Our futuristic academic model provides students flexibility to gain knowledge in fields of their choice, says Sudhir

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, the students' coordinator at Sage University Sudhir Shrivastava talks in detail about the pedagogy of the University to help students become industry-ready. He also elaborates the initiatives taken by the University such as project-based learning and emphasis on laboratory courses that contribute to making students industry-ready.

Read the excerpts of the interview below:

Q: What are the three things that your University is doing to differentiate itself from the competition?

A: The University is doing several things to stand out among competitors. Some of our unique focus points are:

• Futuristic academic model, that is a mix of choice based credit system as well as learning outcome-based curriculum suggested by the UGC that gives a student maximum flexibility to gain knowledge in the fields of their choice
• The model proposed is supported by a highly scrutinised mentorship programme that will enable a student to choose the combination of subjects or courses across 11 schools. We promote multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary expertise in the students
• Skill development of students that helps in their overall development
• A technical skill assessment test that is conducted at the end of each semester to check the level of skills attained; if the scores show a downward trend, then special classes will be conducted to help the students catch up

• Specialised bachelor and master courses taught by highly qualified faculty
• The unique mentor university concept will aid both the teachers and students to evolve and shape into future leaders driving innovative thinking based on a strong foundation

Q: What are the top three initiatives that you have taken to help your students become more industry ready?

A: We believe that students have to be prepared for the dynamic needs of the job market. To enable our students to cope with the industry requirements, we lay special emphasis on:

• Query-based laboratory courses, project-based learning in each semester (wherever applicable) to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking
• Internship and direct interaction with experts from respective fields for a better understanding of the ground realities of the respective fields and other allied sectors
• We propose to conduct workshops and training sessions to help the students master their skills. These workshops will be carried out by industrial and academic experts to further knowledge in a particular field.
• Workshop-based teaching methodologies will also be part of coursework and will be conducted in studio classrooms and Apple Labs designed for the purpose

Q: What criteria do you have for the selection of students, and what should the students do to excel at your University?

A: For selection in our undergraduate courses, its important that students fulfil the eligibility criteria. Applicants need a minimum of 60 per cent marks in Class 12.

To excel at Sage, a student should be passionate about learning and have a positive attitude. They should also have the drive to think out of the box and should have an inquisitive mind.

Q: What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your college (observed over the past five years)?

A: We are an upcoming University hence no trends. But the SAGE group has a good track record. Added to that:

1. We have a tie-up with Eyenarture, Microfocus, Redhat and many more that assures placement to all the students provided they fulfill the preset criteria by the recruiting firm. These conditions will be shared with the students on the day of their admission to a particular course
2. We have a few internship tie-ups and working on many more to help students make a well-informed career choice that can lead to successful jobs.