Centre for Professional Development - CPD CECOS University

We recently held a two-day session titled “The Hidden Link Between Oral Health and General Wellbeing.”

Dr. Muhammad Behram, a qualified orthodontist, led the session and shared valuable insights on how oral health connects to overall wellbeing. He explained how issues in the mouth can influence long-term health, highlighted the importance of prevention, and discussed research linking oral diseases to wider systemic conditions.

Faculty gained a clearer understanding of early warning signs, the role of daily habits, and how informed guidance can support a healthier campus environment.

Participants also received a Certificate of Participation from the CPD office.

At CECOS University, we believe in the continuous development of our faculty and in strengthening teaching practices with meaningful reflection and learning. This commitment guided the recent session organized by the Centre for Professional Development (CPD) on “Role of Teachers in an Islamic Society".

The session was led by Mr. Abdullah al Andalusi, an international speaker and intellectual known for his work on Islam and contemporary thought. He currently serves as the Head of the Department of Occidentology at The Quran Institute and is the co founder of The Muslim Debate Initiative. During the discussion, he highlighted the moral and spiritual responsibility of teachers, the dignity of the teaching profession in Islam, and the importance of guiding character and values alongside academic learning.

Faculty members reflected on how these ideas can be applied in their classrooms and mentorship roles. The session encouraged viewing teaching not only as a profession, but as a purposeful and meaningful contribution to shaping ethical and thoughtful communities.

Center for Professional Development (CPD) hosted an informative session on “Enhancing Financial Awareness and Investment Literacy among Faculty Members".

Mr. Sajid Anwar and his team from Pearl Securities, along with Mr. Saqib from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), conducted the session. Pearl Securities took the lead in organizing and facilitating the event, helping bridge the gap between academia and the financial industry.

The team provided practical guidance on investment planning, market participation, and financial decision-making. The speakers discussed the fundamentals of capital markets, investment options, and financial planning, and explained the process of opening and managing investment accounts.

The session emphasized the importance of financial literacy for personal and professional growth. Faculty members gained practical insights into Pakistan’s financial markets, explored investment opportunities, learned about risk management strategies, and understood PSX’s role in national economic development.

The event encouraged participants to make informed financial decisions and promote responsible financial behavior among students, contributing to sustainable financial well-being.

Centre for Professional Development (CPD) successfully conducted an insightful and interactive session on “Academic Integrity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”.

The session was led by Prof. M. Tariq Bashir, , Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, who recently returned from the USA after participating in international professional development programs centered on academic integrity and AI. Drawing from his global experience, Prof. Tariq Bashir shared practical insights on how educators can uphold ethical standards in an era where technology continues to reshape higher education.

The session sparked meaningful discussions on how Artificial Intelligence is influencing teaching, learning, and assessment. Faculty members reflected on emerging challenges around originality, authorship, and fairness, while exploring innovative strategies to integrate AI responsibly in academic settings.

Key takeaways included:

* Understanding the evolving concept of academic honesty in the AI-driven landscape.
* Recognizing and addressing instances of academic misconduct.
* Embedding ethical AI use into teaching and learning practices.

We extend our appreciation to all faculty members who attended and contributed to this engaging dialogue. The session reaffirmed our shared commitment to promoting academic integrity, fostering responsible innovation, and ensuring that technology enhances—rather than compromises—the values of higher education.

CECOS University cares for its faculty and continues to invest in their professional growth. As part of these faculty development initiatives, a CPD sesison on “Building Self-Awareness – Faculty Role in Fostering Personal Growth” was held to encourage educators to reflect on how their role extends beyond academics to shaping students’ character, confidence, and resilience.

The session was led by our esteemed Vice Chancellor, Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan, whose 36+ years of experience in academia and banking have shaped his reputation as a visionary leader. He emphasized that self-awareness is the foundation of growth and resilience for students — and that faculty ownership in this process is vital. Teachers are not only knowledge providers but also role models who shape character, guide reflection, and prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

The session included rich discussions on constructive feedback, reflection practices, and creating learning environments that nurture both academic success and personal development.

Faculty left with practical insights on how to integrate self-awareness into their teaching and mentorship, reaffirming their crucial role in student growth at CECOS.

Centre for Professional Development (CPD) hosted an engaging and insightful seminar on “How to Write and Integrate Case Studies into Teaching: From Concept to Classroom” on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

The session was conducted by Dr. Khalid Azim Khan, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, CUSIT, Peshawar. Dr. Khalid, a seasoned academician and internationally recognized Quality Assurance professional with over 25 years of experience in higher education, brought his expertise in Quality Assurance, Academic Accreditation, and Strategic Planning. His extensive research on effective learning strategies and collaborations with international accrediting agencies reflected his global experience.

The seminar highlighted the importance of case studies as powerful teaching tools that bridge theory with real-world practice. Faculty participants learned how case studies foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration—skills essential for today’s professional world.

Key topics covered included:

1. The role of case studies in enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative learning.
2. Developing and implementing case studies aligned with course and program learning outcomes.
3. Using interactive techniques, such as multimedia and group discussions, to engage students.
4. Structuring case studies with real-world relevance for maximum impact.

Participants left with practical tools and strategies to make lessons more interactive, memorable, and aligned with workplace challenges, helping students apply classroom concepts to real-life situations.

CECOS University cares for its faculty and students, and in line with that commitment, Centre for Professional Development (CPD) organized a hands-on Life-Saving Skills Training Session in collaboration with Khyber Medical University (KMU) and the Pakistan Life Savers Program (PLSP).

The session, held on Wednesday, August 6th was conducted by certified trainers from KMU and PLSP. Participants learned practical CPR techniques, how to handle choking incidents, and basic first aid—skills that can truly make a difference in emergencies.

All attendees received participation certificates, and the session also supported the national initiative to register trained first responders in Pakistan’s Life Savers Database.

We thank all who joined and took this step toward building a more prepared and responsible academic community.

📢 CPD Training Recap – Storytelling for Strategic Communication

Centre for Professional Development (CPD) recently hosted an insightful and highly interactive session titled "Storytelling as a Strategic Communication Tool for Achieving Organizational/Personal Goals."The training explored how structured, research-backed storytelling can be used to communicate more effectively—whether in the classroom, in meetings, or during presentations. Faculty from across departments joined in to gain practical tools for making their ideas stick and their messages resonate.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Qamar Abbas, a seasoned academic, researcher, and certified trainer with over 15 years of experience. Currently serving as an AACSB Scholarly Academician at IoBM Karachi, Dr. Qamar shared real-world examples, academic research, and practical storytelling techniques grounded in leadership, behavioral science, and communication theory.

🔍 Key Highlights:
* Why storytelling matters in leadership and teaching
* How to craft narratives that clarify complex ideas
* Techniques used by effective communicators and educators
* Science behind storytelling and audience engagement
* Real-life cases and practical group activities

🎯 Why It Mattered:
Storytelling isn’t just for writers or marketers—it’s a key skill for anyone who wants to lead, teach, or influence. Faculty members left the session equipped with new tools to enhance their lectures, improve research presentations, and connect more meaningfully with students and colleagues.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to a meaningful discussion!

Faculty Development Sessions – June & July 2025

CECOS University continued its commitment to academic growth through a series of faculty development sessions held across various departments during June and July 2025.

These sessions focused on enhancing teaching methodologies, integrating technology in the classroom, improving student engagement, and aligning curriculum with industry needs. Faculty from Management Sciences, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Pharmacy, Nursing and Allied Health Sciences actively participated.

Sessions were led by experienced trainers and industry experts, sparking productive discussions and hands-on learning. The goal remains simple: equip our educators with the tools and insights to create meaningful learning experiences for students.

More such initiatives are lined up as we continue to invest in the professional growth of our academic community.

CECOS University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SMILE Psychological Health Clinic to promote mental and emotional well-being across its academic community. This initiative extends beyond students and also includes support for faculty members, recognizing that a healthy academic environment depends on the well-being of both learners and educators.

Under this MoU, students will receive professional guidance that covers both academic and psychological aspects of their university life. SMILE Clinic will assess factors such as academic performance, stress, motivation, and personal challenges, offering counseling and targeted support where needed. The goal is to help students manage pressure, overcome academic hurdles, and maintain emotional balance.

Faculty members will also benefit from the partnership through access to mental health resources, counseling, and stress management support. Teachers often face demanding workloads, administrative pressures, and emotional strain—this collaboration aims to give them tools to manage these challenges effectively. Faculty can also consult the clinic for strategies on dealing with student issues, classroom behavior, and improving communication.

This MoU reflects CECOS University’s commitment to fostering a healthy, supportive academic environment where both students and teachers are empowered to thrive—personally, professionally, and emotionally.

Psychological

The Centre for Professional Development (CPD) hosted an interactive session on *"Enhancing Academic Quality: A Collaborative Approach between QEC and Faculty at CECOS University."* The session was led by Dr. Kiran Raheel, Director QEC at CECOS University, who brings deep expertise in academic audits, accreditation processes, and quality assurance systems.

She guided faculty through practical ways to use tools like Self-Assessment Reports (SARs), KPIs, and student feedback—not as routine paperwork, but as effective means to strengthen teaching and improve academic outcomes.

The session highlighted how faculty can align their practices with institutional standards, prepare for accreditation with greater clarity, and actively contribute to a more collaborative and transparent quality culture on campus.

Centre for Professional Development (CPD) successfully hosted an insightful training session titled "Teachers as Therapists: Foundational Skills for Supporting Students in Emotional Distress" on May 21st and 22nd.

Led by the expert team from Smile Psychological Clinic, Peshawar, the session equipped faculty from various departments with practical strategies to recognize emotional distress in students, communicate empathetically, set healthy boundaries, and confidently refer students to appropriate support systems.

This engaging session empowered faculty to foster psychologically safe classroom environments and highlighted the essential role educators play in promoting student wellbeing and emotional resilience.