The Syndicate of Government College University (GCU) Lahore, in its 69th meeting, has approved a series of strategic initiatives aimed at broadening academic horizons and promoting research excellence.

Alongside the university's budget for the fiscal year 2023-24, the Syndicate has greenlit the establishment of new undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs, a new institute, two research centers, an academic chair, and a Youth Development Centre.

GCU Lahore's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Syed Asghar Zaidi, chaired the meeting, which was also attended by the nominee of the HEC, eminent members, and representatives from the Law department, Higher Education Department (HED), and Finance department who lauded Prof. Zaidi's honest and lawful conduct in always managing well the Syndicate affairs.

The new undergraduate programs approved in the meeting include Linguistics, Computer Systems Engineering, and Information Security Engineering Technology. Additionally, postgraduate programs in Accounting and Finance, as well as Sociology, have been sanctioned.

In line with the ever-evolving skill demands of the job market, GCU will also offer courses in Digital Marketing, Content Writing, and Web Development, thereby equipping students with practical skills essential for the contemporary workforce.

The Syndicate also approved the establishment of the "Institute of English Language and Literature," appreciating that it marks a significant addition to GCU's academic landscape. This institute will house the esteemed Department of English and the Department of Linguistics and Language Studies, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and research.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi stated that these initiatives align with international academic standards and represent a significant step in GCU's ongoing commitment to academic growth and research advancement.

The Syndicate also sanctioned the establishment of the "Baba Guru Nanak Chair" under the Faculties of Arts and Social Sciences and Oriental Learning to honor the rich cultural heritage of the region. This chair is poised to contribute to the study and preservation of Punjabi culture.

The "Azerbaijan Urdu Research Centre," affiliated with the Department of Urdu, has been introduced to encourage research in Urdu language and culture, fostering academic ties not only within Pakistan but also with Central Asian nations.

Additionally, the Syndicate sanctioned the "Javed Ahmad Sheikh Centre of Excellence in Politics and Governance," reflecting GCU's commitment to advancing research in political science and governance studies.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi noted that the Syndicate's endorsement of the new postgraduate policy introduced by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for MPhil and PhD programs signals GCU's commitment to align with international best practices. These programs will be administered by the recently established Directorate of Academics, fostering a conducive environment for advanced research. Furthermore, encouraging postgraduate students to engage in undergraduate teaching ensures a holistic academic experience.

The Syndicate also reviewed and approved a revamped format for the Annual Performance Evaluation Report, with the initiative of Key Work Objectives (KWO), underscoring the importance of faculty members' forward planning and contributions to various academic activities and adhering to international standards of academic excellence.

The Syndicate appreciated that in a strategic move towards financial sustainability, GCU has established the "Salam Chair Endowment Fund" with an initial allocation of Rs 62 million. This fund aims to enhance teaching and research in the field of Physics under the Salam Chair, contributing to the global scientific community.

The introduction of the "Centre of Excellence China Studies Endowment Fund" with an allocation of Rs 32 million underscores GCU's commitment to deepening the understanding of Chinese language, culture, history, politics, and economics, aligning with international efforts to promote cross-cultural understanding.

Additionally, the "GCU’s Self-Saving Endowment Fund" has been initiated with an impressive initial amount of Rs 1.552 billion, signifying a significant step towards financial autonomy in managing its expenditures, a practice commonly observed in internationally renowned institutions.

Members of the Syndicate expressed their deep appreciation for the leadership of Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi, the Vice Chancellor of GCU, highlighting his unwavering dedication to elevating educational standards, fostering rapid expansion, and adhering to best practices, all in accordance with global benchmarks of academic excellence.

GCU's latest initiatives underscore its commitment to international standards of academic excellence, research advancemen