Office of the Provost

Message from the Provost

At LUMS, our vision is rooted in a deep commitment to delivering high-quality education in Pakistan—education that is transformative, inclusive, and globally relevant. The strength of our institution lies in its people, and this year, their dedication has led to meaningful progress across teaching, research, and academic support. I am grateful to our faculty, staff, and students whose efforts have shaped yet another productive year. I also extend my thanks to the editorial team for capturing these accomplishments in this Academic Report.

The Office of the Provost continues to serve as a catalyst for academic excellence. Through strategic oversight of programmes, faculty development, and curriculum planning, we aim to foster an environment where all members of our community can reach their full potential. This year, we supported this goal by introducing new academic offerings, including a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, a joint major in Economics, Data, and Computer Sciences, and a minor in Computer Engineering—initiatives that reflect our belief in the power of interdisciplinary learning.

Student well-being and success remain central to our mission. We launched the Early Alert System to support first-year students and introduced a mark-up-free tuition instalment plan for returning undergraduates. Our financial inclusion efforts expanded under the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, with 72 students recommended for funding. Meanwhile, enhancements to the National Outreach Programme included increased stipends and the implementation of a digital meal voucher system.

LUMS’ academic support ecosystem is essential to our success. The Office of Accessibility and Inclusion advanced our commitment to equity by aligning with the HEC policy for students with disabilities, formalising accommodations, and establishing the Accessibility Committee. Institutional governance was further strengthened through amendments to University Council bylaws that enhanced female representation and staff inclusion.

The Office of Student Affairs welcomed over 1,250 students during Orientation and supported residential engagement as well as participation in international competitions. Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) expanded access to mental health services and joined the International Association of Counseling, aligning our care with global standards. In collaboration with IST, the Registrar’s Office piloted a new attendance feature in Zambeel to foster classroom engagement and timely intervention.

The Learning Institute co-led the development of the institutional AI Framework, ensuring LUMS is prepared for the evolving landscape of technology in education. The Office of Programme Enhancement continued to advance quality assurance and institutional planning through key tools such as the Statistical Handbook. The newly formed Institutional Quality Circle (IQC), under the revised HEC framework, further strengthened academic review processes.

Research and innovation remain central to our impact. This year, the Office of Research facilitated 50 externally funded projects, including new international collaborations in AI, sustainability, and health. The library, a cornerstone of intellectual life at LUMS, supported over 1.9 million digital searches and hosted events that enriched scholarly exchange. At the same time, our graduates continued to excel, with Career Services reporting a 94% placement rate and hosting 204 employers at this year’s Career Fair.

We also celebrated outstanding academic leadership. Six faculty members—five from SBASSE and one from SDSB—were promoted to Full Professor. Their research spans critical fields such as cybersecurity, computer networks, materials science, energy systems, and supply chains. We also welcomed Dr. Shafay Shamail as Interim Registrar, a respected faculty leader committed to continuity and progress.

These collective efforts speak to the enduring vision of LUMS: to lead through academic innovation, institutional integrity, and a steadfast commitment to empowering Pakistan’s future. I look forward to building on this progress together.

Warm regards,
Dr. Tariq Jadoon
Provost, LUMS

Highlights

New Faculty Orientation

The Office of the Provost arranged the 2024 New Faculty Orientation which was attended by 28 faculty members, including Assistant Professors, Teaching Fellows, and Visiting Faculty. During the orientation, the Provost shared LUMS’ core values, governance framework, and faculty policies.

Representatives from Human Resources, the Registrar’s Office, Information Systems and Technology, and the LUMS Learning Institute provided guidance and valuable information to support a smooth transition into academic life. The event also offered valuable networking opportunities, helping new faculty begin building connections within the University community.