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Aligarh Summer University Program: The Original Concept
Over the years, Aligarh has produced
many excellent students who left for advanced studies abroad and have attained varying degrees of distinction in their chosen
fields. These alumni who are now working in foreign Universities, government institutions and industry represent a valuable,
but untapped, reservoir of expertise that can be put to great use for Aligarh students. There is also the problem (that may
not be so obvious to non-University people) that fewer and fewer Aligarh graduates are able to enter, and successfully complete,
graduate or other professional programs in western Universities.
As alumni, we can help students currently studying
at Aligarh by organizing a Summer University. Individual alumni who hold advanced degrees from North American or European
Universities could come forward to offer their services to give short, 2-week courses in their area of expertise as part of
the Summer University at Aligarh. The contents of the courses would be left entirely to the Professors, but the areas should
be relevant and modern, preferably those that are not being covered adequately at Aligarh. In addition to its educational
value, the Summer University would also provide an effective mechanism for young students to interact with these alumni and
thus open new doors of opportunity for them. The Summer University would not, in any way, duplicate the regular teaching activity
of the University and should not be perceived as a threat by any one. If you agree that this is a useful exercise, there are
several ways in which you can help:
1. Volunteer Professors: We need qualified alumni from overseas who would be willing to participate in teaching these courses. Since
we have no funds at the moment, they should be prepared to cover their travel and accommodation expenses themselves. (I may
add that most Universities in North America and Europe have funds available for such purposes.)
2. Local Organizing Committee: Success
of this program will depend on active involvement of the local alumni. We will need help with the following: e-mail communications;
diplomatic liaison with the University administrators for making lecture rooms and teaching facilities available; accommodation
for visiting professors (in the Guest House etc); enrolment of students; and planning for social activities for the 2-week
duration of the Summer University.
Summer Universities are great fun. It has very
beneficial effects on young minds, opens their horizons, and the instructors also enjoy it immensely. Other alumni who happen
to be present in Aligarh at that time would be welcome to enjoy the social activities that would be planned with the Summer
University. So, if you are planning a visit to Aligarh, you could adjust the dates accordingly: it could be a great alumni
reunion too!
Please contact me if you are interested in supporting
this program. Thank you.
Asad Ahmed, Ph.D. (Aligarh), Ph.D. (Yale)
Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta
Phone/Fax at 1-780-449-6059
Click here to Email
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