ULAB hosts Fulbright, UGC consultation on dual degree framework

The discussions focus on joint partnerships, credit transfer systems and quality assurance mechanisms

The University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) has hosted a high-level consultation session with Fulbright Specialist and Program Analyst Dr Grace Mukupa to advance cross-border academic cooperation.

The meeting, held at the university's Chancellery Meeting Room on Sunday, was organised as part of a University Grants Commission (UGC) initiative to develop a National Policy Framework for Joint Partnerships and Dual Degree Programmes in higher education, according to a media statement issued by ULAB.

During the talks, ULAB Vice-Chancellor Prof Shamsad Mortuza emphasised the institution's ongoing commitment to ensuring a globally competitive academic and research environment.

The university noted that the policy review session was also attended by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Jude William Genilo, Treasurer Prof Milan Kumar Bhattacharjee, and Registrar Md Foyzul Islam, alongside faculty deans, department heads, and senior administrative officials.

Mukupa outlined the core objectives of the UGC initiative and guided the participants through structured discussions covering dual degree models, credit transfer systems, quality assurance mechanisms, institutional readiness, governance structures, and international collaboration, it added.

Following her primary consultations with the university leadership and academic stakeholders, the visiting analyst conducted a focused group discussion with ULAB students to gather their perspectives on internationalisation, global learning opportunities, student mobility, and international higher education partnerships.

During the consultation, ULAB presented its internationalisation initiatives and institutional experiences as a case example, highlighting global partnerships, student mobility programmes, and international collaborations, the statement said.

The consultation provided a valuable platform for dialogue between policymakers, university leaders, academics, administrators, and students, contributing to the ongoing development of a national framework that supports quality international partnerships and strengthens Bangladesh’s higher education sector, it added.