.
6. Cultivating Inclusive Teaching Practices
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Pedagogy: Create faculty development
programs that focus on inclusive teaching practices, cultural competence, and building an
equitable classroom environment. Ensure that faculty are trained to recognize and reduce
bias, promote diversity, and support underrepresented students.
• Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Train faculty in UDL principles to create more
accessible learning environments. This includes providing multiple means of
engagement, representation, and expression to accommodate students with different
learning styles and needs.
7. Assessing and Recognizing Faculty Teaching Excellence
• Teaching Awards and Recognition Programs: Develop an awards program to recognize
and celebrate outstanding teaching efforts. Categories could include innovative teaching,
use of technology, student-centered approaches, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Regular Peer and Administrative Evaluations: Provide faculty with regular peer reviews,
along with administrative evaluations, to offer a well-rounded perspective on their
teaching practices. Use this feedback as the basis for continuous improvement rather than
just assessment.

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 • Celebrate Success Stories: Highlight and disseminate stories of faculty members who
have significantly improved their teaching or who have implemented innovative teaching
strategies. This can be done through newsletters, blogs, or faculty development seminars.
8. Building External Connections and Communities
• Participation in Conferences and External Workshops: Encourage faculty to participate in
regional, national, and international conferences that focus on teaching and pedagogy.
Provide travel grants or other support to enable this participation.
• Collaborate with External Experts: Invite guest speakers, educational consultants, or
leaders in pedagogy from other institutions to share their expertise and lead workshops on
cutting-edge teaching practices.
• Networking and External Collaboration: Promote networking opportunities for faculty to
connect with peers at other institutions. This fosters the exchange of ideas and practices
across a broader academic landscape.
9. Ensuring Sustainability and Scalability
• Developing Faculty Champions: Identify faculty who are passionate about teaching
excellence and encourage them to become champions of pedagogical innovation. These
faculty members can mentor others, lead workshops, and serve as a resource within their
departments.
• Institutional Support and Incentives: Ensure that the institution provides adequate
resources, time, and incentives for faculty to engage in professional development. This
might include release time for teaching improvement activities or funding for attending
external training programs.

Broaden and Improve Development Opportunities

To ensure continuous growth and relevance, the College commits to regularly:
1. Conduct Needs and Quality Assessments:
o Perform ongoing surveys, focus groups, and assessments to evaluate current
programs and identify future faculty development needs.
o Use this data to improve programming and ensure alignment with faculty
expectations and institutional goals.
2. Revise and Update Programs Based on Feedback:
o Regularly revise, improve, and update the faculty development program based on
faculty input, evidence, and experiences.
o Design new programs when required to meet the evolving standards of the
University, UGC, and National Engineering Council.
3. Collaborate with Leadership and Training Services:
o Partner with in-house and external leadership training services and institutions to
offer coordinated and comprehensive support to faculty.

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 o Ensure programs are aligned with best practices and offer a wide range of
development opportunities across disciplines.
Increase the visibility of, and faculty participation in, faculty development
opportunities.

• Discuss college- and department-specific faculty development plans with the Head(s) of
Department.
• Inform specific groups of faculties when relevant development opportunities arise.
• Develop effective communications strategies fostering partnership with other units on campus, as
appropriate.
• Continuously expand existing linkage, collaboration, participation, with national, regional South
Asian, Asian and International institutions, networks, professional networks to foster the culture of

Encourage the scholarship of teaching and learning.

• Help faculty gain insight into the effectiveness of their teaching through formal and informal
assessment of student learning.
• Design and disseminate tools that help departments and individuals conduct assessment activities.
• Encourage scholarly work on teaching and learning
• Develop methods for sharing assessment results, locally and externally.

Faculty Development Activities already in Place and in Continued

Planning
As of now, Dhulabari Campus has the following streams of activities for academic development of our
faculty members:

• Training Programs
• National and International Thematic seminars and Strategic workshops
• Exchange Programs for Faculty Members
• Further Study of Faculty Members
• Involvement in Thematic Research and Projects

The following sections provide the details.

Training Programs for Faculty Members

DHULABARI CAMPUS places a high value on the continuous development of its faculty and
staff, recognizing that professional growth and personal enrichment are essential for maintaining
excellence in education and fostering a dynamic academic environment. To achieve this, the
campus organizes a range of formal and non-formal training programs designed to meet diverse
needs.

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Some training sessions focus on specialized academic and research skills, such as writing
research proposals and papers for peer-reviewed journals, ensuring faculty members are well-
prepared to contribute to scholarly communities. Others address broader, interdisciplinary topics
like adult education pedagogy, which enhances teaching effectiveness, or continuous learning,
which promotes adaptability and lifelong learning skills. Beyond academic and professional
competencies, the campus also supports programs that emphasize holistic well-being and cultural
awareness, such as yoga and sessions on indigenous knowledge and wisdom.

These programs are conducted through two primary channels. DHULABARI CAMPUS
frequently hosts in-house training sessions, ensuring easy access for faculty and staff.
Simultaneously, it encourages participation in external programs organized by reputable
institutions, both nationally and internationally. In many cases, the campus goes a step further by
involving its faculty as instructors or resource persons in these external programs, fostering
collaboration and knowledge exchange.

To support this active participation, DHULABARI CAMPUS provides various forms of

assistance. This includes offering professional time allowances to ensure participants can focus
fully on their development and, in many cases, extending financial sponsorship that partially or
entirely covers expenses. Such comprehensive support underscores the institution's unwavering
commitment to creating a nurturing environment where its members can thrive academically,
professionally, and personally.

By prioritizing such initiatives, DHULABARI CAMPUS not only enhances the skills and well-
being of its faculty and staff but also contributes to building a vibrant, innovative, and inclusive
academic community. This approach ensures that the campus remains at the forefront of
educational excellence while staying connected to global trends and diverse perspectives.

Seminars, National and International Workshops

DHULABARI CAMPUS has established itself as a hub for academic collaboration and
knowledge sharing by regularly organizing national and international seminars and thematic
workshops. These events are strategically designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas, showcase
advancements in various fields, and enhance the professional capabilities of participants. The
campus adopts a flexible approach, organizing these events independently or partnering with
like-minded national and international institutions to amplify their impact and reach.

National seminars often focus on addressing specific academic or professional development

needs of the in-house faculty, creating a platform tailored to internal growth. These events
provide an opportunity for faculty members to discuss emerging trends, share experiences, and
develop solutions relevant to their academic and professional contexts. On the other hand,
international seminars and thematic workshops are structured to foster global perspectives and
collaborations, featuring a blend of national and international participants and experts.

A prominent example of DHULABARI CAMPUS's collaborative spirit is going to demonstrated

in the seminar series co-organized with the Nepal Geological Society. This initiative, held online,
attracted a diverse lineup of speakers from around the world, enabling robust discussions on

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pertinent geological topics. The active role of DHULABARI CAMPUS in this event, with its
Chair/CMC serving as the Convener, underscored the campus's leadership in promoting
academic innovation and interdisciplinary dialogue.

Beyond organization, DHULABARI CAMPUS also emphasizes the importance of faculty

participation in these events. Recognizing the value of continuous learning and networking, the
campus supports its faculty members by covering their professional time, ensuring they can fully
engage with the sessions. Furthermore, financial sponsorship is often provided, either partially or
fully, to offset the costs associated with attending or contributing to these seminars and
workshops.

This holistic approach to academic engagement reflects the campus's broader mission of
fostering an intellectually stimulating environment. By facilitating access to high-quality
learning opportunities and encouraging active involvement, DHULABARI CAMPUS not only
empowers its faculty but also strengthens its role as a leading institution in academic excellence
and innovation. These initiatives contribute to building a community that is well-connected,
globally informed, and deeply committed to advancing education and research.

Exchange of Faculty Members with Other Universities and Research Centers

DHULABARI CAMPUS facilitates and encourages professional interaction between its faculty members
with members of national and international academic institutions and universities. Currently, Miss Smrity
Bhattrai the College Faculty, serves as a Visiting Asst Professor at Mechi Campus.

DHULABARI CAMPUS demonstrates a strong commitment to the professional growth and

academic engagement of its faculty members by actively supporting their participation in
seminars and workshops. Recognizing the value these events bring to professional development
and intellectual exchange, the campus offers tangible support in multiple ways.

Primarily, the campus ensures that faculty members are granted the necessary professional time
to attend these events without compromising their institutional responsibilities. This provision
allows them to fully focus on gaining and sharing knowledge during these academic
engagements. Additionally, DHULABARI CAMPUS often goes a step further by providing
financial sponsorship to facilitate participation. This financial assistance can cover expenses
partially or entirely, depending on the nature of the event and the resources available.

This dual support system underscores the campus's commitment to fostering a culture of
continuous learning and collaboration. By investing in its faculty, DHULABARI CAMPUS not
only enhances their individual expertise but also strengthens its collective academic and
professional standing. This approach ensures that the institution remains a leader in promoting
innovation, research, and global academic connectivity.

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Further Study of Faculty Members into Graduate (MPhil, Masters’) and PhD
Programs
DHULABARI CAMPUS is deeply committed to fostering the academic advancement of its faculty
members by encouraging and facilitating their pursuit of higher education and research. The campus
actively supports faculty members who aim to upgrade their qualifications through graduate,
postgraduate, MPhil, and PhD programs. This commitment underscores the institution’s focus on building
a highly qualified academic team capable of contributing significantly to teaching, research, and
innovation.

Currently, our faculty members are applying their PhD research at prestigious institutions: Colorado State
University in the USA and Tribhuvan University in Nepal. This highlights DHULABARI CAMPUS’s
ability to connect its members with globally renowned academic opportunities.

To support such endeavors, the campus adopts a multifaceted approach. Faculty members are provided
with paid leave, either partially or fully, to allocate the necessary time for their studies. Additionally,
financial sponsorship may be offered, covering a portion or even the entirety of their expenses, depending
on the circumstances. In situations where direct financial support is limited, DHULABARI CAMPUS
offers other forms of facilitation, such as administrative assistance or letters of recommendation, which
can help faculty secure funding from international organizations and donors.

Recognizing the financial constraints often faced by Nepalese institutions, the campus takes a strategic
and individualized approach to decision-making. Each case is carefully analyzed to assess the
opportunity’s potential benefits and align the level of support with the campus’s resources and the faculty
member’s needs. Even token contributions, when strategically provided, can serve as leverage to attract
additional external funding, demonstrating the campus’s awareness of global funding dynamics.

By encouraging its faculty members to pursue advanced academic achievements and providing them with
tailored support, DHULABARI CAMPUS reaffirms its dedication to academic excellence and the
professional growth of its team. This approach not only benefits the individual faculty members but also
strengthens the institution’s overall academic reputation and capacity for delivering quality education and
research.

DHULABARI CAMPUS Development Plan

The Faculty Development Plan (FDP) at DHULABARI CAMPUS is closely aligned with its
broader vision for academic and institutional growth. This plan evolves alongside the campus’s
development goals and is influenced by external decisions from bodies like Purwanchal
University, the Engineering Council, and the UGC.

The FDP is integrated into the campus’s short- and long-term plans, focusing on enhancing
academic and research activities, faculty development, and infrastructure improvements. It also

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supports initiatives like managing student intake, tracking graduate outcomes, and implementing
continuing education programs.

By tying faculty development to its overarching vision, the campus ensures that all initiatives are
aligned, dynamic, and geared toward achieving sustainable growth and excellence.

Short Term Plan

DHULABARI CAMPUS has been actively pursuing the establishment of a Bachelor’s program
in Computer Engineering to expand its academic offerings. The campus is in the process of
obtaining a Letter of Intent from the government and working diligently to meet the requirements
set by Purwanchal University for the program’s approval.

In addition to this, DHULABARI CAMPUS has requested Purwanchal University to approve an

additional section for its existing Civil Engineering program. If approved, this expansion would
increase the total intake capacity to 60 undergraduate students, providing more opportunities for
aspiring civil engineering candidates.

These initiatives reflect the campus’s commitment to broadening its academic horizons and
meeting the growing demand for quality engineering education.

Long Term Plan

In the long term, DHULABARI CAMPUS plans to expand its academic offerings by launching
master's programs in various fields, including Construction Management, Master of Computer
Applications (MCA), and Resilience Studies. These programs aim to provide advanced
education and specialized skills to students, addressing the growing demand in these critical
areas.

Additionally, the campus envisions establishing a dedicated research wing focused on Medical
Science and Engineering. This research center will not only support academic and scientific
research but also contribute to the development of the nation by fostering innovation and
technological advancements that can address both local and global challenges.

These long-term initiatives reflect DHULABARI CAMPUS’s commitment to advancing

education, supporting research, and playing an active role in national development.

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