SAEGIS Campus names new Director of Academic Affairs
SAEGIS Campus recently announced the appointment of Dr. Gamini Padmaperuma, as their Director Academic Affairs.
Backed by a career that spans both academia and industry, and being a strong believer of “lifelong learning,” Dr.Padmaperuma, with his vast international experience, inclusive leadership style and commitment to collaboration, brings a host of invaluable strengths to SAEGIS Campus, where he will play a major role in helping the Campus attract and educate, particularly local youth, to become well-grounded and socially responsible professionals.
Dr. Padmaperuma as the Director Academic Affairs will have a range of responsibilities comprising of overseeing the curriculum and developing new program offerings that will meet with the quality standards of both their partner institutions in the UK, which are the Heriot Watt University and the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA). He will also help contribute towards the development of the campus’s strategic plan and directions, as well as be involved in hiring and evaluating faculty. In addition, he will play a key role in developing strategic partnerships with local and foreign academic institutions and universities and be instrumental in providing the right resources and facilities for the students for successful implementation of the academic programs.
Speaking of his appointment and outlining his plans for the campus, Dr. Padmaperuma stated ‘We have two main avenues for advancing the academic footprint of Saegis Campus. The first will be to increase and diversify the range of industry relevant programs delivered. The other is to widen the physical presence of SAEGIS Campus in different parts of the country.”
He added “we will also strongly support the use of technology in delivering our programs which we believe can greatly enhance both the learning and teaching processes.’’ Dr. Padmaperuma further explained that the campus would use their own “Learning Management System (LMS)” to upload all learning materials of lecturers, as well as give students the ability to upload their assignments and coursework online. This methodology would encourage better com- munication between lecturers and students, help lecturers give feedback and conduct discussion forums and surveys, etc. He also stated that the campus will follow the blended learning approach where both online and traditional face-to-face learning methods are used in delivering the academic programs.
Dr. Padmaperuma further explained that continuous improvements are being made on the facilities offered to students. These range from new computer labs, well stocked libraries, a student lounge for students to relax between lectures and build networks among them, and a “Help Zone “for students to improve their English.
The campus will also place a lot of importance on soft skills training, with programs in place to develop and strengthen students’ abilities in communication, teamwork, planning and organization skills, listening skills as well as establishing a Toastmasters Club to improve the leadership and communication skills of students. A Leo Club also has been established to help students develop their organizational and leadership skills.
Dr. Padmaperuma went on to say that other initiatives in the pipeline included partnering with leading local businesses to provide student job opportunities and on consolidating the campuses current strengths to expand study programs that will provide future employment opportunities for students both locally and internationally.
He concluded by saying “I look forward to working closely with the students, faculty and staff and to develop a community of excellence, that will provide opportunities which will benefit all of our students, enhance their career prospects and unleash their full potential”.