CETL Pilots Leadership Workshop
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) organized a dynamic and thought-provoking workshop titled “Leadership in Times of Transition” on 24 May 2025. Tailored for newly appointed faculty, the session aimed to equip educators with the leadership mindset needed to navigate today’s rapidly evolving academic and media landscapes.
Seven faculty members who joined ULAB in Spring 2025 from the Departments of English, Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) participated in this pilot initiative. Their diverse academic backgrounds enriched the dialogue and fostered interdisciplinary engagement.
CETL Director Dr. M. Shazzad Hossain opened the program with a welcome address, setting the tone for a day of critical reflection and collaborative learning. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Sarkar Barbaq Quarmal, who led participants through an engaging exploration of leadership challenges amid socio-political transitions, digital disruptions, and the pervasive influence of misinformation and disinformation.
Dr. Quarmal emphasized the urgency of cultivating critical thinking, ethical communication, and adaptive leadership—particularly in a media environment marked by uncertainty and polarization. He examined the role digital platforms play in shaping public opinion and underscored the moral responsibilities of academic leaders in countering harmful narratives.
Adding further depth to the conversation, Golam Kader Zilany shared his reflections on the evolving role of educators, encouraging participants to view teaching as an act of responsible communication, especially during periods of societal transformation.
The workshop concluded with closing remarks from Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jude William Genilo, who reinforced the importance of adaptive and principled leadership in the digital age. He praised the initiative for fostering a space where new faculty could begin to reflect on their evolving roles not only as educators, but also as agents of positive change.