The National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) launched a four-week National Outreach Program for Higher Education Faculty at KEMU

Organized in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the program’s objectives were to inspire faculty members to foster effective teaching and learning environments, equip them with tools for lesson planning and delivery, and introduce them to conventional, virtual, and blended learning models. The program also aimed to strengthen faculty involvement in student assessment, encourage a culture of research for societal impact, and promote lifelong learning for academic excellence.

The program kicked off on January 6, 2025, with the *Teaching as a Profession in Higher Education* module, led by Dr. Asghar Nadeem from the University of Lahore. This session covered the passion for teaching, essential teaching competencies, and the role of educators in society. Dr. Munawar Sultana Mirza from the University of the Punjab then led the *Academic Planning & Implementation by University Teachers* module, focusing on academic planning, curriculum design, and effective teaching strategies. The week also featured *Psychological Wellbeing of Higher Education Teachers and Learners*, led by Dr. Rukhsana Kausar from the Rashid Latif Khan University Lahore. This module addressed mental health, stress management, and strategies for supporting both faculty and students.

In the second week, the program introduced *Communication Skills for Higher Education Teaching*, led by Dr. Aneela Zameer Durrani from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. This module emphasized the importance of effective communication, both verbal and non-verbal, in the classroom. The *Research & Development* module, led by Prof. Zubeda Yousaf from Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), aimed to equip faculty with essential research skills, covering research methodologies, the role of research in societal development, and academic writing. Participants also learned about academic integrity, project proposal writing, and preparing impactful research reports. Additionally, Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi from the International Islamic University Islamabad led the *Higher Educational Administration and Management* module, which explored strategic management, professional development, and the role of administration in higher education.

Week three focused on *Microteaching/Teaching Practicum at the Higher Education Level*, led by Dr. Zahid Majeed from Allama Iqbal Open University. Participants engaged in practical sessions on lesson planning and microteaching, applying their learning in a controlled environment.

The final week began with the *Technology Integration in Higher Education Teaching* module, led by Dr. Yasir Ahmad from NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. This module explored how to leverage technology to enhance teaching and create technology-enabled academic environments. The program then delved into *Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education Teaching*, with Dr. Syed Asghar Naqi from Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore. This session covered various assessment techniques, the impact of AI on evaluations, and the construction and analysis of both objective and subjective assessments. The program concluded with a module on *Orientation of Various Policies* which reviewed policies related to graduate education, online learning, and accommodations for students with disabilities.

The program concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Library Hall of KEMU, attended by faculty, administrators, and special guests. The event was hosted by KEMU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mahmood Ayyaz. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of HEC joined via online link. Mr Ghulam Nabi DG Regional Office HEC also graced the ocassion. Prof. Ayyaz emphasized the importance of faculty development and thanked HEC for supporting the initiative. Dr. Ahmed reiterated the significance of such programs and HEC’s commitment to continuing these efforts. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates to over two dozen faculty members who successfully completed the program.