Academic Nexus Hub

The Department of Education at Hazara University Mansehra hosted a dynamic one-day workshop titled "Academic Writing with a Focus on AI Tools." This event aimed to equip participants with essential skills and tools for academic writing, creative expression, and leveraging AI technologies in writing processes. The workshop was held at the Writing Center, supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) at Department of Education. The resource persons for the workshop were Dr. Shawana Fazal (Project Investigator and Organizer), Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan (Chairperson, Department of Education), and Mr. Farrukh Nazir (Co-organizer).

The workshop consisted of three insightful sessions. In the first session, attendees delved into the intricacies of academic writing. The second session explored the practical applications of the AI tool ProWritingAid in writing tasks. This was followed by a third session on strategies for generating effective ChatGPT prompts. At the end of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Inamullah, the esteemed Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, distributed certificates among the participants and organizers.

This workshop was an extension of the project "Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment." This project has a profound impact on students' learning and development. By enhancing academic literacy in the age of AI, the project aimed to equip youth with essential skills for continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring they can thrive in a rapidly changing educational and employment landscape. Improved literacy through technology integration enables youth to pursue their goals, thereby enhancing their learning and employability prospects.

Once again we're thrilled to announce a one-day workshop on using AI tools to enhance your academic writing. Join us to ignite your creative potential in the age of AI.

Venue: Writing Center, Department of Education

The closing ceremony of 3-Day workshop on, "Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment", supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) was held on October 31st, 2023 at Hazara University Mansehra.

The chief guest of the ceremony was the representative of the US Embassy and PUAN,
Mr. Doulat Baig (Communication Officer, USEFP). The ceremony was attended by our esteemed Prof. Dr. Mohsin Nawaz (Vice Chancellor, HU), respected Prof. Dr. Mujtabah Shah (Dean of Arts and Humanities) and honorable Dr Muhammad Ilyas khan (Chairperson, Department of Education).
The ceremony was hosted by dignified Ms. Rakhshanda Sartaj (Lecturer, Hu) who extended the warm welcome to the guests and participants. Dr. Shawana Fazal (Principal Investigator of The Project), provided the attendants comprehensive feedback regarding the workshop. It was proceeded by the address of our Dean who shared valuable insights on the importance of academic literacy. Afterwards the Vice-Chancellor emphasized the workshop's significance in education and appreciated the support of U.S. Embassy and Pakistan U.S. Alumni Network. He also commented on the significant role of the project leaders: Dr Shawana Fazal, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan and Mr. Farrukh Nazir in ensuring the success of the workshop. Moreover, we were honored to receive inspiring words and insights from our distinguished chief guest.
The next segment of the ceremony included awarding the participants, volunteers, team members, resource persons, project investigators and the guest of honor with certificates and shields.
In the end the participants also provided the feedback. They were filled with gratitude and honor as they paid their heartfelt acknowledgement to commendable role of the Vice Chancellor, U.S. Embassy, Pak-US Alumni Network, project leaders, resource persons, group members and volunteers in the successful completion of the workshop .

The ceremony concluded with a group photo and everlasting memories repertoire of the invaluable learning interactions.

Last but not the least, we congratulate all the people involved in the workshop for their hardwork and dedication!
Thank you to everyone who made this event a success.
In conclusion, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates and future educational initiatives.

Dear Participants,
The closing ceremony of 3-day workshop on Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment, will be held on October 31, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Stay connected with The Academic Nexus Hub for updates.

Day 3 of the Project marked the conclusion of the workshop on, "Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment", granted to Dr. Shawana Fazal (Assistant Professor, Department of Education, Hazara University Mansehra), organized by the Department of Education, Hazara University Mansehra and Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).
What an absolutely fantastic day it turned out to be! It unfolded with the brilliance of two captivating sessions.
The first session was about, "Using Generative AI for Vocabulary Learning" by esteemed Dr. Akifa Imtiaz (Associate Professor, FJWU). She stunningly provided a great learning experience. Participants were presented with an enticing opportunity for practicing various AI tools that can be used for enhancing the quality of their academic content.
The second session was about, "Resume Writing and Using Grammarly for Clarity and Precision in Writing" by Dr. Shawana Fazal (Assistant Professor, HU). The participants were engaged owing to her impeccable style of teaching. They acquired diverse strategies and techniques for crafting a resume that truly stands out.
Furthermore, upon the workshop's conclusion the students were overwhelmed with appreciation and gratitude. They acknowledged the efforts, dedication, commitment and devotion of project investigators, resource persons and organizers. Moreover, the participants felt obliged towards Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN). It proved to be an enriching and enlightening academic literacy experience.

Though the odyssey of the workshop came to an end. However, every ending is a beginning of something new, and a happy ending is the start of something even more wonderful.

On Day 2 of the Project, "Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment", Organized by the Department of Education, Hazara University Mansehra and Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) we experienced such a splendid nexus of sessions, participants and resource persons. Today's sessions were all about academic reading. The sessions were designed and organized for nurturing the reading skills of participants for interpreting the scholarly texts effectively.
The first session was about, "Process of Reading: Reading Comprehension Skills" and the resource person for the session was esteemed MS. Rakhshanda Sartaj (Lecturer, HU).
It was proceeded by the session, "Process of Reading: Questioning The Author Strategy" by our honorable guest Dr. Akifa Imtiaz (Associate Professor, FJWU). Her commendable knowledge, insights and skills have not only improved the understanding of the participants but have also inspired them to delve deeper into academic reading.
The third session was about, "Process of Reading: The SQ3R Strategy " by Dr. Muhammad Ilyas khan (Chairperson of Department of Education, HU) and Mr. Farrukh Nazir (Lecturer, HU).
The distinguished resource persons shared the strategies in an exceptional manner. They engaged the participants in various experiential learning activities for developing skills such as summarizing, inferencing, synthesizing, reflection, critical analysis and comprehension.
Furthermore, techniques used in the sessions were: group work, individual task, debate, discussion and role play.
The participants applauded the invaluable opportunity to learn and enhance their academic reading skills. They conveyed their sincere appreciation for such enlightening sessions.

"Success belongs to those who are eager to learn and relentless in their pursuit of knowledge."

Day 1 of the Project, "Developing Academic Literacy: Empowering Youth for Educational Opportunities and Employment", Organized by the Department of Education, Hazara University Mansehra and Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) concluded with a great repertoire of learning experiences. We witnessed the youthful energy of our workshop participants, resource persons, coordinators and volunteers.
The first day of workshop was structured upon opening ceremony which was proceeded by two sessions. The ceremony was hosted by the co-principal investigator of the project Mr. Farrukh Nazir (Lecturer, HU). Furthermore, purpose, need and objectives of the project was discussed by the principal investigator; Dr. Shawana Fazal (Assistant Professor, HU). Moreover, the ceremony was attended by Dr. Mujtabah Shah (Dean of Arts and Humanities, HU) and Dr. Muhammad Ilyas khan (Chairperson of Department of Education, HU) who shared their valuable insights on the auspicious day. We also had a very esteemed guest; Dr. Saima Mubashra (Assistant Professor, HED) as a resource person with us. Moreover, the first session of today's workshop was about "How to Write Statement of Purpose (SOP)". The second one was on "Introduction to Academic Writing". Both the sessions included hands-on learning, interactive activities, critical analysis and self reflection.
Dr. Saima Mubashra and Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan excellently engaged the students in activity and inquiry based training sessions. Peer and group work techniques were also applied for creating an inclusive learning opportunity among students.
The participants experienced a profound sense of gratitude towards quality based learning from the impressive resource persons in today's workshop. They also paid appreciation to the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) for providing them with such a tremendous learning opportunity.

Finally, the wait is over ! Congratulations to the selected students who will be participating in a 3-Day Workshop on Developing Academic Literacy from 17 to 19 Oct, 2023. The selected students have been informed via e-mail. Looking forward to a great learning experience !

Department of Education, Hazara University Mansehra, in collaboration with Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN), invites you to participate in a transformative 3-day workshop on "Developing Academic Literacy." Participants will receive hands-on practice in reading skills, writing a statement of purpose, using digital tools, and creating resumes/CVs for educational and employment opportunities. Successful participants will also receive certificates.
The Project is Supported by the U.S. Embassy in Partnership with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN).
Register Here
https://forms.gle/PbVozs1CpQDPfzKJ7