Liberal arts education is all about thinking outside the box and embracing new and innovative approaches to learning. With its hybrid teaching methods and active learning approach, it creates a personalised environment that fosters communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
The School of Liberal Arts at Noida International University takes this philosophy to the next level by integrating project-based learning with a rigorous academic programme. Led by the visionary Dr Arvind Kumar Singh, the school has quickly become known as one of the region’s most innovative and forward-thinking institutions.
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s more important than ever for students to develop the skills they need to succeed in a constantly evolving job market. The School of Liberal Arts is uniquely positioned to provide students with the tools they need to do just that. Emphasising teamwork, communication, and critical thinking prepares the next generation of leaders to face the challenges of the future with confidence and creativity.
And with its strong academic record and commitment to holistic development, it’s no wonder that the School of Liberal Arts at Noida International University is considered one of the best institutions of its kind.
Igniting Intellectual Curiosity
The school aims to be a school of international repute for Liberal Arts, fostering the foundations for skill-based teaching and research practices in the field of humanities and social sciences.
It is striving to ignite intellectual curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning.
Whereas Noida University’s core values are understood majorly as a code of conduct, integrity, quality, innovation, specialization, respect, and results. Core values serve to guide the school’s actions and describe how it behaves in the world.
NIU and its staff commit to the stated core values:
- Progression towards national development
- Fostering healthy competition among students
- Commitment to academic excellence
- Inculcating value system and secular outlook
- Building strong character and competence
- Creating effective leadership
- Nurturing talents and young minds
- Contributing towards innovative research.
Bringing All the Disciplines Under One Roof
Originally, the disciplines that the Ancient Indian philosophy and Greek philosophy considered to be necessary preparation for effective participation in public life were referred to as the ‘Liberal Arts.’ Dr Arvind Kumar Singh, Honourable Chancellor, was a man who made significant contributions to the success of the school. He is the man who brought all of the disciplines that make up a liberal arts institution under one roof and wrote a successful tale to establish this institute.
He attributes almost all his successes to education and globally advocates for early childhood education. Business education may appear necessary for the founders of such large institutions, but Dr Arvind Kumar Singh features his success to focus on liberal arts.
In 2010, Dr Arvind Kumar Singh was appointed Chancellor of Noida International University. He was the youngest Chancellor of any university in history. Dr Singh employed and collaborated with thousands of business professionals over the course of his career.
However, he always believed that a strong cultural fit or an insightful way of thinking is more important than a degree. The school nurtures this thought process at SLA. Presently the school is nurtured by Prof. (Dr.) Aparna Sharma, Dean, School of Liberal Arts, under the efficient leadership and guidance of Hon’ Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Uma Bharadwaj, Noida International University.
Fostering Mental Habits
School of Liberal Arts made a significant contribution in terms of the upliftment of the institute. As per a survey conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities 2013, liberal arts education is advised by 74 per cent of employers in the survey as a way to get ready for success in the modern economy.
Furthermore, the humanities teach complex problem-solving, written and oral communication, critical thinking, and other skills that are in demand by 3/4 of employers in new hires. Students are equipped for a life of learning in a liberal arts institution. It is a resource that students can use throughout their lives to address human problems and maximise human potential. It will never become obsolete.
School of Liberal Arts fosters mental habits that support a life of professional and personal growth. Liberal arts education is generally regarded as improving people’s happiness and quality of life.
Appropriate Use of Approaches
Nobody knows what challenges and obstacles one will face when one embarks on a journey. However, no story can succeed without difficulties or hindrances. There were some challenges the School of Liberal Arts came across.
The effectiveness of campus management is one of the most difficult challenges for educators. Likewise, data security at the school and for students, communication between parents, teachers, and students, cost-cutting management and time management for teachers and staff.
However, the school believes in the great potential that comes with a positive attitude. It succeeded, and all the concerns were gradually resolved under an apt leadership’s guidance; the faculty members’ diligent work and the appropriate use of approaches was the reason behind the school overcame all adversities.
Approaching Life from the Lens of Liberal Art
A liberal arts education prepares students for more than just a career. An excellent career and a happy life depend on having the skills that a liberal arts degree emphasises critical thinking, effective communication, creative problem solving, innovative research, and lifelong learning.
Students are, after all, exposed to a wider range of life perceptions that shape them into thinkers who approach problems with a huge influence. The School of Liberal Arts has different disciplines, such as English, History, Political Science, Psychology, Psychology, Public Administration, International Relation, and Geography, which give great exposure to students and make them better citizens.
In order to make life more realistic for the students, daily life experiences have also been shared with them. The school has also offered coaching for the civil service using a variety of methods, including blended learning, integrated learning, and pedagogical skills.
Seminars, workshops, guest lectures, media sessions, and expert talks are the regular features of the school to help students better understand the difficulties of the real world of work. There are frequent interactions with businesses, NGOs, and government organisations.
Pursuit to Provide Complete Development
The School of Liberal Arts conducts various Seminars, Guest Lectures, Panel Discussions, etc., for the student’s academic development. It implemented NEP 2020 from the academic session 2022-23. SLA has two Journals to its credit, one of which is UGC Care listed (NIU International Journal of Human Rights).
The student of the school will always be guided to think across disciplines as a result of processing the information and applying analytical thinking. This will continue to be a valuable life skill that can be applied in a variety of situations.
The liberal arts areas are as fascinating as they are diverse, ranging from anthropology to geography, fine art to modern languages, philosophy to the theatre, and economics to creative writing.
Liberal Arts Education and its Future
In terms of educational standards and cutting-edge learning environments, the School of Liberal Arts programmes has raised the bar. These innovative, collaborative spaces help to shape the unique individual by relying heavily on student participation and encouraging higher levels of student-teacher interaction. Liberal arts education prepares students to face the uncertainties of the workplace. It can withstand the test of time because critical thinking and problem-solving have no expiry dates.
