Surat: In a first-of-its-kind move, candidates competing for the position of Vice-Chancellor at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) delivered presentations before the selection committee today.

As part of the ongoing selection process at VNSGU, around 34 candidates who applied for the VC position were summoned to appear before the search committee at Surat Circuit House today at 2 pm. 14 candidates delivered the presentation today while the rest are to make their presentations tomorrow.

Each shortlisted candidate had to deliver a 10-minute presentation covering specific topics: their professional and academic leadership experiences, their vision for enhancing academic excellence and leading research initiatives, strategies for fostering a vibrant campus environment involving all stakeholders, and ideas for elevating the university’s prestige and promoting a collaborative atmosphere. Following the presentations, candidates participated in personal interview sessions with the committee.

The introduction of this presentation requirement is a first in the history of public universities in Gujarat. It marks a departure from the typical process overseen by the search committee, which involves inviting applications, evaluating them, and forwarding three shortlisted names to the government for final selection and appointment of a new VC.

Reportedly, this decision by the university’s VC search committee has unsettled the candidates, many of whom hold senior professorial positions.

Former Chancellor Dr. K. N. Chavda’s term ended on April 30, but due to the code of conduct, an appointment could not be made. Now, a three-member search committee has been formed with representatives from the government, UGC, and academia. DeshGujarat