Distinctively BU
To realize its goals, BRAC University has developed a decision-making body and distinctive programs. They are dedicated to fostering a student-centred learning environment and have strong and unique impact in the learning and teaching process in the university.
BUILD
BRAC University Initiative for Learning and Development (BUILD) was initiated by the Chairperson of BRAC, Mr. EH. Abed and the Vice Chancellor of BRAC University, Professor Jamilur Reza Chowdhury. BUILD is a strategic think tank established to review and assess the functioning of BRAC University as it entered its second year so that a strategic direction and plan could be developed to achieve its vision. A core group of stakeholders drawn from BRAC University and BRAC worked through eleven BUILD sessions to achieve this objective. The process followed a participatory question based planning. This approach is predicated on incremental advancement in unraveling the various dimensions of the challenges encountered and in coming up with an action plan to address them.
BUILD has also commissioned a research study by BRAC RED, the findings of which have been published as a report on 'Conversations with Emplqyers: Exploring Graduate EmplqyabilitJ in Bangladesh'. The report revealed that the major weakness of university graduates in Bangladesh is that they lack communication skills, presentation skills, adequate knowledge in Information Technology and organizational culture, behavior and ethics.
Residential Semester
Based on the research report about graduate employability a residential campus had been set up in the Training and Resource Centre (TARC), situated in Savar in July 2003. The main objective of the residential campus is to improve communication, presentation and English Skills and prepare students for the four-year undergraduate program. Students are also expected to learn about community living through an environment that supports learning and development through leadership opportunities, activities, and educational programming. A special course on Leadership is also offered at Savar, focusing on the qualities of a good leader and the ability to take on responsibilities.
Professional Skills Development Program
A nine-week long Professional Skills Development Program was launched in December 2004. The main objective of the Program is to develop skills of students in special areas before they enter the job market. Professional conduct, report writing, presentation skills, CV / resume writing and facing interviews are the major focus of the program.
EI-Pro
In order to strengthen students' English language proficiency and skills, an English training program has been set up within BRAC University. Based on their English needs, students from all departments will go through an English Language Training program spread over two years. The unique feature of the program is that each student is assessed and placed on appropriate levels, in a scale varying from 1 to 6, based on their proficiency in English.
