Royal University of Bhutan Reaching New Heights
Annual Report Printed at Bhutan Printing Solutions (www.prints.bt) 2017 Royal University of Bhutan Reaching New Heights
Annual Report 2017
Table of Contents
2017 THE HIGHLIGHT...... 1
ACCESS...... 6
TEACHING AND LEARNING...... 9
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES...... 15
HUMAN RESOURCE...... 22
STUDENT SERVICES...... 27
FINANCE...... 30
LOOKING FORWARD...... 33
Acronyms and Abbreviations
RUB Royal University of Bhutan OVC Office of Vice Chancellor CNR College of Natural Resources CST College of Science and Technology GCBS Gedu College of Business Studies CLCS College of Language and Culture Studies JNEC Jigme Namgye Engineering College PCE Paro College of Education SC Sherubtse College SCE Samtse College of Education FTM Faculty of Traditional Medicine GCIT Gyalpozhing College f Information and Technology YCC Yonphula Centenary College RTC Royal Thimphu College GOI-PTA Government of India-Project-Tied Assistance QA Quality Assurance CULT Centre for University Learning and Teaching OVC Office of Vice Chancellor ACDAA Annual Conference of Dean and Academic Affairs GDN Global Development Network FYP Five Year Plan CAC CULT Advisory Committee SSLP Sherubtse Student Leadership Programme HRRR Human Resource Rules and Regulations iGNHAS Institute for GNH Studies
1 2017: The Highlight
1.1 His Majesty the King graced the 12th Convocation of the Royal University of Bhutan held on 7 June 2017, and addressed the 3000 graduates.
A Translation of His Majesty’s Address to the Graduates
It is extremely comforting and satisfying to meet so many of you today. When I think of the future, I am particularly reassured because you are all so qualified and capable. We are gathered here representatives of the clergy, the Prime Minister and senior officials of the government, and the faculty members of our tertiary institutions to celebrate your success.
My first thought is that your parents and family members must be very proud of you. Having supported you until now, they must be content with your clear achievements and success. Their prayers and aspirations have been met, having My first thought is that your nurtured you from infancy into qualified parents and family members and capable young women and men. must be very proud of you.
All parents have the same hopes and Having supported you until dreams for their children, from the moment now, they must be content with they are born that our child will stand your clear achievements and amongst others as an equal that they are success. capable, well educated and of sound mind
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 1 and body. You have not only realised their dreams, but also arrived at this We are living in extraordinary stage, ready to serve and better your times-both around the world as country. I congratulate you warmly for well as within Bhutan. There are getting here. opportunities today that couldn’t We are living in extraordinary times- have been imagined in earlier both around the world as well as within times. But we also live in uncertain Bhutan. There are opportunities today times-a world full of unprecedented that couldn’t have been imagined in earlier times. But we also live risks and challenges. in uncertain times-a world full of unprecedented risks and challenges.
Most of you were born after 1990. 1990 was an important year, the year that Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web-that enabled the creation of the internet.
Today, 3.7 billion people use the internet-that’s half of humanity. 2.5 billion people use social media, and about 7 billion people use mobile phones.
Facebook was founded in 2004. It has just been 13 years, and Facebook today has 1.94 billion users. There are 5 new profiles being created every second, half million comments being posted every minute, and 136,000 photographs being uploaded every minute.
Then, there is e-commerce; websites like flipkart, AliExpress, Amazon, E-bay, many of which are being used by Bhutanese. It is possible to purchase almost everything online. In 2016, worldwide retail e-commerce sales was 2 trillion USD.
Medical discoveries are being made each year, technological advancements, engineering marvels, and now social media and the Internet, are changing the world that we live in, and they continue to shape the way we communicate with each other.
So these are exciting times. For a small country like ours, such advancements hold a lot of promises. We can use technology to help achieve our national objectives.
2 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan But at the same time, I worry. As I said before, there is a lot of uncertainty in the world today. New difficulties arise one after the other.
To mention a few: the world is faced with resource constraints, as the world population continues to grow. It is estimated that the world’s population will touch 9.7 billion by 2050. Climate change, mass migration of people, inequity and income inequality, political polarization and instability, war, disease, famine, natural and man-made calamities-we live in a VUCA age, of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity.
Closer to home, India has population of 1.34 billion people, and China 1.37 billion. That is 37 percent of the world’s population, and together account for 16 percent of the world’s GDP, or about 13 trillion USD. Our small landlocked, mountainous country sits between these two populous and powerful countries.
Over the years, Bhutanese have steered our country with great skills, intelligence, and a deep sense of responsibility, and have given us a peaceful, harmonious, and sovereign nation.
Bhutan is blessed-our waters are holy, and our land sacred. Known in ancient times as the Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs, our country has been not only fertile and bountiful, but the land of medicines and healing. Bhutan is Baeyul- hidden paradise-blessed by Ugyen Guru Rinpoche, and consolidated by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
As you inherit this country, and take on your responsibilities, I would like you to remember three things:
1. We are the guardians of the peace and unity in our country. Our true strength comes from the peace in our land and harmony amongst our people. We must preserve this with sincerity and dedication. Over the years, Bhutanese 2. It is our responsibility to preserve our distinct have steered our country culture and national identity. We must not lose with great skills, intelligence, this uniqueness so that we are always able to proudly say ‘We are Bhutanese”. and a deep sense of responsibility, and have 3. The wealth of our country is our human given us a peaceful, resources. Our future will invariably be shaped harmonious, and sovereign by the talent and skills, disposition for hard work, commitment, and dedication. nation.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 3 In conclusion, I would like to share my own observation. We have five extraordinary qualities that define us as Bhutanese. These are five extraordinary qualities that you possess.
The Damtshi or unwavering loyalty, is a natural and instinctive trait. Bhutanese are Sincere. We have integrity. No matter what we do, there is a degree of sincerity that is worthy of praise.
We are Mindful. We are always mindful of our duties, responsibilities, obligations, and wellbeing-not just our own wellbeing but the wellbeing of everyone.
We Bhutanese are very Astute. That is why we have been able to build a country like Bhutan. We have worked with great ingenuity, perception, and wisdom. We have the intelligence and skills to be able to strengthen our country. We are clear minded and competent people.
We are Resilient. We are well-tempered and strong, not afraid of suffering, not averse to hardship, ready to face problems and risks. Since time immemorial we have not been overcome nor destroyed. We have had the resilience to withstand the biddgest challenges and threats.
We do not live in the present but are aware of the future. We care, not just for this generation, but for different eras and generations to come. We understand that whatevery we have has to be Timeless. We realise that we are impermanent, that our children will inherit what we leave behind, and our country will be there for all times to come.
The acronyms of these extraordinary qualities of the Bhutanese people- We Bhutanese are very Astute. Sincerity, Mindfulness, Astuteness, That is why we have been able Resilience, and Timeless -is SMART. Bhutan has always been a smart nation. to build a country like Bhutan. That is why we must continue to build We have worked with great smart instituitions, and that is why it ingenuity, perception, and is imperative that our people remain wisdom. We have the intelligence smart. We must nurture these wonderful qualities and remember every day, how and skills to be able to strengthen they ahve defined us as a nation and as our country. We are clear minded a people. We must remember that these and competent people. qualities will help us navigate the 21st century and build an even better place.
4 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan Our country has an extremely bright future and that future is in your hands.
I am profoundly happy that I had this opportunity to meet you and speak to you today. I feel reassured, comforted, and satisfied meeting qualified, skilled and smart citizens like you, who are ready and able to serve your country and make a difference.
Tashi Delek.
His Majesty the King with the University Council Members & Directors of Colleges during the 12th RUB Convocation held on 7 June 2017
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 5 2 Access
Students of CST participate in a RUB-ACM intra-college programming contest
2.1 Towards enhancing access to higher education, the Government directed the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) to establish two new Colleges. Accordingly, Gyalposhing College of Information Technology (GCIT) and Yonphula Centenary College (YCC) were formally launched in July 2017.
2.2 GCIT is envisaged to consolidate all IT related programmes of RUB and become a centre of excellence in IT. The College started with the Bachelor of Computer Applications in July 2017 with an enrollement of 79 students.
2.3 YCC is planned to grow into a College offering mostly postgraduate programmes mainly to cater to the subject knowledge development of the in-service teachers of the Ministry of Education. The College launched the MA in English with 32 students in July 2017.
2.4 A total of 3467 students were admitted into the constituent Colleges of the University. The total student strength of the University is 10,388 including the students of two affiliated Colleges in 2017.
6 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan Table 1: Intake 2017 Serial # Name of the College Total Male Female
1 Sherubtse College 589 284 305
2 Paro College of Education 458 218 240
3 Samtse College of Education 512 289 223
4 College of Science & Technology 222 156 66 Jigme Namgyel Engineering 5 365 258 107 College College of Language & Culture 6 389 189 200 Studies 7 Gedu College of Business Studies 501 278 223
8 College of Natural Resources 320 153 167 Gyalpozhing College of 9 79 39 40 Information Technology 10 Yonphula Centenary College 32 20 12
Total 3467 1884 1583
Lyonchhen Dasho Tshering Tobgay inaugurates the Gyalpozhing College of Information and Technology
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 7 Table 2: Total Students 2017 Serial # Name of the College Total Male Female College of Language & 1 1230 618 612 Culture Studies College of Natural 2 670 342 328 Resources College of Science & 3 902 646 256 Technology Gedu College of Business 4 1347 728 619 Studies Gyalposhing College of 5 79 39 40 Information Technology Jigme Namgyel Engineering 6 806 565 241 College 7 Paro College of Education 1521 724 797
8 Samtse College of Education 889 417 472
9 Sherubtse College 1668 839 829
10 Yonphula Centenary College 32 21 11
11 Royal Thimphu College 1165 531 634
12 Norbuling Rigter College 79 30 49
Total 10388 5500 4888
2.5 Infrastructure development
2.5.1 To enhance access, the University continues to develop its infrastructure. During the 11th FYP, the RUB received a GoI-supported Project-Tied Assistance (GOI-PTA) of Nu. 975.100 million for the construction of physical facilities including, hostels, academic spaces, sports facilities, and capacity building of the faculty and staff in the Colleges. The project also includes procurement of furniture and equipments for the new infrastructures.
2.5.2 As of December 2017, GCBS, CST and SCE have completed their construction works and the projects under other constituent colleges are close to 80% completion.
8 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 3 Teaching and Learning
Mechanical students of JNEC during their hands-on practical session
3.1 Programme Development
3.1.1 One of the thrust areas in the University’s current strategic plan is to increase access to learners through diversification of academic programmes. Towards realizing this, the following new programmes were launched in 2017.
Table 3: New programmes launched College Programme CNR BSc in Food Science & Technology YCC MA in English MEd in Biology MEd in Chemistry SCE MEd in Mathematics MEd in Physics
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 9 3.1.2 2017 saw deliberations on the initiation of new academic programmes in the following areas:
Table 4: Possible new Programmes deliberated College Programme JNEC BE in Mechanical Engineering GCIT BSc in Information Technology CNR BSc in Organic Agriculture BA in Anthropology RTC BA in Mass Communication BSc in Geography Sherubtse BA in Economics ME in Renewable Energy BE in Instrumentation and Control Engineering CST BE in Construction Engineering and Management BE in Geological Engineering BA in Social Work SCE MEd in school subjects other than science and mathematics
3.2 Quality Assurance
3.2.1 A key element of RUB’s quality assurance system is the validation of programmes. This determines whether a proposed programme has the quality, standards and relevance for conferring of an award from the University. In 2017 the following programmes were validated for RUB award
Table 5: Programmes validated College Programme CST ME in Renewable Energy YCC MA in English MEd in Biology MEd in Chemistry SCE MEd in Mathematics MEd in Physics BA in Anthropology RTC BCom (resource checked) BBA (resource checked)
10 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 3.2.2 Periodic review of a programme ascertains the academic health and standards of programmes which have been in operation for a period of time. In 2017 the following programmes were reviewed:
Table 6: Programmes Reviewed College Programme CNR B Sc in Sustainable Development MBA GCBS BBA BCom Diploma in Civil Engineering Diploma in Electrical Engineering JNEC Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Diploma in Computer System & Network BBA (resource checked) RTC BCom (resource checked) Sherubtse College PgD in English
3.2.3 A number of programmes at the two Colleges of Education were due for periodic review. However, their reviews were postponed to arrive at a common understanding with the Ministry of Education and align the programmes at the colleges with the changes in the school education system
3.2.4 The Royal University of Bhutan’s Quality Assurance (QA) Review is intended to assist College (constituent and affiliate) in achieving and maintaining the University’s quality assurance and enhancement regulations and associated procedures. QA Review is a vital tool used to monitor QA practices and remedy problems encountered during implementation of regulations. In 2017 the QA Review was conducted for the following Colleges:
• College of Science and Technology • Gedu College of Business Studies
3.2.5 The annual monitoring of programmes is a key quality management and enhancement process that is aimed at reviewing the operation of programmes and identifying areas for improvement. Workshops were conducted for programme leaders and Deans of Academic Affairs to
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 11 facilitate the annual programme monitoring process. In 2017, a workshop was conducted for Samtse College of Education and College of Science & Technology.
3.2.6 As approved in the RUB HRRR 2017, an Academic Quality Officer was recruited to support the Chief (Quality Assurance & Enhancement) in the increasing workload of the Division.
3.3 Discontinuance of Programmes
3.3.1 The following programmes were accorded approval for discontinuation:
Table 7: Programmes discontinued College Programme CLCS BA in Language and Culture
3.4 Programmes, Teaching and Learning
3.4.1 In January 2017, the 7th induction programme (Introduction to University Learning and Teaching) was conducted at the SCE. A total of 11 new faculty members from various College of the Royal University of Bhutan attended the 10-day Induction Programme.
3.4.2 Likewise, in the same year, the 8th induction programme for 14 new faculty members was conducted at CNR, Lobesa in July 2017.
3.4.3 Till date, 149 academic staff have been awarded the certificate of attendance to the induction programme on Introduction to University Learning and Teaching programme since its introduction in 2013.
3.4.4 As directed by the CULT Advisory Committee (CAC) a continuing professional development programme, focusing on 21st century learning and teaching strategy was organized from 19–26 January 2017 at SCE. A total of 20 participants from Colleges of RUB attended the programme.
3.4.5 A workshop on ‘Enhancing Higher Education in Bhutan’ was organized for 3 days from 10–12 May 2017 at Lobesa. The workshop was resourced by two professors from Lews Castle College, University of Highlands and Islands. The workshop broadly covered the following topics: • Data gathering on digital resources creation and experimentation
12 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan • Data gathering on Continuing Professional Development Programmes • Potential structures for Continuing Professional Development opportunities at RUB • Data gathering on career structures and international recognition of staff capabilities • Application of staff benchmarking and accreditation process
The workshop was attended by 20 academic staff from Member Colleges including all the Deans of Academic Affairs of the Colleges.
3.4.6 As an initiative from the Centre of University Learning and Teaching (CULT), a training material on Learning and Teaching was developed for Dzongkha faculty / Lopens. The material in Dzongkha version was developed with the help of Dzongkha faculty members from PCE. For the first time, CULT had organised Continuing Professional Development Programme for Dzongkha Lopens in Dzongkha. During the six-day workshop, four main topics – Teaching and Learning Strategies, Answering and Asking Questions, Assessing Student Learning and Referencing Techniques were covered. A total of 17 Dzongkha Lopens attended the workshop at SCE from 6-11th November 2017. The workshop was facilitated by the faculty members from PCE, CLCS and Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC).
3.4.7 The Academic Deans Conference is organised annually to share good practices, discuss matters related to academic functioning and adopt uniform academic guidelines that affect the academic issues across all colleges. The 4th Annual Conference of Deans of Academic Affairs (ACDAA) was organized at the CST on 26th and 27th June 2017. ACDAA agendas are generally discussed under four thematic groups namely
a. Innovations in teachings and learning, b. Management and quality enhancement, c. Learner engagement and support, and d. Staff development.
The conference also accommodates issues beyond thematic areas that affect academic implementation. The ACDAA has been effective in strengthening academic procedures where all Deans of Academic Affairs participate in the discourse.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 13 3.4.8 The 7th CULT Advisory Committee meeting was held at the Paro College of Education on 25 August 2017. Besides teaching learning activities, the committee endorsed the Five-Year Strategic Operational Plan for the CULT proposed by the Coordinator of the centre. The committee also endorsed the proposal to have CAC meeting annually instead of having two times in a year.
3.4.9 As directed by the CAC during its 6th Meet at GCBS, the CULT conducted workshop on Programme Development Process for the programme leaders of the following Colleges:
• Gedu College of Business Studies, College of Science and Technology and Samtse College of Education on 28th August & Samtse College on 29th August 2017.
The same workshop will be offered to the Programme Leaders of PCE and RTC in 2018 to cover all the Programme Leaders of the Royal University of Bhutan.
3.4.10 As recommended by the 4th ACDAA, Analytical Skills and Entrepreneurship Development modules were reviewed on 27 & 28 October 2017 at GCBS. The reviewed modules will be implemented starting the academic session of August 2018.
3.4.11 2nd Heads of College Library Meeting was organized on 27 October 2017 at GCBS. Various issues, ranging from development of Library Collection Policies to Operational Standards of libraries, were discussed in the meeting.
During a consultative meeting between JNEC and Dewathang community
14 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 4 Research and Development Services
Bridging the gap between the RUB and civil society organisation
4.1 Reviewed and supported the following Research Centres’ research project proposals for enhancement of research activities with financial assistance from GoI-supported PTA project.
Table 8. Support for Establishment of Research Centres of Excellence in the Colleges S. No. Name of Research Centres Amount (Nu.) Research project on production of Bio-Gas by 1 Centre for Renewable Energy and Sustainable 1,380,000 Development,CST Establishment of molecular lab by Centre for Rural 2 900,000 Development Studies, CNR
Research on production of manure by Centre for 3 800,000 Rural Development Studies, CNR
Procurement of facilities for iGNHaS secretariat 4 300,000 and the Library
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 15 4.1.1 Facilitated capacity building through skill development trainings through various funding sources.
Table 9. Number of staff and students benefited from capacity building programmes Beneficiaries S.No. Research Trainings (nos.) Certificate Course in Social Policy at College of Natural Resources to Member of Parliaments, Chief Planning 1 40 Officers, and Heads of CSOs in collaboration with Sherubtse College supported by UNICEF First phase student research capacity trainings across 2 all the colleges through Global Development Network 1000 (GDN) project Second phase student research capacity trainings 3 1000 across the colleges GDN project Training on use of SPSS and MATLAB conducted to 4 26 faculties of CST and JNEC through GOI project fund
4.1.2 Organized and attended series of capacity building workshops, symposium and conferences for improvement of faculty research activities.
Table 10. Number of staff involved in research enhancement activities Beneficiaries S.No. Workshops and Study Visits (nos.) Vice Chancellor’s Symposium at GCBS in August 2016 supported by GoI PTA which was the first of 1 its kind to disseminate the finding of the research 300 carried out by iGNHaS on entrepreneurship culture in Bhutan 10th Faculty Research Meet convened at JNEC Dewathang from 29 to 31st August 2016 to present 41 Annual University Research Grant applications and 4 research capacity building topics from research 2 48 introduction, research problems formulation, doing literature review to designing and choosing research approaches by resource persons supported by GDN project Annual University Research Grant applications for financial year 2016-2017 screened, evaluated by 3 21 experts and awarded to successful applicants in September 2016
16 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan Presentation of GDN Completion Project Report at the SENAI Annual Conference in November 2016 at 4 9 Kathmandu, Nepal lead by Director DRER and eight members delegate involved in project implementation Dissemination of completed Annual University Research Grants project at CST in December 2016 5 30 during 11th Faculty Research Meet funded by GDN project On-going AURG project for 2016-2017 financial year review and monitoring at CST in December 6 30 2016 supported by GDN project during 12th Faculty Research Meet 3rd Annual Workshop of the DRILs convened at CST 7 in December 2016 to review research and external 15 linkages activities of the University
4.2 University Promotion and Branding
4.2.1 Felicitating messages of national importance regularly to broadcast and print media for promotion of University.
4.2.2 Production of University promotional video was finalised, and contract agreement signed between the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Corporation Limited and the RUB in February 2017.
4.2.3 Two issues of Bhutan Journal of Research and Development and one Newsletter published as follows:
Table 11. Details of and Newsletter published in 2016-2017 S.No. Name of Publication Issue Reference 1 Bhutan Journal of Research and ISSN 1321-4585 Volume 5 Development Number 1 Autumn 2016 2 Bhutan Journal of Research and ISSN 1321-4585 Volume 6 Development Number 1 Spring 2017 3 iGNHaS Newsletter Volume 1, issue 2 2016
4.2.4 Facilitated the conduct of the national and international conferences and seminars by colleges as per government policies and guidelines for conduct of meetings and conferences and delivered talk series such as keynotes, session inputs and ceremonial attendance.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 17 Table 12. National and International Conferences No. National and International Conferences International Conference on ‘Archaeology, History and Culture 1 Studies (ICAHCS)’ from 6-7 October 2016 at Sherubtse College International Conference on ‘Role of University in Promotion of GNH 2 in Practice and Sustainable Development’ from 10-11 March 2017 at Sherubtse College and delivered Keynote International Conference on ‘Buddhist Cultural Pluralism in South Asia: Explorations in Popular-Contemporary Buddhist Imageries’ 3 from 17-18 March 2017 at the Office of the Vice Chancellor (OVC) and Chaired the session Seminar on ‘Promoting Energy Efficient Lighting Education in 4 Nepal and Bhutan (ENLAB)’ on 10 March 2017 in Thimphu 2ndInternational Conference on ‘Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development and Design’ from 3-5 April 2017 at Office of the Vice 5 Chancellor (OVC), Thimphu and delivered Welcome note and wrap-up session International Conference on ‘Art in Early Childhood’ from 15-18 April 6 2017 at Paro College of Education 2ndEngineering Faculty Research Meet of CST and JNEC at CST in 7 October 2016 and delivered keynotes and session input
4.3 Implementation of external linkages programmes
4.3.1 Semester abroad programme implementation The third batch of nine undergraduate students for the semester abroad programme from Naropa University, US, completed three weeks of orientation to RUB and Bhutan and a semester abroad from January-June 2017 at the different Colleges of RUB. Six students were placed at the CNR, two at the CLCS, and one at the PCE and took two modules from RUB programmes that were credited through NU accreditation council.
4.3.2 Short Term Study Abroad programme implementation
4.3.3 A total of 14 students in two batches from the University of New England (UNE), Australia visited during October 2017 for three weeks’ duration as part of the New Colombo Plan Initiative of the Government of Australia under the short-term study abroad programme at RUB for the third consecutive year.
18 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 4.3.4 As part of the ongoing relationship between the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Canada, and the Royal University of Bhutan, four undergraduate students from the Renaissance College, UNB, Canada, attended the Sherubtse Student Leadership Programme (SSLP) and assisted the faculty in the enhancement of the programme for eight weeks from April to July 2017.
4.3.5 Between Fall 2016-Spring 2017, Colleges of RUB received one student each on EU Plus projects at the College of Language and Culture Studies, College of Natural Resources, and College of Science and Technology.
4.3.6 Sherubtse College and Kyoto University’s collaboration and exchange project still continued and have been significant in cross cultural studies, field visits and research projects, including an organisation of an international conference between Fall 2016-Spring 2017.
4.3.7 An exchange programme was also initiated with the University College Leuven-Limburg, Belgium, between students from UCLL and faculty from the education Colleges of RUB since Spring 2017.
4.3.8 Significant development with the University includes movement of students from RUB colleges to undergo short term study abroad in Europe. Jigme Namgyel Engineering College (JNEC), Dewathang, has been able to facilitate four students’ placement on a fully funded Erasmus+ Student Exchange Programme to Bialystok University of Technology in Poland.
4.3.9 Two students from the CNR have been able to undergo short term study abroad at Palacky University in Czech Republic in Fall 2016 and Spring 2017. Two students from Sherubtse College attended the Summer School programme in Bangkok under RUB’s collaboration with Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
4.4 International students enrolled into fulltime programme
4.4.1 One international student from the United States enrolled to MScNRM programme at the CNR in July 2016 and one student from India enrolled to Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in January 2017 at SCE.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 19 4.5 International collaborations strengthened
4.5.1 An eleven-member delegation led by the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Director, Department of Research and External Relations and Dean of Research from various Colleges visited Kyoto University in Japan during July 2016 to explore research partnership and presented seminars supported through GDN Project.
4.5.2 Facilitated signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) and Royal University of Bhutan on 24 March 2017 regarding grant provision to College of Science and Technology and Jigme Namgyel Engineering College to augment faculty shortage at the Engineering Colleges.
4.5.3 Initiated joint Masters’ Degree programme on Global Development Policy between Palacky University, Czech Republic and CNR by European Commission through ERASMUS MUNDUS PROJECT.
4.5.4 A session on ‘Introduction to Bhutan’ was delivered to the Thailand international participants of Chula University Right Livelihood School (CURLS) under their summer school programme. The session was hosted by the College of Natural Resources.
4.5.5 Coordinated with GNHC for drafting of National Research Council and finalization of national research fund operation modality paper.
4.5.6 Facilitated the Wenner Gren Institutional Development Grant for development of PhD degree in Anthropology by CLCS.
4.5.7 Erasmus+ Regional Seminar for Asia attended by three member delegates for collaborations with EU countries and partners organised by European Commission Directorate General Education and Culture in Thailand in November 2016 and three member delegates from RUB in Vietnam in May 2017.
4.5.8 Facilitated India Science Research Fellowship dissemination and recommendation to senior academics from Bhutan to the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India.
20 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 4.6 Policy Reviews The following Policy reviews were undertaken:
4.6.1 Draft National Broadcasting Policy
4.6.2 Micro-Data dissemination on National Statistics Bureau
4.6.3 Climate Change Adaptation for RNR Sector
4.6.4 National Research Fund Operation
4.6.5 Nutrition Security in Bhutan
A team from Bialystok University of Technology, Poland visit JNEC
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 21 5 Human Resource
The faculty of RUB attend a seminar on ‘Promoting energy efficient lighting education’
5.1 Human Resource Management
5.1.1 RUB has a total of 1070 (530 academic, and 540 administrative & technical) staff. Out of 540 administrative & technical staff, 183 are in General Service Staff (GSS) category.
5.1.2 The University recruited 91 (32 academic, and 59 administrative and technical) staff in the year 2017 based on the recommendations of the Organizational Development (OD) exercise.
22 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 0 0 0 0 0 132 183 315 315 Class 12 & Others 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 68 68 Certificate 6 0 0 6 1 0 49 50 56 Diploma 6 0 5 0 71 76 123 129 205 Qualification Bachelors 2 3 0 42 24 27 294 338 365 Masters 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 MPhil 3 4 0 0 4 33 19 55 59 PhD 5 9 68 457 530 348 183 540 1070 Total 1 3 11 54 121 133 131 188 321 Female Gender 4 6 57 336 397 217 129 352 749 Male Term Term Category Academics Regular Fixed CPL/ Volunteers Sub-total Administrative & Technical Regular Fixed GSS Sub-total TOTAL Table 13: RUB Staff Table
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 23 5.2 Human Resource Development
5.2.1 The University will continue to invest in the development of the academics since they are the backbone of a teaching learning institution despite all the challenges that it faces in securing fellowships.
5.2.2 In the year 2017, a total of 24 (18 Masters and 6 PhD) academic staff have been able to secure scholarships under various schemes to pursue long term studies.
Table 14: RUB Academics pursuing Long term Studies Category/College Masters PhD Total CLCS 2 0 2 CNR 3 3 6 CST 5 1 6 GCBS 4 0 4 JNEC 1 0 1 SCE 2 2 4 SC 1 0 1 GCIT 0 0 0 YCC 0 0 0 Total 18 6 24
5.3 Dedicated Service Award 2017
5.3.1 63 staff of the University received the Royal Civil Service Award for their dedicated and long-standing service to the University.
Table 15: RUB Staff receiving Award for long standing service Lifetime Civil Colleges/ 10 years and 20 years and 30 years and Service Award Total OVC above above above 2017 Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female SCE 0 1 2 0 1 1 1 0 6 JNEC 11 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 18 SC 3 3 1 0 1 0 0 0 8 CLCS 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 PCE 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 12 CNR 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 CST 7 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 OVC 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 3 Total 29 14 7 2 5 3 2 1 63
24 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 5.4 Royal University of Bhutan Human Resource Rules and Regulations (RUBHRRR 2017)
5.4.1 The Royal University of Bhutan was separated from the Civil Service on 1 July 2011. The University has been using BCSR 2010 for its operation till it has been able to come up with its own RUBHRRR 2017.
5.4.2 The Royal University of Bhutan has reviewed all its human resource policies and procedures and came out with the Royal University of Bhutan Human Resource Rules and Regulations (RUBHRRR 2017), Position Directory 2017, and Governance Manual 2017.
5.4.3 The RUB HRRR 2017, endorsed by the 33rd University Council Meeting, has become operational with effect from 1 July 2017
5.5 Position Directory 2017
The Position Directory consists of three components as mentioned below:
5.5.1 Position Profile Matrix: The matrix shows position titles, grades, broad- banded and non-broad banded categories, career ladder with entry and ceiling position level. It also contains position specifications with eligibility details consisting of qualification, experience and skills requirements.
5.5.2 Representative Work Activities (RWAs): RWAs includes explicit and distinct Representative Work Activities for each of the positions at various levels for both Academics as well as Administrative & Technical Staff.
5.5.3 The RWAs are generic statements used to describe the broad categories of responsibilities attached to different position categories. These are intended to provide a basis to draw up specific work activities for individuals and differentiate the nature of work between the various positions. The RWAs also define scope, relationships and work complexities amongst different position levels.
5.5.4 Knowledge, skills and abilities: Knowledge, skills and abilities consist of explicit and distinct requirement for performance of work described for the position. It indicates attributes that lead to successful accomplishment of staff in different position levels and areas, which is in addition to the requirements prescribed in Position Profile Matrix and general criteria for recruitment prescribed in relevant chapters.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 25 5.6 Governance Manual 2017
5.6.1 The Governance Manual 2017 has been developed with the intention of enhancing the communication and information flow in the University. The Manual contains the governance structure, the committees and the terms of reference of each of the committees.
Faculty of JNEC and Sherubtse undergo leadership and management training in higher education in Bangkok
26 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 6 Student Services
Media club members of Taktse college learn newspaper design and layout
The following were some of the key activities implemented under the student services in 2017.
6.1 Dean of Student Affairs Meeting
6.1.1 The 11th Dean of Student Affairs meeting was held at the College of Science and Technology from 7 to 8 September 2017. The meeting looked at the activities that were carried out during the year. It also discussed as to how student services can be enhanced over the years.
6.1.2 The Hon’ble Attorney General briefed the meeting on the basic laws of the country, and the approach that may be adopted while handling issues.
6.1.3 The Director General, Bhutan Narcotics Control Agency spoke on the mandate of the agency, and the efforts that it was making towards bringing back substance abusers into the mainstream of the society.
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 27 6.2 Basic Counseling and Guidance Skills
6.2.1 A total of 16 participants (provosts) were provided a five-day training by the faculty members of Samtse College of Education on Basic Counseling and Guidance Skills from 23 to 27 January 2017 at the College.
6.3 South Asian Universities Festival (SAUFEST)
6.3.1 A total of 26 delegates from the Royal University of Bhutan participated in the 10th South Asian Universities Festival (SAUFEST) held at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore (India) from 28 February to 4 March 2017. The concept of organizing the SAUFEST is in line with the active collaboration and mutual assistance amongst the South Asian Countries in educational, social, cultural and economic fields.
6.4 First Aid Training
6.4.1 A five days’ training on First Aid for Resident Coordinators was held from 12 to 16 June 2017 at College of Science and Technology, Phuentsholing. A total of 16 participants attended the training.
6.5 Bhutan University Sports Federation (BUSF)
6.5.1 The 4th University Games Finals was held at the College of Natural Resources from 12 to 17 December, 2017.
Inter-College Badminton competition at Samtse College of Education
28 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 6.5.2 280 athletes from eight Colleges, namely, CNR, CLCS, Sherubtse College, JNEC, SCE, CST, GCBS, and PCE competed in football, volleyball, and basketball in the finals.
6.5.3 The winners and runners-up of each the games were as follows:
Table 16: RUFoB Winners Discipline Men’s Category Women’s Category
Winner Runner-Up Winner Runner-Up Football PCE SC CLCS GCBS Basketball GCBS PCE SC SCE Volleyball PCE GCBS CLCS GCBS
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 29 7 Finance
Since RUB became autonomous in 2011, a process of careful scrutiny of its finances, reviewing its income, expenditure, depreciation of assets, cash flow and balance of accounts were put in place. The annual financial statement is presented to the Academic Planning and Resources Committee (APRC) on or before 31st October of each year, which is then presented to the University Council.
7.1 The statement of income and expenditure and the financial position of the University for financial year 2016 to 2017 are as presented in Table 17 and 18.
Table 17: Consolidated income and expenditure statement for the year ending 30 June 2017 (All Ngultrum reported in Millions) For the For the Revenue year ended year ended 30.6.2017 30.6.2016 Student Tuition from Government Scholarship 661,176 663,359 Student tuition from self funded students 127,321 94,930 Other Grants 20,351 29,118 Rental 25,108 20,732 Interest 16,931 9,881 Research and Services 10,550 3,306 Other Incomes 9,741 14,535 Inventories 5,365 4,699 Total Income 876,542 840,561 Expenditure Operating Expenses 128,274 125,944 Pay and Allowances 489,352 400,106 Student Services 81,002 95,483 Learning Activities 55,604 35,759 Professional Services 39,337 33,171 Depreciation 124,268 153,390 Total Expenses 917,836 843,853 Surplus/(deficit) -41,294 -3,292
30 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan Table 18: RUB consolidated financial position for the year ending 30 June 2017 (All Ngultrum reported in Millions) For the For the Current Assets year ended year ended 30.6.2017 30.6.2016 Cash and Cash Equivalents 254,182 314,857 Receivables 25,396 11,388 Other Current Assets 102,315 54,931 Total Current Assets 381,893 381,176 Non-Current Assets Net Fixed Assets 5,945,913 5,926,867 Investments 256,148 168,943 Total Non-Current Assets 6,202,061 6,095,810 Total Assets 6,583,954 6,476,985 Liabilities Current Liabilities 42,656 40,009 Non-Current Liabilities 206,050 163,987 Total Liabilities 248,706 203,996 Equity Capital 6,316,239 6,234,074 Reserve 19,009 38,915 Total Equity 6,335,248 6,272,989 Total Equity and Liabilities 6,583,954 6,476,985
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 31 7.2 The summary of the approved capital and current grant for FY 2016-17 is presented in Table 19.
Table 19: Approved Capital and current budget for the financial year 2016-17 Capital Grant Current Source of Financing grant Sl. College based Total No. UN on per RGoB GOI Total Projects student
1 SC 2.200 140.800 143.000 142.372 285.374 2 CLCS 3.000 55.000 58.000 99.346 157.346 3 CST 15.000 11.000 26.000 77.741 103.741 4 CNR - 71.000 71.000 42.459 113.459 5 PCE 15.000 - 15.000 73.426 88.426 6 SCE 12.000 3.500 15.500 69.926 85.426 7 JNEC 8.400 90.050 98.450 66.242 164.142 8 GCBS 5.382 29.900 35.282 91.512 126.794 9 OVC 10.000 32.240 2.300 44.540 - 44.540 Total 70.982 433.490 2.300 506.772 663.026 1,169.798
32 Annual Report Royal University of Bhutan 8 Looking Forward
The year 2017 saw the University working on its Strategic Plan for the period 2018 to 2030. Simultaneously, the draft 12th FYP was also finalized under the guidance of the GNH Commission. A series of brainstorming and consultation meetings within the University as well as with key stakeholders were conducted to finalise the Strategic Plan. As evident from the consultation meetings, RUB in its next stage of development will work towards achieving the following aspirations:
8.1 RUB will continue consolidating its efforts in ensuring internationally comparable quality of education. It will integrate GNH values as its founding principles and propagate the values
8.2 RUB will continue to develop its human resources in order to deliver its mandate in the most effective manner
8.3 RUB will continue its effort towards supporting lifelong learning through different modes of learning and focus on offering short term professional development of the in-service people
8.4 RUB will develop new programme which are relevant to the needs of the country especially at the postgraduate level
8.5 RUB will strive to institute a vibrant culture of research in the University to foster innovation and creation of new knowledge to solve problems confronting society and the nation
Royal University of Bhutan Annual Report 33 Printed at Bhutan Printing Solutions (www.prints.bt)