Page 4 - Vellore Institute of Technology – Annual Report 2016-17

VIT University Annual Report 2016-17

1. About VIT

VIT University, established under Section 3 of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956, was founded
in 1984 as a self-financing institution, the former Vellore Engineering College. The Union Ministry of Human
Resources Development conferred the Deemed University status subsequently to the then Vellore
Engineering College in 2001.

The University is headed by its founder and Chancellor, Dr. G. Viswanathan. In recognition of his stellar
services to the Nation by offering world class education, he was conferred an honorary doctorate by the West
Virginia University, USA.

The overarching aim of VIT is to create a dynamic environment facilitating world class education. To augment
learning resources and promote inter disciplinary research, VIT has consolidated various disciplines to create
thirteen Schools of Excellence. There is, thus, a synergy between the teaching-learning process where
faculty members are able to specialise in streams based on their interests. The campus has a cosmopolitan
atmosphere with students from all corners of the globe.

Many innovations have been introduced in academic processes at VIT. To name a few, Curriculum for Applied
Learning (CAL), Project Based Learning with a J component, Challenging Experiments in laboratories,
Examinations writing in Tablets with data storage in clouds, Flipped Classrooms, using Social Media in
academics, Higher Order Thinking skills questions in Exams, Hack-a-thons & Make-a-thons are part of this
process.

The international relations office at VIT facilitates international connections. Many overseas students come to
VIT for short term programmes and earn credits. Professors from reputed universities abroad have been
appointed as Adjunct faculty.

The Industry connection is also worth mentioning. At VIT, the curriculum and syllabi have been framed in such
a manner that atleast 1 unit in every subject is taught by an industry expert resulting in over 1000
industrialists to visit the campus every year.

To be in tune with the national agenda, VIT has a Technology Business Incubator (TBI) which conducts
programme for budding entrepreneurs. Many students have started their own companies for product
development. VIT believes in the development of the overall personality of students. About 100 clubs and
professional student chapters function at VIT contributing to activities which mould students to be recognized
professionals.

We are proud to say that VIT is a progressive institution, aspiring to become a World class University.

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