Introduction

The Aligarh Summer University program was started in the year 2000 by a small group of alumni to strengthen the existing educational program at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) by providing new knowledge and technology to the students. It was felt that, during the past years, the AMU, like other Indian universities, has been slow to incorporate new ideas, new knowledge in existing areas, and new areas of knowledge in its curriculum. Hence the educational program has tended to become out-of-date and has failed to keep up with recent developments in different areas of knowledge. As a result, many Aligarh graduates are unable to gain admission in, or successfully complete, advanced degree programs in western Universities. This is likely to have an adverse effect on the educational advancement and well-being of our community. It was felt that there is a need for change in their education, their attitudes towards education, and educational facilities. By offering new knowledge and technologies to Aligarh students, we hope to patch this gap to open new opportunities for these young people. An important component of this program is to provide advice to promising students for higher studies abroad and for various national competitions. Thus, we hope to assist them in achieving their chosen goals in their lives.

The Summer University Program is run on a voluntary basis and all instructors (that include both alumni and friends of Aligarh) have supported their participation themselves. As the facilities for accommodation and teaching at AMU improve, we may invite other established professors from North American universities to participate in this program. Instructors are expected to offer up-to-date instruction in relevant areas of knowledge adhering to western standards of academic ethics, respect for students, and manner of presentation.

Although the program is oriented mainly towards students at the AMU and the Women's College, students from other universities may be accepted under special circumstances. All students are expected to possess a working knowledge of the subject and an honest desire to acquire new knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers. This is the principal objective of our program.

For further information, please contact the Program Coordinator, Dr. Asad Ahmed.