GU-Q Explores Academic Collaboration with Ashoka University

Dean Ahmad Dallal and a team from GU-Q met with Dr. Aparna Vaidik, associate professor of history at India’s Ashoka University, on January 28th, 2019, to explore opportunities for future academic collaboration between the two universities. They discussed student exchange models, joint course and program design ideas, resource-sharing, and leveraging existing programs such as the Indian Ocean World working group and the Community Engagement Program to jumpstart faculty interaction and intellectual exchange.

Taking part in the discussion were representatives of GU-Q including Reza Pirbhai, faculty chair and associate professor of history, Uday Chandra, assistant professor of government, and James MacGregor, associate dean for academic affairs. Cóilín Parsons, associate professor of English from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., expanded the scope of the discussion to encompass a three way exchange of faculty and expertise.

Dean Dallal noted that Ashoka University’s focus on research in international affairs, multi-disciplinary learning, and development of critical thinking and leadership skills aligns well with Georgetown’s academic and research mission.

Ashoka University focuses on providing a liberal education on par with the best universities in the world. It aims to help students become well-rounded individuals who can think critically about issues from multiple perspectives, communicate effectively and become leaders with a commitment to public service. Ashoka has partnered with leading universities in the U.S. and U.K., including Yale, Stanford, Duke University, Princeton, and King’s College London.