2024, December 6
NU now#NUnews
Innovative Strategies for Universities: Results of the “Deans' School” Program
2024, December 6
Share this articleThe “Deans’ School” program is a vivid example of how theory and practice can combine to address pressing challenges.
From September to December 2024, the “Academic Leadership Institute: Deans’ School,” organised by the NU Graduate School of Education (NU GSE) under the leadership of Dean Dr. Aida Sagintayeva, became a unique educational initiative for 75 deans from 33 universities across Kazakhstan. This nine-module professional program allowed participants to gain deeper insights into key aspects of university management, ranging from strategic leadership and research management to the implementation of ethical standards and the creation of innovative ecosystems.
The program’s final stage was the Group Project — a development model for schools and faculties, representing the culmination of months of participants' work. Deans, divided into teams based on academic disciplines such as medical sciences, engineering, humanities, and business, worked intensively both online and offline to create practical strategies aimed at improving education quality, enhancing research activities, optimizing business processes, and integrating digital technologies.
Participants were supported by mentors, including NU GSE professors Dr. Noreen Durrani, Akhmet Aypay, and Duishonkul Shamatov, as well as experts in institutional research, data analysis, and organizational development. This interdisciplinary approach facilitated the development of innovative and adaptable solutions tailored to the needs of Kazakhstani universities.
.jpg)
On December 6, 2024, participants presented their projects to an expert commission composed of representatives from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and leading academic management specialists. Each team is expected to offer practical recommendations aimed at improving the operations of faculties and schools in Kazakhstani universities. These recommendations will be compiled into a final document that will serve as a strategic guide for the Ministry.
The eighth and ninth modules, which concluded the program, were crucial for participants. The eighth module, dedicated to research management, focused on developing research ecosystems, increasing publication activity, and protecting intellectual property. The ninth module, centred on institutional culture and ethics, discussed strategies for fostering academic integrity, preventing plagiarism, and creating an inclusive educational environment.
Participants not only acquired new skills and approaches but also laid the foundation for large-scale transformations in Kazakhstan’s higher education system. Their projects and recommendations will make a significant contribution to developing academic leadership and enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstani universities.
