Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar is the Principal at R V Northland Institute and is a General Secretary at the Mental Health Institute, India. He has done Phd, M. Phill, LLM, LLB, PMIR (MHRM) and B.Sc Botany (Hons). He has an experience of over 28 years in the field of education. 

R V Northland Institute

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

I would describe my leadership style as direct and leading by example. I enjoy delegating tasks and taking the lead on projects, but I also like to stay involved and inspire my team by showing that I am working hands – on to help them too.

How does the college curriculum ensure the best practice of industry?

The goal of our institute practice is to appreciate the work done by the teaching staff, non-teaching staff and students of the institute and motivate them to TVo excel in their areas of expertise. The practice would ensure continuous improvement in their performance as per the quality policy to achieve the vision and Mission of the institute. When staff and students are motivated to work at a higher level of their skills and abilities, the institute as a whole runs more efficiently and is more effective at achieving its objectives and goals. For this reason, the institute has understood the power of the reward system and how they are helpful in influencing students and staff behaviour. Rewards are positive outcomes that are earned as a result of staff and student’s performance and achievement. These rewards are aligned with the institute's objectives and goals. When any staff or student helps the institute in achievement of one of its objectives and goals, a reward often follows.

Any insights into how your institute could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Lecture practices effective ways to present new information orally to include differences in students.

Group discussions, Thoughtful questions, Reflective Responses to students, Rewarding students' participation, Active learning, Corporate groups, Goals to grade connections. Apart from all, we get to know your students, maintain consistent communication, acknowledge and respect every student, Practice cultural sensitivity, incorporate diversity in the lesson plan, Give students freedom and flexibility.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the Institution and the students are?

Students should behave respectfully and obediently with their teachers & other members. They must be well – disciplined not just in campus, classrooms but also everywhere. They should enter campus on time and maintain proper punctuality and attend classes on time regularly. As Principal, I have to take care of students not only their physical health but also mental health which is nowadays very challenging.

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What do you think should be the Institution’s top priority over the next 10 years?

I think the institute's top priority over the next 10 years would be to plan and come to evaluating results and making changes each year. Deliver diversity and inclusion training to all staff, faculty and students that teaches them how to engage with others in a way that promotes respect and opportunity. Ensure there is no limiting or discriminatory language such as “Young, new – grads” to attract a wide range of students. Make sure the institution's website is ADA – Compliant and accessible to people with disabilities. Hold meetings to encourage dialogue and foster continuing learning about campus diversity, respect and inclusion. Conduct focus groups with minority populations to identify opportunities to improve diversity on campus. Reach out to colleagues who frequently interact with graduate students. Have each new faculty member participate in an orientation program that covers the institute diversity initiatives and plans. Create a mentoring program for new/ junior faculty members to encourage the retention of diverse groups. Plan recruitment events for first generation college students that explain the process of admissions, financial aid and college terminology. Monitor turnover rates and include questions about diversity in interviews. Hold networking events for faculty and historically underrepresented communities to encourage interaction and discussion diversity and issues. Develop relationships with diverse, local populations and communities to provide work and volunteer experiences that connect to coursework. Supply Coaching services to students that need assistance during the application interview process. Make financial support and resources available and promote them to a diverse students’ population. Provide child care options or expand existing offerings to support students, faculty and staff with families. Create marketing materials that better and authentically represent diversity at your campus. Offer services and resources to ensure a good work/life balance and communicate them to faculty, staff and students. Sponsor social and holiday events to promote diversity among students, faculty and staff.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for your college specifically?

Lack of required employability skills in youths is a global challenge. The need of the hour is to design the curriculum as per industry expectations and giving the students sufficient practical and international exposure will definitely develop the student’s skill set to make themselves employable. Further, students must also realize the value of time and money and should keep a sharp focus on developing their communication, soft skills and domain knowledge with sound understanding of the changing industry requirements from time to time.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

I advise students to be sincere, loyal, proactive, socially sensitive, mindful and responsible in their life. 

How to establish healthy relationships in an institute?

Setting realistic goals, and being aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the organization and always working for continuous improvements, creative positive attitude and good management practices helps to make healthy relations in the institute. We also conduct faculty council meetings on a regular basis in which there is direct interaction between the higher authorities and the faculty members for exchanging views and suggestions and deciding the mutually agreed path of action. For students RV Northland institute allotted personal mentors who regularly keep an eye on the academic.