How Lovely Professional University is leading the way for students in pandemic times?

What began as a health crisis has become an economic and humanitarian crisis as well. It’s not a stretch to say that Covid-19 pandemic has changed the world as we knew it. The new world is here and is going to need professionals, leaders, and thinkers, who can shepherd it to a better place for all. Now more than ever, the onus rests on institutions of higher learning to shape these game-changers of tomorrow without compromising on their safety and learning experience. And LPU - Lovely Professional University has risen to that challenge with its all-round measures to combat the aftermath of the pandemic.

Desperate times called for quick and effective measures

When the first lockdown was announced in India in March, Universities all over the country had to shut down campuses for the safety of its students and teams. Lovely Professional University was quick to respond with the best health and safety protocols that were required at the time. It has consistently kept students’ safety and wellbeing at the forefront since. But at the same time, there was a job at hand. Their learning experience could not be compromised at any cost. While many colleges and universities struggled to transition to online learning mode, LPU seamlessly moved on and ensured that its student’s learning didn’t suffer.

“Tech”ing the next step

Ranked among the top 100 in NIRF rankings, the University already had the digital infrastructure for the mandated smooth transition. Aman Mittal, Additional Director (Media), LPU informs, “We have our own data sector with software including a Whatsapp like an app where students can interact with faculty members. We have also invested in learning management system (LMS) app where students can download assignments, upload their work, keep a track of time tables, check results, etc.” It was this digital framework that enabled LPU to swiftly curate an online learning experience.

Faculty training paid dividends

LPU’s communication app allowed faculty members to send notes, assignments, and learning material to students. However, a lot depended on how quickly the seasoned faculty members accustomed to traditional training would adapt to the new ways. Frequent faculty training programmes organised by the university ensured that its pillars of strength weren’t left behind. They received further training to not only conduct classes online but also to make them engaging and catered to students’ needs. It gave LPU and its students the edge over other universities that struggled with online delivery of effective learning experiences.

What is ahead – the new dawn!

While Universities across India awaits the UGC guidelines, LPU is steps ahead. LPU is investing heavily on sanitisation, and infrastructure to maintain social distancing in classrooms and hostels. “We are quick to adapt and always focus on student welfare. I think, especially in these times, it is important that students choose new generation, dynamic universities like LPU rather than traditional universities,” Mittal emphasises. And for aspirants, who choose this new age university ready for the new world, LPU has taken the entire admission process including, online.

These are not exceptional measures; they are the signs of our times. And LPU has adapted to them innovatively and let’s say- seamlessly, paving the way for others to follow suit.