Awantipora, Sept. 22: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) convened the first meeting of the Advisory Committee for its University Outreach Programme today under the chairmanship of Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, Vice Chancellor, IUST. The meeting brought together eminent professionals, senior administrators, faculty, and coordinators of the University’s outreach verticals to deliberate on strengthening IUST’s engagement with society and external partners.
The agenda of the meeting included discussions on revisions to the University Outreach Policy, review of existing initiatives such as Alumni Connect, Community Connect (including Unnat Bharat Abhiyan), Centre for Career Counselling and Placements, and Industry Connect, and advisory inputs for future plans. The members commended IUST for initiating a structured outreach framework at the right time and offered valuable suggestions.
In his address, Prof. Romshoo emphasized that outreach has emerged as a vital vertical of the university, with every department actively engaging with the community, industry, and alumni. This institutionalisation of outreach in the University has enabled IUST to play a transformative role in bridging the gap between the university and key stakeholders such as industry, government, and society. He underlined that meaningful outreach ensures that the university’s knowledge and innovations create tangible impact beyond the campus. Other members also provided constructive feedback on the four verticals Alumni Connect, Community Connect, Industry Connect, and Career Counselling & Placements while proposing strategies to expand the University’s reach and strengthen its impact.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Hammid Bukhari (IAS), an eminent alumnus of IUST, Mr. Mushtaq A. Lone, JKAS (ADC Awantipora), Mr. Arjimand Hussain (International Development Specialist), Prof. A.H. Moon (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. Abdul Wahid Makhdoomi (Registrar IUST), Prof. Parvaiz A. Mir (Director CIED IUST), Dr. Abid Shalla (Dean Research), Dr. Peer Bilal Ahmed (Director DIQA), Prof. Yasmeen Ashai (Director RSCWWS), Dr. Ruheela Hassan (Dean Outreach), Dr. Asif Naqashbandi (Industry Connect Coordinator), Dr. Zahoor Ahmed (Head CCCP), Dr. Hilal A. Makroo (Alumni Coordinator), Dr. Shaika Nasreen (Community Connect Coordinator), Dr. Romana Yousuf (Coordinator UBA) and other officials.
Mr. Hamid Bukhari appreciated the comprehensive design of the programme and stressed the need to integrate more national industry-linked schemes to widen opportunities for students and alumni. Mr. Mushtaq A. Lone acknowledged IUST’s commitment to societal responsibility and suggested that the University identify and leverage government programmes to further bridge the gap between communities and governance. He also extended his full support to the initiatives.
