Mid Western University

Mid-Western University
मध्यपश्चिमाञ्चल विश्वबिद्यालय
Other name
 MU
Former name
 Birendranagar Multiple Campus
Established June 17, 2010 A. D
Chancellor Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Upendra Koirala
Academic staff
 180
Administrative staff
 50
Students 3000
Location Birendranagar, Surkhet, Nepal
Website www.mwu.edu.np

Mid-Western University is a state-run university in Surkhet, the regional headquarters of the midwestern development region of Nepal. As part of the Nepal government's policy to establish regional universities to expand easy access of higher education to the people of this region, the government of Nepal formed a team in 07-12-2007 to establish Mid Western University in Birendranagar by 2009.[1]

It serves as a regional university for the Mid-western Development Regions of Nepal. This university is expected to make the change of strategy over the education system of this region. The locals are very happy by the decision of the government. They had contributed significantly into the fundraising program started by the preparation committee led by Bhushan Manandhar. About 220 bighas of land and 15 million Nepali rupees were raised from the enthusiastic people in this small town. Moti Prasad Sapkota, a philanthropist and education supporter, became the biggest donor by financing a million Nepali rupees toward the establishment of this higher education endeavor.

About Us

Mid-Western University (MU) is an autonomous and public institution of higher learning with the mission to serve the people of Nepal and enrich the global learning community by extending the advantages of higher education.

Established by the Government of Nepal with a Parliament Act on June 17, 2010 A. D. under the concept of multi-university system, Mid-Western University is a state supported institution, founded on land donated by the Government of Nepal. The constituent campuses of the University and the Central Administration Office are located in Birendranagar Municipality, in the District of Surkhet, Nepal.

Although Mid-Western University is still in the making and has a long way to go before becoming fully operative, the University gathers a tremendous political support from the existing parties and above all enjoys wide enthusiastic participation and support of the local people. The establishment of Mid-Western University represents the fulfillment of a cherished dream of the people of this area, who particularly showed applaud able example through their contribution to a fundraising program geared up for the establishment of this University.

Moreover, the University also enjoys a strong support from the existing campuses throughout the region: land, property, human resource, and students of the existing Tribhuvan University’s affiliated campuses in the region have been merged under this University.

Aware of these extraordinary and propitious circumstances, the University aims at promoting the advancement of learning and dissemination of knowledge for the overall welfare of the nation.

During the years of study with a variety of dedicated lecturers and researchers, the University aims at helping students to enhance their capacity, promote holistic development of their abilities and personality and bringing them to a deeper understanding of their future role in the society.

The University, in the long run, is dedicated to become a Centre of Academic Excellence in learning, teaching and research. Its primary goal is to set up a culture of learning in the country and to extend and spread the benefits of knowledge by providing access to the overall community at large. The University also aims at establishing a community of scholars, students and staff in which understanding and wisdom can expand and flourish.

Responsive to the particular social and economic context of Nepal as well as the requirements of the international standards in higher education, the University tries to implement academic programs and in-service courses that cater to these needs. Guided by the view to provide quality and job oriented education to the students and link the University system with the community services, programs and courses offered by MU are designed to meet these requirements and standards in every possible area. Academic programs are developed in consultation with civic, educational and business leaders of the community, as well as the appropriate Ministries of the Nepal Government.

At the inauguration of MU’s first Academic Year 2012-13, various quality programs at undergraduate and graduate level were launched in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Management, Educational Sciences and Engineering. However, the university remains committed to commence new programs in the fields of Law, Medicine and vocational courses on various areas in upcoming years.

PROMOTING ACCESS TO HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE STATE NO 6 OF NEPAL

Located in Birendranagar, in the very heart of the State No. 6 the University has a special mission to promote the overall advancement of this state by providing the community with quality higher education and promoting a culture of teaching, scholarship and research.

By catering to the higher education needs of the youth in the region, the University aims at serving as a means of development for the whole State No. 6 and bringing about a significant change on the education system of the largest geographical region of the country.

The State No. 6 is the largest of the states of Nepal. Alike the other regions, it comprises three eco-zones, that is Terai, Hills and Mountains. The State No. 6 is also home to two major ethnic and religious minorities, Tharu and Muslim as well as some endangered groups.

The State No. 6 hosts some of the most remote and economically deprived areas of Nepal, in particular the Karnali Zone. The Human Development Index (HDI) values for this State are estimated as the lowest in comparison to the other regions. With the exception of Surkhet, other districts like Mugu, Humla, Dolpa, Kalikot, Jumla, Jajarkot and others rank very low in the HDI values of all districts in Nepal.

The State No. 6 is also one of the most deprived regions in terms of low access to formal education and a major suffering area of the 10-year civil war (1996-2006). According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the literacy rate in the State No. 6 in 2009 was estimated to be 63.3% for the population in the age group of 6 years and above and 52% for the population of 15 years and above, with a literacy gap of 23-29% between male and female.

Challenges of different nature hamper the regular access to education at all levels and play against regular school attendance. Some of these challenges are concerned with the topographical complexity of the region. For example, in remote hilly and mountainous regions students face dangerous risks while travelling to and from school, such as crossing rivers or walking through dangerous paths. Other challenges are related with inclement weather, such as in the rainy season when schools are temporarily inaccessible due to flooding. Overcrowding of schools is another factor that influences education negatively.

The Government of Nepal has implemented various policies to fight low attendance and improve enrollment of students, in particular for marginalized communities, such as enhancing the role of local communities and parents involvement in School Management Committees, promoting free education policy up to grade 10, supporting the opening of new schools, providing targeted scholarships for girls, children from Dalit, Janajati groups and children with disabilities, as well as additional incentives such as midday meals, take-home rations and so on.

At higher education level, the Nepal Government and the local community have jointly supported the opening of Mid-Western University in order to reach the people of this region and the overall learning community by extending the benefit of higher education in various fields and subjects of studies.

History of Mid-Western University

Mid-Western University (MWU)is an autonomous and state funded, governmental institution of higher learning with the mission to serve the people of Nepal and enrich the global learning community by extending the advantages of higher education was established by the great effort of people of Mid- Western Development region in Nepal on June 17, 2010 A. D. under the concept of multi-university system.

The formal journey of the establishment of Mid-Western University is dated form 2052 BS in the leadership of District Development Committee Surkhet. The historical decision was made in the same year by the District Development Committee Federation Nepal held in Dang to establish university in Surkhet. The university establishment movement was led by then chairperson of DDC Surkhet Mr. GovindaBahadurMalla and Bal Krishna B.C. After that Mr. Bhushan Kumar Manandhar has been leading as the chairperson of the Mid-Western University establishment committee organized by local people and created pressure to the government by the delegation time and again. MaudagalyaSewaSamaj organized Mahayagya to collect the fund from 2065 Phalgun 27 to Chaitra 4. Due to the continuous effort and pressure of the people the government was forced to organize three taskforces and their reports:

i) Crew for feasibility Study for the establishment of university in the mid-western region (2059) ;

ii) Crew for primary format Preparation of Mid-Western University (2061) and

iii) taskforce team for preparing the report of proposed Mid-Western University (2064).

These all three taskforce highlighted the need of establishment of Mid-Western University in Surkhet. Ultimately the government formally decided to establish Mid-Western University on 16th Phalgun, 2065. As per the decision, the act of Mid-Western University was promulgated on 3rdAsar, 2067 B.S. Birendranagar Multiple Campus and Public Science Campus has been formally merged in the Mid-Western University as per the act but Surkhet Campus (Education) has not been merged yet which is still in the process of merging. The university has started semester based programs from winter session of 2069 BS after one year of recruitment of Vice-chanceller.

In this globe of the diversity, multicultural as well as multidimensional practices have been in existence and the university aims to address this computationalworld with relevancy of presence.Mid-western University is to fulfill its' responsibility of making higher education accessible to the people of this region and the globe. People who contributed in establishing this university a centre of Academic Excellence are highly honored. Guided by the view to provide quality and job oriented education to the students, academic programs and courses offered by MU are designed in a way to meet these requirements and standards in every possible area.

From the inauguration of MU’s first Academic Year 2012-13, various quality programs at undergraduate and graduate level are being launched in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Management Studies, Educational Sciences and Engineering. However, the university remains committed to commence new programs in the fields of Law, Medical Sciences and vocational courses on various areas in upcoming years.

Moreover, the University also enjoys a durable support from the existing campuses throughout the region: land, property, human resource, and students of the existing Tribhuvan University affiliated campuses in the region have been merged under this University.

All of the people of this region are the stakeholders of this university. So it is the University of the People, for the people and by the people.

Mission

Mid-Western University is an autonomous institution whose mission is to expand the advantages of higher education to the people of Nepal and the overall learning community, in its role as a Centre for the advancement, dissemination and use of knowledge.

The Mission of Mid-Western University can be articulated into four dimensions which define the University as a:

- A Centre of Academic Excellence that promotes quality education with the highest academic standards;

- A source for creation and dissemination of knowledge through teaching, research and creative inquiry;

- A powerful engine for promoting collective transformation, meaningful enhancement of the society, economic growth and sustainable development of the nation and the global learning community;

- A resource for community service and outreach, international initiative and cooperation.

In line with these principles, the University aims at becoming a Centre of Academic Excellence that promotes the production and dissemination of knowledge, as well as the implementation of research findings for the benefit of the overall community. Recognizing the international character of modern higher education, the University aims in fact at maintaining programs and standards which are fully comparable with any similar system of higher learning, thereby making it possible for promising Nepali students to obtain quality higher education without going abroad.

The highest aspiration of the University is to provide quality education in a way that promotes the holistic development of the students' abilities and personality, enhances the knowledge of the youth in a spirit of understanding, universally shared principles and dedication for best serving the common good.

The University strives to educate students to become committed citizens by increasing their problem solving, leadership and teamwork abilities, and inspiring in them the value of societal commitment, ethical behavior and respect for others. As education shapes human life and the type of society we live in, improving the quality of life for everyone in the nation represents an essential commitment for Mid-western University.

Understanding that a major motivation for students to attend a university is the preparation for a future profession and career, the University aims at bridging the world of thoughts and ideas with the world of practice and action, by preparing skilled and qualified students that are able to assume responsible positions in the society and actively contribute to the national development.

To enhance the educational standards, MWU aims at establishing fruitful partnership and collaboration with universities and higher education institutions of international reputation, for the overall welfare of both the academic faculty members and students. The Institution encourages the active participation of its community members in exchange programs and their contribution in joint research projects. To this regards, MWU intends to set up in the near future credit transfer schemes for facilitating the recognition of academic activities among its partner universities.

The University strives to achieve these ends by pursuing the advantages of a culturally diverse and newly emerging academic Institution, open to the exchange of ideas where discovery, creativity, and personal and professional development can flourish.

Strategy

Mid-Western University has identified major directions for guiding its growth and further expansion in the coming years. Based on a need assessment of the University's major internal and external stakeholders, MWU is preparing a Twenty Year Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan points out overarching goals, specific objectives and strategic actions, to be implemented and achieved based on medium and long-term priorities. The major directions that will guide the development of the University over the next years can be summarized into the following eight the Goals:

- MU strives to enhance Academic Excellence across the University by sustaining teaching excellence and scholarship in all academic units;

- Promoting and strengthening learning and research activities in the field of Science and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Management Studies and Educational Sciences, and in all relevant aspects of the contemporary society;

- Enhancing the educational standards of the University by implementing academic programs based on credit-semester system and strict quality control, providing the most suitable teacher-student ratio, introducing and applying the latest technological advancement in all academic activities;

- Expanding the academic offer in terms of graduate and undergraduate programs;

- Fostering holistic development of students as conditions for academic and life success; nurturing intellectual growth and commitment to responsibility and service.

Faculty Excellence refers to the pursue of excellence in teaching and scholarship, as both aspects are critical components of faculty excellence. Effective teaching is a central responsibility of faculty, schools, departments, as well as a key component of each faculty member's professional activity. Fostering faculty diversity and supporting the recruitment and retention of outstanding teaching faculty are the highest priorities for MWU.

Excellence in Research, Scholarship, and Creativity

This Goal emphasizes the importance of raising the quality and stature of faculties, schools and department to a position of academic leadership and providing support for research, scholarship, and creativity in a careful, strategic, and cost-effective way. Meeting cost-effectiveness needs is a highly important aspect because of the high costs of research, the competitive environment for external support to research, and the financial pressures on areas with less potential for external funding.

Community Outreach and Public Engagement

Community outreach and public engagement refers to Mid-western University's mission to serve the people of Mid-Western regions, of the country and the global learning community by providing quality higher education. This Goal refers to the proactive involvement of faculty, staff and students in a way that will produce a positive impact on the world outside the university, from the local to global communities. It subsumes a wide array of disparate programs and activities, formal and informal, in which university members make meaningful contributions to local, societal, and global issues (e.g., problems of environmental sustainability, health, and poverty), from participating in public discourse to pursuing applied research activities.

International Initiative and Cooperation

The international experience has the potentiality to become a distinguishing feature of a MWU's education, especially when combined with internship, exchange activities and other ways that MWU students can do to 'engage the world' and encounter students from other culture. Fostering international cooperation with renowned universities and institutions will allow MWU to meeting international quality standards and requirements in education, for the overall welfare of academic faculty and students. This will promote faculty mobility and students exchange, enable to cooperate in joint research projects, and enhance cultural awareness and sensitivity.

Enhancement of the University Experience for Students

Fostering the holistic development of students is a precondition for academic and life success. Thus, it requires creating and sustaining a learning environment that is supportive of the overall development of student's personality and competencies, and nurturing intellectual growth and commitment to responsibility and service.

The University will heavily invest in the coming years to promote a student living-learning environment and to provide a various range of educational and co-curricular activities taking place outside the formal classroom-education.

University Growth and Infrastructures

This goal area refers to the processes and structures underlying the management, monitoring and allocation of important resources, which are crucial for the fulfillment of the University's Mission. These domains are enabling conditions for achieving academic excellence and goals, and decisive for generating resources directed to the implementation of the University's priorities.

This Goal focuses on establishing a sound organizational structure and a rigorous, but flexible, management and administrative system that may promote and support academic excellence.

University Finance and Infrastructure

The area of the University's endowment, financial welfare and infrastructure is very crucial for the future growth and expansion of Mid-western University. Given the ambitious aspirations of the University, the capacity to generate and preserve the resources necessary for the implementation of its objectives, as well as the adaptability and efficiency of organizational stewardship, will be fundamental over the next years.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS

Since its inception in 2010, in a short time-span Mid-Western University has been able to meet several targets and accomplish outstanding achievements in a number of areas, thanks to the joint efforts and extraordinary dedication of its community members, various stakeholders and social actors.

Academic Area

- Established five Faculties, and relating Schools, in the area of Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Management Studies, Engineering and Educational Sciences;

- Designed, developed and launched innovative academic programs in various disciplines, both at graduate and undergraduate level, following a semester system;

- Commencement of the University's First Academic Year 2012-2013;

University Organization and Administration

- Established the overall organizational, administrative and managerial structure of the University;

- Formed major institutional decision-making bodies, constitution of thematic task forces, committees and commissions responsible for the development of policies and programs of the University;

- Appointed institutional and academic leaders;

- Set up and operated various administrative offices, centers and directorates;

- Incorporated existent faculty and staff members into MU structure, recruit academic and teaching faculty, hire and train technical and support staff;

- Prepared clear and detailed University Rules and Regulations for faculty, students and staff;

Community Outreach and International Cooperation

- Established outreach activities with community-based organizations, created links with stakeholders of industry and business fields, started cooperation with small and medium enterprises;

- Conducted consultations with renewed university and higher education institutions at national, regional and international level aiming to pursue collaborative teaching, research and mobility;

University Growth and Infrastructures

- Merged former TU Campuses, acquisition and incorporation of existent land, buildings, infrastructures and human resources (faculty, staff and students) ;

- Renovation and rehabilitation work of existent estates and buildings, ongoing equipment of the campus with necessary facilities;

- Established the University Central Office in Birendranagar and the University Liaison Office in Kathmandu;

Although the achievements mentioned above are highly significant, Mid-Western University remains committed to continue enhancing and further developing the campus at all levels, and expanding its academic offer of undergraduate and graduate programs.

Academic Membership and Recognition

Mid-Western University strongly encourages Faculty members and researchers to become inter-connected on global platforms for discussion, leadership, shared challenges and successes between leaders of Academic Institutions. The University firmly believes that participation in these networks is highly beneficial for the overall enhancement of the quality of higher education and for sharing knowledge and resources at decision-making levels.

In order to offer the opportunity to connect its academic staffs with other faculty professors from all over the world, the university pays great attention in becoming member of higher education associations of academic institutions.

Consistent with this belief, Mid-Western University is currently carrying out consultations with different networks and associations of local and international Universities and plans to join them in the near future.

Vision

Mid-Western University strives to be a Centre of Academic Excellence in teaching and scholarship, at the service of the people of Nepal and the global learning community, by promoting a culture based on dedicated teaching, continuous learning, creativity and cutting-edge research, with the highest academic standards.

This Vision reflects the Mission of the University to expand the advantages of quality higher education to the people of State No. 6, to the nation and the broader global learning community, in its role as a Centre for the advancement, dissemination and use of knowledge.

Mid-Western University holds in fact the ambitious vision to shape the Academic Identity of the whole Mid-Western Region and the country in general. The Institution considers itself as an agent of socio-cultural transformation and powerful engine for economic growth, innovation and sustainable development of the State No. 6, the country and the world that the University serves.

Governing Bodies

The University Senate

The University Senate (US) is the supreme governing and decision-making body of the University. Among its functions, the Senate formulates and approves the policies of the University, provides guidance to the University and its bodies, and decides and evaluates about academic programs. The Senate also determines and awards degrees to be conferred by the university, fixes the number of teachers, administrative staff, and employees as well as terms and condition of their services. It discusses and approves annual budget proposals and audit reports of the University as well as examines and approves the annual reports of the bodies under the University.

Mid-Western University Senate consists of several members. The Chancellor of the University, the Hon'ble Prime-Minister of Nepal, is the Chairperson of the University Senate, while the Pro-Chancellor, the Hon'ble Minister of Education, is the Vice Chairperson. The Vice Chancellor and the Registrar, together with Deans and representatives of the academic faculty, sit in the University Senate along with ex-office members, university authorities, educationists and representatives of student's organizations, businesspersons, donors and trustees.

The Executive Council

The Executive Council (EC) is the executive body of the University which implements the decisions and directives of the Senate. The EC is concerned with all issues that pertain to the administrative areas of the University, such as preparing and presenting annual budgets and programs, progresses and audited reports. It is responsible for formulating rules, regulations and other resolutions for running the University smoothly. The Council appoints and promotes teachers and employees as required by the University on recommendation of the Service Commission. It also determines fees structures and schemes of the students.

The Executive Council consists of four members. The Vice Chancellor chairs the EC meetings along with the participation of a representative among the deans and a representative from the teachers, while the Registrar functions as member secretary of the Council.

The Appellate Commission

The Appellate Commission (AC) has a judicial mission as its primary function is to hear complaints and resolve disputes of teaching staff and administrative personnel against decisions of University Service Commission. The decisions of the Commission are binding. However, in case of dissatisfaction with the decisions of Appellate Commission, appellants may approach the Supreme Court for a final verdict.

The Planning Council

The Planning, Council (PC) is responsible for supervising the overall University development strategy by coordinating projects involving substantial capital development of the University and raising of necessary capital resources.

The Council promotes relations with the overseas community, in an effort to ensure their support for various projects of the University. It monitors the status of funded projects , prepares audit reports requested by funding agencies and provides assistance to faculties, departments and individual teachers in preparing proposals for sponsored academic programs and research projects. The Council plans long term development strategy of the University, makes proposals on budgetary and financial matters, and undertakes studies on the sources of funds for planning and development.

The Planning Council consists of various representatives amongst senior teachers, Campus Chiefs, teaching and highly renowned scholars. In particular. the three representatives from amongst the senior teachers will be appointed by the Vice Chancellor of MU. Finally, the Planning Council is accountable to the Vice-chancellor.

The Academic Council

The Academic Council (AC) is the guardian of academic policies, rules and regulations of the University. It advises the Vice Chancellor on academic affairs and deals with all the matters pertaining to academic policies, rules and regulations of the University. Thus, it is the main educational and academic authority of the University.

The Academic Council assists the University in conducting and managing its educational, academic and research operations, makes decisions on educational policies and practices regarding curricula, teaching, examinations and research. The Council sets up and maintains the learning and teaching standards of the University in terms of curricula and quality of teaching materials, determines the types of examinations, methods of evaluations, size of the classes, and regulates admission requirements, qualifications and eligibility of students admission. All approved recommendations become effective on ratification of the Executive Council.

The Academic Council consists of eleven Members while the Vice Chancellor chairs the Council. Representatives from among the chairpersons, campus chiefs, teaching staff and highly renowned scholars are appointed by the Chairperson of the Academic Council.

Dean

The Dean is the Chief of a faculty and, under the Vice-Chancellor, represents the administrative head of all academic activities that take place in that faculty. The primary function of the Dean is to manage his/her own faculty in a cohesive manner and is responsible for planning its growth and development.

International Relations Directorate

Mid-Western University has established extensive academic and professional relationship with universities and colleges overseas, exploring opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in education, research, and cultural exchange. The Directorate for International Relations establishes and enhances collaborative relationship and cooperation with selected educational institutions around the world, promoting mutual exchange of ideas and skills and enhancing academic excellence. The Directorate plays an essential role in organizing exchange programs, monitoring and evaluating international projects that are run under different Faculties and Schools, and providing necessary assistance to new initiatives in the area of international engagements. It will assist international students and faculty members, within the framework of exchange programs, by arranging their placement, providing necessary academic information, and helping with social and cultural aspects of internationalization.

MWU is carrying out ongoing consultations with various universities of international reputation to establish joint framework for academic cooperation and research activities in the near future. The University is actively involved in creating partnerships with institutions abroad through formal memoranda of understanding. It is also creating opportunities for intellectuals in the large Nepali diaspora around the world to contribute to MWU in the areas of research, teaching, and service. Scholars of other national origin who are interested in Nepal and the midwestern region are also being invited to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships. Interested institutions, their units, and scholars are encouraged to contact us for potential opportunities.

MWU aims at becoming a scientific research hub for study and research for international scholars and students in Nepal, as well as connecting Nepalese students and scholars with their counterparts around the world.

International students are welcome to join the academic programs of MWU either by enrolling on their own or through exchange programs in their institutions. International students will receive the necessary guidance and support from the MWU Directorate for International Relations.

International students can join regular courses and conduct research activities as partial fulfillment foreseen by their own universities. Thanks to adoption of the semester system based curriculum and credit hours scheme by MWU, students will be able to earn credits and receive certificates for their academic achievements. MWU academic staff will offer them support and assistance and will facilitate them to explore the rich social, cultural and linguistic diversities existing in Nepal.

Courses

Postgraduate courses (Master's degrees)[2]

Undergraduate courses (Bachelor's degrees)

Administration

Padam Lal Devekota was appointed as the first vice chancellor. He served the university for about two years before leaving after some controversy. With the recent appointment of Kali Prasad Pandey as the second vice chancellor and Dr. Mahendra Lumar Malla as registrar, the university is fully functional. Admission for the streams has been started. The vice chancellor is the highest-ranking executive at the university because the chancellor of universities in Nepal is the prime minister.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.educatenepal.com/affiliation_body/detail/mid-western-university
  2. ↑ http://www.educatenepal.com/affiliation_body/detail/mid-western-university

See also

Template:Nepal

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