Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) Hosts Annual Faculty Retreat under the theme Building Bridges
LAHORE, PUNJAB – The Center for Learning and Teaching at Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) successfully held its in-person two-day annual Faculty Retreat. The theme of the event was ‘Building Bridges’ to focus on creating a space for collective reflection and fostering meaningful engagement across diverse campus stakeholders.
The Retreat on August 18 opened with Reclaiming Balance: Pathways to Integrative Harmony, and Mariam Khalid facilitated the session. Dr. Samia Raazi talked about integrative and functional medicine, while Saira Muneer and Bilal Muneer showed specific movements to ease physical strain and enhance overall well-being. After lunch, Ayesha Majid Lari from Soul Sanctuary guided participants through an energizing laughter therapy session.
The FCCU Leadership Panel brought together Dr. Jonathan Addleton, Rector; Dr. Douglas Trimble, Vice Rector; Dr. Gloria Calib, Associate Vice Rector, to share institutional priorities, accreditation milestones, and academic expectations for 2025-2026.
The keynote panel, Academia–Workplace Linkages: Emerging Skills for the Future Workforce, graced by chief guest Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zahra, Professor Emeritus and UNESCO Chair and facilitated by Dr. Rabia Akhtar, Dean of Social Sciences, University of Lahore. Panelists included Aezaz Hussain, Chairman of Systems Limited; international climate finance expert Ali Tauqeer Sheikh; Omar Saeed, CEO of Servis Industries Limited; Sarmad Khoosat, Director of Khoosat Films; and Zeshan Qureshi, CEO of Sparx, Executive Director of Uniqorn Tech & Loop36. Together, they highlighted the need for academia to move beyond content delivery toward capability building, ensuring students graduate not only informed but also equipped with the skills required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy.
The other key session, Reimagining Organizational Rigor: From Silos to Synergy, featured chief guest Dr. Noor Amna Malik, Managing Director NAHE, HEC and was moderated by Dr. Yaqoob Khan Bangash, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology University. Panelists Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor, LUMS; Dr. Mariam Chughtai, Assistant Professor, LUMS & Director Chughtai International School; Rubina Jamal, CEO Insolito Associates, elaborated on key elements of organizational rigor, emphasized the need to move beyond compartmentalized thinking, and offered actionable pathways to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and future-ready academic culture.
The last session, Recalibrating Academic Freedom by Dr. Douglas Trimble & Dr. Mehwish Raza, Associate Professor & Deputy Head CLT, addressed academic freedom’s application in different academic roles along with the elements of tension & possible responses.
On August 19, Dr. Douglas Trimble led a session aimed at providing faculty with greater clarity on key academic processes, including contract renewals and promotions, interpretations of HEC and FCCU policies, and expectations for teaching, research, and service, as well as issues related to research integrity and academic excellence.
The retreat underscored FCCU’s commitment to building bridges across diverse stakeholders, fostering a shared purpose centered on advancing student success. It also invited deeper reflection on the evolving role of universities and the future of higher education in Pakistan. The success of the retreat was made possible through the dedicated leadership of Dr. Rukhsana Zia, Head of the Center for Learning and Teaching, and Dr. Mehwish Raza, whose vision and meticulous planning ensured smooth execution and a lasting impact on both faculty and the wider university community.
