University of Mumbai to set up network of ‘friends’

In a bid to speed up its growth, introduce innovation and encourage research, the University of Mumbai is setting up a ‘Friends of the University’ (FoU) network, which will include alumni, academicians, corporates and representatives from the government. The initiative by the university is similar to the one started by the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) in the form of the alumni network that has helped the institute achievement greater heights and improve its offerings in the form of innovation, research and promoting entrepreneurship among its students with the help of corporates.

The starting of the network was announced by MU vice-chancellor Dr Sanjay Deshmukh at the launch of the 160th year Foundation Day celebrations of the university on Tuesday. “The FoU will bring together alumni and academicians as well as provide a platform for the corporates to identify avenues for mutual benefit. We are expecting the FoU network to help raise around Rs 1,000 crore over a period of time, which will be invested in setting up labs and improve the functioning of the university,” said Dr Deshmukh.

He also added that the initiative would have the patronage of the government too and it would see the representation of the higher and technical education ministry.

University officials welcomed the move and said that it would help in strengthening the existing facilities as well as introduce new infrastructure for the benefit of the students.

“Even though the FoU may not be involved in the day-to-day running of the university they can provide external help in the form of arranging for resources that will benefit the student community. There are many initiatives that can be started using the expertise of the academicians and corporates that will be part of the FoU,” said Deepak Wasave in-charge controller of examination, MU.