Faculty Development Workshop 2023 May 8 to 11, 2023

COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), Abbottabad Campus, has a history and tradition of arranging the Faculty Development Workshops for the newly inducted faculty in each semester. The same workshops were resumed in Spring 2023. Keeping in view the hiring conducted in Spring 2023, Faculty Development Workshop was conducted at the Abbottabad campus from May 8 to 11, 2023 under the able leadership of the campus Director, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah. The attendees of the workshop were new inductees as well the visiting faculty of the campus. About 30 participants attended the Faculty Development Workshop 2023 from May 8, till May 11, 2023.

The workshop began with the opening ceremony on May 8, 2023, at 9:00 am, whereby the guest of honor was Prof. Dr. Fida Younus Khattak T.I. He is an MSc in Physics from the Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad and Ph.D. from Imperial College London, Prof Fida Younus Khattak T.I has over 35 years of academic/research/administrative experience, both at national and international levels. He remained the Dean of Sciences at the Kohat University of Science and Technology for over a decade. He is presently serving at the Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology at Haripur as Professor of Practice and Provost.

Prof Khattak has contributed to dozens of research articles published in reputed international journals including 02 articles in Nature Physic, and his total impact factor exceeds 130. He is Fellow of the Institute of Physics (UK), a Senior Member of the IEEE (USA), and Fellow of the Pakistan Physical Society. Prof Khattak is the recipient of the Best University Teachers Award, Izaz-e-Fazeelat, and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz. Prof. Khattak addressed the participants and shared the key requirements of a teacher. The personality, strong character and the eloquent and clear speech of the teacher were the prominent points in his talk.

The workshop commenced with a session on the University Teacher’s Conduct & Behavior. The resource person for the session was Dr. Syed Afzal Moshadi Shah. He is serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Sciences. He possesses around two decades of valuable diversified work experience that ranges from Financial Sector, Manufacturing Sector, Social Sector and Education Sector. His last assignment before joining COMSATS University was as a Personnel and Production Manager at Specialty Flexibles, Southampton, UK. He is a consultant trainer for National Business Development Program (NBDP) for SMEDA trainings and consultancies. He remained the mentor for The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) USA and National Incubation Center (NIC) Muzafarabad. As a trainer he has imparted management trainings for Save the Children, Staff College of National Bank of Pakistan, Merci Corps, National Saving Bank, TiE (USA), NDMA, FPCCI, PIEAC University etc. He has earned a PhD in Management from COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan, M.Sc in Management from Birmingham City University (BCU), UK, MBA from Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), PGD and PGC from Birmingham City University (BCU), UK and LLB from University of Peshawar, Pakistan.

In his session he discussed the differences between Qualification and Education, roles of a teacher such as a facilitator, role model, information provider, resource developer, planner, and an assessor. He discussed the differences between university teaching and teaching in school/ college. Soft skills shared with the participants included Time Management, Networking, Teamwork, creative thinking, and conflict resolution. Teachers should understand the power of their words.

IT Services and CU Online was presented by the Manager Systems CITC Mr Muhammad Shaukat and System Administrator CITC, Mr. Waheed Ur Rehman. The team briefed the participants about the IT resources available to the faculty members and the hands on working of the CU Online faculty related modules.

The final session of the May 8, 2023 workshop was on self-management, Team Management, negotiation, and handling cultural diversity. Mr. Umar Hassan has teaching and training experience of 18 years at the University level. His academic area of expertise is Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior. His training expertise includes areas of leadership, self-development, and soft skills development. Over the last decade, he has conducted multiple sessions with professionals from the corporate sector, faculty and students of different universities and colleges.  Mr. Umar Hassan had an interactive session with the participants where he shared self and team management skills using real life examples. He briefed about critical thinking, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

Day -02 of the workshop on May 9, 2023, commenced with the session on Harassment Law and Policy at CUI Abbottabad. The resource persons were Dr. Romana Khan, Associate Professor at the Department of Environmental Sciences and Ms. Saadia Munir, Incharge International Students. Both the resource persons are members of the inquiry committee constituted at CUI Abbottabad to deal with harassment cases and abuse of authority. They have attended the trainings on harassment at Mehergarh, center for learning in Islamabad. Dr. Romana Khan has more than 10 years of training experience in harassment issues and how to deal with such cases. The session also comprised of students of the BBA Final Semester under the patron ship of Mr. Umar Hassan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Management Sciences. These group of students were representing their groups working on HR specialization and how harassment law words in the organizations. The students and the participants asked various questions on coping with the issue of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. CUI Abbottabad has zero tolerance for harassment and any complaints related to the matter can be emailed to [email protected] for speedy decisions.

Prof. Dr Aftab Alam Khan is a is a Professor of Psychiatry and visiting Consultant Psychiatrist in Ayub Medical Teaching Institute Abbottabad . Dr. Aftab Alam Khan graduated from Ayub Medical College Abbottabad in 2001. After doing his house job, he moved to the UK for training in Psychiatry. He received his Membership and later Fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK. He also completed his postgraduate diploma in Epilepsy from King’s College London.  The Department of Psychiatry Ayub Teaching Hospital is widely regarded as one of the best Psychiatry departments in KPK under his leadership.

Prof Aftab Alam spoke on Stress Management and Emotional Intelligence. The participants received a lot of advice related to their small lifestyle changes to remain stress free. He guided everyone on the importance of emotional Intelligence and how it can change the perspective of an individual of looking at life and staying stress free.

Dr Abdul Majid is the Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He remained the Head of Engineering Resource Center and made considerable contributions in the campus. His talk was on Objective Based Education (OBE) and how the faculty can adapt the system and what are the benefits of adopting OBE Based learning.

Dr. Jamil Anwar is a faculty member at the Department of Management Sciences at COMSATS University in Abbottabad. With over 25 years of experience in Management, Teaching, Training, and Software Development, he has earned a reputation as a highly skilled and knowledgeable professional. Dr. Anwar holds a PhD in Management (Strategy and Finance), an MBA in Finance, an MSc in Statistics, a Diploma in Banking, and is an Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) in database administration. Dr. Anwar has had an illustrious career, having worked at the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for more than 12 years, where he was a Senior Joint Director and head of SME Finance division. During his tenure at SBP, he worked on various projects with international organizations like IMF, ADB, and Hyundai. He remained involved in several projects related to entrepreneurship and SME sector development, including the SME Sector Development Program (SMESDP) – a joint project of ADB, SBP, and the Government of Pakistan. He remained head of Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) in COMSATS, Abbottabad and conducted many workshops and training programs for promotion of SME sector. He has also worked as consultant on a project of Sultan Qaboos University Muscat, Oman on Development of SMEs in Oman. Dr. Anwar is also a member of the executive body of EQUIP (Empowerment through Quality Education, Innovation and Productivity) and a Master Trainer with AFAQ (Association for Academic Quality). His talk was on Time Management, classroom management and control. He explained the topic with extensive real-life examples, motivational quotes, and shared names of a few books that could be beneficial to the participants. He explained the importance of time management for oneself, one’s family, work-life balance for success in all aspects of life and beyond.

Day -03 of the workshop on May 10, 2023, commenced with the session on Micro-teaching – Theory and Practicum conducted by Dr. Aziz Ullah Sayal, Associate Professor and Head of Department in Management Sciences department, Dr. Aziz Ullah Sayal,  Head of Department, Distinction Holder in Masters, 20 years’ experience of Mentoring and Career counseling, 15 years’ experience at Radio Pakistan and a news caster, Anchor, Script Writer, Provost, Deputy Registrar, Program Manager, Principal Academic coordinator. Dr Sayal was accompanied by Dr. Shakir Hafeez, Associate Professor in the Department of Management Sciences.

The session on Micro-Teaching was very interactive where the participants were advised to appear in groups and the group lead was asked to present on a topic in front of their group members. The group members were asked to provide their feedback on a proforma and share their responses. A total of five groups presented over a cup of working tea. The videos of all the participants were shared with all the participants for their improvement. Overall, the session was very fruitful and informative for the participants.

Next session on day-03 was on the exam system, rules and regulations, invigilation and assigned duties, superintendent assignments. Mr. Yasir Ali Assistant Controller of Exam and Ms. Sehrish Wali, the Assistant Program Officer for Graduate Programs presented on these rules. Both have been involved in preparation of the revised graduate hand book and have extensively worked and understood the campus policy and rules related to the campus academics. The presentation highlighted the admission eligibility, marking systems, paper pattern, graduate rules, invigilation requirements from the faculty, and superintendent assignments.

Prof Dr. Raza Ahmed is the Professor in the department of Biotechnology and is the Head of the department. He briefed the participants about the philosophy of education not in theory but in practical manner. He shared examples from his own life, religious requirements, the stature of a teacher and the expectations of a teacher to be well groomed and presentable in all forms, including speech, attire, delivery of lecture, understanding their pupils to name a few.

Day -03 of the workshop on May 10, 2023, commenced with the session on Course Planning/ Course Design & Evaluation Methods. Prof. Dr. Imdad Khan is working as Professor of Electrical Engineering at the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus. He did his PhD in Electrical Engineering from University of Birmingham, UK in 2009. He has an experience of 23 years in teaching and research at the University level. He has published numerous research articles in well reputed journals of Engineering and Technology and has significant conference publications and book chapters to his credit. His main area of research is antennas and propagation for Body Area Networks and 5G communications. He has vast administrative experience and remained Head of ECE department for about 5 years. His role is pivotal in the establishment and strengthening of OBE based system and its accreditation processes. He is a registered professional engineer with Pakistan Engineering Council and is an active PEC evaluator of OBE based accreditation system at National level. He has organized various conferences and seminars at the departmental as well as national level. He was the organizer and Program Chair of FIT from 2012 – 2014.

Prof. Dr. Imdad’s shared his experience with the participants regarding the course planning/ course design and related evaluation methods. He advised the participants to keep a check on the allied department courses, as well as across department teaching methods in order to fully cater to the requirements of the course. He explained that preparing the course design prior to the start of the semester makes the semester progression smooth and easy for the faculty.

Second session for day conducted by the HR section. Ms. Zainab Irshad is the Deputy Registrar (HR) who shared in detail the HR Policy and leave rules of the campus. HR team explained the rules and answered the questions related to the Leave rules and policy of CUI Abbottabad.

The last session of the workshop was conducted by the campus Director, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah.

Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah is a Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biotechnology at COMSAS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus.  He has received his BSc and MSc honors degrees from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar and a PhD from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (USA), in Plant Molecular Breeding and Genetics. He is primarily involved in developing integrated genetic, biochemical, and biotechnological strategies to exploit plants’ potential in improving agricultural productivity, medicinal values, and conservation status in the dynamic climatic changes.  His multidisciplinary expertise in fundamental biological sciences, biotechnology and genetic engineering critically mediates the development of innovative strategies, processes, and methodologies in plant improvements along with human resource development in the emerging disciplines of science and technology. 

Dr Shah has received several outstanding awards in his academic career.  In particular the PAS Gold Medal 2018 in Emerging Technologies including Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics by the Pakistan Academy of Sciences; the Best University Teacher Award by Pakistan HEC (2008), Best Research Paper Award by HEC (2015-16), Research Productivity Award by PCST (2011- 2012, 2012-2013), National Talent Award by Pakistan National Talent Council (2008), and Research Productivity Award by COMSATS University Islamabad (2006-till date).  In addition he has received Governor’s Gold Medal in HSSC Examination (1983) for the top position in Islamic Education, Silver Medal in BSc (Hons) Agriculture degree (1988) for 2nd highest position among all successful students, and Bronze medal in Scouting Competition, Pakistan Boys Scouts Camporee, Islamabad, Pakistan (1980).  Besides, listed as Productive Scientist of Pakistan by the PCST.

Based on his extra-ordinary contributions in teaching, research and development, he has been elected as member of several professional and honorary scientific and research societies such as the Gamma Sigma Delta, and the Sigma Xi, the Genetic Society of America (GSA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and The American Society of Agronomy (ASA). 

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah was accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bahadar Nawab from the department of Development Studies. Bahadar Nawab Khattak is Chairperson of the Development Studies at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Abbottabad Campus. He did PhD in Environment and Development Studies from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway. Prof. Nawab has an interdisciplinary academic background majoring in Environment and Development Studies. His core area of specialization is in post crises development, climate change adaptation and conflict, peace and development, institutions and policies analysis, water supply and sanitation leading to sustainable development.Dr. Nawab has been instrumental in setting up effective collaborations with the Norwegian and German institutions in the North and Nepalese and Sri Lankan institutions in the South. Nawab has completed and is currently pursuing several international research and education programs in the above-mentioned specialized areas. Both the resource persons shared resources and discussed the role of teachers in building nations. Their talk was very motivating and inspiring was the participants. Where they shared real life examples from the religious as well as practical aspects of life.

The closing ceremony was arranged and conducted by the convener of FDW, Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Zaidi and his team. All the Chairpersons, Heads of Departments, participants, and resource persons of the workshop were invited to attend the closing ceremony scheduled on 11 May 2023 at 2:00 pm in the conference room of admin block. Prof. Dr. Shahid Khattak was the invited chief guest for the closing ceremony. Prof. Dr. Shahid Khattak is a highly accomplished academic with expertise in the field of Electrical Engineering. He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering, from Germany, a master’s degree in electrical engineering communications and Signal Processing from Purdue University in the USA. Dr. Khattak has held a number of leadership positions in his academic career. As the Vice Chancellor of UET Mardan, he developed and approved a five-year strategic plan, established new departments, programs, and labs, and completed several major infrastructure projects worth billions of rupees. He also oversaw the development of a freelance training program and a technology park, and spearheaded collaborations with industry and academia. In addition to his administrative roles, Dr. Khattak has also been involved in research and curriculum development throughout his career. He has served as Chairman of the Campus Graduate Committee, Chairman of the EE Department at CUI, and HoD of the EE Department at CUI Abbottabad, where he oversaw the management of faculty and students, organized international conferences, and played a key role in accreditation, research monitoring, and curriculum design. Dr. Khattak held various academic positions, including Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Teaching Assistant at institutions such as CUI, Technical University Dresden Germany, NWFP UET Peshawar, Purdue University. Throughout his career, he has been involved in research on next-generation wireless systems and has collaborated with industry partners such as Infineon Siemens and Vodafone.

He shared his experience and lauded the efforts of the organizers. He guided the attendees on the important role of a teacher and how everyone should work towards a purpose and common goal. His talk was very informative.

During the closing ceremony, all the participants were awarded certificates of participation and souvenir bags, considering their attendance in the FDW 2023 sessions. The resource persons were presented with the appreciation awards, and souvenir bags. The closing remarks were made by the campus Director, acknowledging the efforts of all the organizers involved and special appreciation for Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Zaidi for conducting the workshop in an eloquent manner. The closing ceremony and the workshop concluded with group photographs and light refreshments for all the attendees.