Awantipora, August 15: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), conducted a vibrant Student Induction Programme for the fresh MA and BA FYUGP batches of 2025 from August 11 to 14.
Designed to familiarize new students with the University’s academic culture, faculty and resources, the programme aimed to spark curiosity, and create a sense of belonging among students.
The orientation session opened with a formal welcome address by the Head, DJMC, Dr. Rabia Noor, who introduced the department’s broader vision, academic programmes, facilities offered and media platforms, viz., Times Echo and Pesh Kadam. She also informed the students that the course curriculum of DJMC’s both MA and BA programmmes have been framed in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
Associate Professor, DJMC, and Dean Outreach, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, spoke about the department’s diverse contribution in public relations and media-related initiatives, while Senior Assistant Professor, DJMC, Dr. Monisa Qadiri, highlighted the wealth of hands-on learning opportunities available to students.
Dr. Mujeeb Liyakat, Assistant Professor, DJMC, underscored that the curriculum is fully aligned with NEP 2020 and that it has been ensured that it remains both contemporary and industry-relevant.
Interacting with students, Dr. Sayar Mir, Assistant Professor, DJMC, shared insights from his professional journey and also highlighted the vast opportunities the field offers. Dr. Arif Nadaf, Assistant Professor, DJMC, spoke about the subject’s contemporary relevance, encouraging students to explore its diverse applications.
An interactive Student Round was also held, where freshers introduced themselves and shared their academic interests and expectations. The day also featured screening of selected short films aimed at sparking media awareness, and that of the Departmental Profile Video, which showcased the department’s academic, creative and outreach work, offering a glimpse of the vibrant community the students are now part of. Meanwhile, copies of Times Echo were distributed among the freshers.
The programme also included Peer Interaction offering informal exchanges between senior and junior students, and a guided tour of the newly set-up Departmental Library equipped with academic resources.
Later, the students were given a tour of DJMC’s Community Radio Studio, Media Lab, Multimedia Studio besides other facilities of the University, where freshers were given hands-on training in multimedia production.
