How to Become a Professor of Practice : A Step-by-Step Guide

A Professor of Practice is a university-level faculty member who has significant professional experience in a particular field. They are typically hired to teach courses, mentor students, and conduct research in their area of expertise. Professors of Practice are not required to have a PhD, but they must have a strong track record of success in their field. The Professor of Practice (PoP) Portal is an initiative of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in India. The portal aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by facilitating the appointment of experienced professionals as faculty members in higher education institutions.

Professor of Practice is a new teaching role by UGC in India, aimed at bringing skilled professionals into higher education to enhance teaching quality.

Professor of Practice: A New Role in Higher Education

The University Grants Commission (UGC) of India has recently released guidelines for the creation of a new position in higher education called the “Professor of Practice.” Professors of Practice are faculty members who have a combination of academic and professional experience. They typically have a master’s degree or PhD in their field, as well as at least 10 years of professional experience. Professors of Practice are hired to bring their real-world experience into the classroom and to help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers.

Professor of Practice as per UGC Guidelines

Professor of Practice as per UGC Guidelines

Attribute	Value
Name	Professor of Practice
Definition	A faculty member who has a combination of academic and professional experience.
Benefits	Bring real-world experience into the classroom, help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers, mentor students and help them network with professionals in their field, conduct research and share their findings with students, and collaborate with industry partners to create innovative learning experiences.
Qualifications	Master’s degree or PhD in their field, at least 10 years of professional experience.
Duties and Responsibilities	Teaching courses, mentoring students, conducting research, collaborating with industry partners, developing and delivering professional development workshops for faculty and staff.
Future of Professors of Practice	The role of the Professor of Practice is evolving. As higher education institutions seek to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century workforce, they are increasingly turning to Professors of Practice to bring real-world experience into the classroom. I believe that the role of the Professor of Practice will continue to grow in importance in the years to come.
UGC POP Guidelines	https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/3659158_Guildeline-for-engaing-Professor-of-Practice-in-Universities-and-Colleges.pdf

Eligibility for Professor of Practice:

• Distinguished experts from various fields such as engineering, science, technology, entrepreneurship, commerce, social sciences, media, literature, fine arts, civil services, armed forces, legal profession, community development, and more.
• Proven expertise in their specific profession or role with at least 15 years of service/experience, preferably at a senior level.
• Formal academic qualification not essential if they have exemplary professional practice.
• Exempted from publication and other eligibility criteria for faculty recruitment at the Professor level.
• Should possess the skills to carry out specified duties and responsibilities.

Additional information:

• The number of Professors of Practice in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) should not exceed 10% of the sanctioned posts.

How do I apply for a Professor of Practice position on the UGC PoP Portal?

To apply for a Professor of Practice position on the UGC PoP Portal, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Go to the UGC PoP Portal website i.e https://pop.ugc.ac.in/Home/Index
2. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
3. Create an account.
4. Fill out the application form.
5. Upload your resume and any other required documents.
6. Submit the complete application.

The application form will ask for the following information:

• Name and contact information
• Educational qualifications
• Professional experience
• Research interests
• Reasons for applying for a Professor of Practice position

Candidates will also need to upload the resume and a cover letter.

Once you have submitted  application, the UGC will review it and decide if you are eligible for a Professor of Practice position. If you are selected, you will be invited to interview.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a Professor of Practice position:

• Make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to the specific position you are applying for.
• Highlight your real-world experience and how it can benefit students.
• Be enthusiastic and passionate about teaching.
• Practice your interview skills.

Duties and Responsibilities of a Professor of Practice:

1. Contribute to the development and design of courses and curriculum.
2. Introduce new courses and deliver lectures according to institutional policies.
3. Encourage students in innovation and entrepreneurship projects and provide mentorship.
4. Foster enhanced industry-academia collaborations.
5. Collaborate with regular faculty members to conduct workshops, seminars, special lectures, and training programs.
6. Engage in joint research projects or consultancy services with regular faculty members of the institution.

General Conditions:

1. Professor of Practice engagement is for a fixed term.
2. The engagement is separate from the sanctioned posts of the university/college and does not affect regular faculty recruitment.
3. Professor of Practice positions are not available for current or retired teaching professionals.

Categories of Engagement:

• Professor of Practice funded by Industries
• Professor of Practice funded by HEIs from their own resources
• Professor of Practice on an honorary basis

FAQ on Professor of Practice Recruitment

1. What is the difference between a Professor of Practice and a regular professor?

A Professor of Practice is a faculty member who has a combination of academic and professional experience. They typically have a master’s degree or PhD in their field, as well as at least 10 years of professional experience. Regular professors typically have a PhD and may or may not have professional experience.

2. What are the benefits of having Professors of Practice in higher education?

Professors of Practice can bring real-world experience into the classroom, help students develop the skills they need to succeed in their careers, mentor students and help them network with professionals in their field, conduct research and share their findings with students, and collaborate with industry partners to create innovative learning experiences.

3. How can I become a Professor of Practice?

The qualifications for becoming a Professor of Practice vary from institution to institution. However, most institutions require candidates to have a master’s degree or PhD in their field, as well as at least 10 years of professional experience. Some institutions may also require candidates to have teaching experience.

4. What is the future of Professors of Practice?

The role of the Professor of Practice is evolving. As higher education institutions seek to prepare students for the demands of the 21st century workforce, they are increasingly turning to Professors of Practice to bring real-world experience into the classroom. I believe that the role of the Professor of Practice will continue to grow in importance in the years to come.