Dr. Maheepathi Srinivas Rao currently serves as the Director of Admissions at Anurag University, where he brings his expertise in public speaking and education to the administrative realm. With a diverse educational background, including an M.A. in English, an MBA in HR and Finance, M.S.CP, M.S.PR, PGDELT, and a Ph.D. in English Language Teaching, Dr. Rao employs a holistic approach in his role. His research interests in soft skills, employability skills, reading skills, and teaching skills align seamlessly with his commitment to fostering a dynamic learning environment. As the Director of Admissions at Anurag University, Dr. Rao plays a pivotal role in guiding and facilitating the educational journey of prospective students.

Anurag University

You held key positions at various prestigious institutions throughout your career. What made you excited and walk with ANURAG University on the journey?

Certainly, I find working with Anurag University to be exceptionally exhilarating due to several compelling factors. Anurag University encompasses a rich array of schools, including the School of Engineering, School of Agriculture Sciences, School of Management, School of Nursing, and the recent addition of the School of Medical Sciences. This diverse spectrum of academic disciplines, further extended by the introduction of paramedical and allied health courses, adds a unique dimension to our educational offerings.

The prospect of contributing to the growth and development of such a multifaceted institution, with a commitment to excellence across various fields, is truly motivating. The dynamism and breadth of courses, particularly within the School of Management, further amplify the excitement associated with this journey. Anurag University's dedication to providing a comprehensive and holistic education across diverse disciplines resonates with my passion for fostering well-rounded academic environments. This alignment of values and the institution's commitment to innovation and expansion make the prospect of contributing to Anurag University's success an inspiring and fulfilling endeavor.

What is something that ANURAG University is following which is different from other colleges, in terms of admission process or scholarships?

Anurag University stands apart through its distinctive admission process and scholarship initiatives. Notably, undergraduate courses feature personalized interviews, a unique aspect of programs like Computer Science Engineering and Business Analytics. The institution's commitment to academic excellence is evident in the substantial 6.5 crores scholarship program, disbursed through the entrance exam, offering financial aid ranging from zero fees to 25% based on rank. Additionally, students excelling in exams like MSET and JEE receive further support. Going beyond financial assistance, eligible candidates are provided with laptops, aligning with the institution's focus on enriching the learning experience, particularly in coding and software-oriented engineering courses. Anurag University's holistic approach ensures accessible, high-quality education and underscores its dedication to student success.

What are the initiatives you have taken to foster a quality admission process for the students?

In our commitment to ensuring a high-quality admission process, we refrain from engaging third-party counselors or consultants. Anurag University takes a hands-on approach by employing our dedicated counselors who conduct extensive career guidance sessions. These sessions extend to outreach programs, reaching junior and degree colleges to provide comprehensive career advice. A key component of our initiative is the utilization of psychometric analysis to assess and guide students effectively. By leveraging these internal resources and methodologies, we uphold the standards of outcome-based education. This approach not only enhances the overall quality of admissions but also reinforces our dedication to offering personalized guidance and maintaining the integrity of the education we provide at Anurag University.

How would you create and maintain a strong and regulated admissions process without involving any third-party counselors and consultants?

To establish and uphold a robust and controlled admissions process without engaging third-party counselors or consultants, we prioritize in-house expertise and resources. Our university places significant emphasis on internal counselors who conduct comprehensive career guidance sessions. These sessions extend beyond campus boundaries, reaching out to junior colleges and degree institutions through extensive outreach programs. By fostering direct connections with prospective students, we ensure that accurate and reliable information is disseminated during career guidance sessions. This approach not only eliminates the need for external consultants but also enables us to maintain a more personalized and informed engagement with applicants. Our commitment to outcome-based education and the utilization of internal counseling resources contributes to a strong, regulated admissions process at Anurag University.

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Can you describe the challenging part of being in a director of Admissions role, and how you successfully manage it?

The challenging aspect of being in the Director of Admissions role lies in the dynamic growth of both the university and the number of admissions each year. As we expand, ensuring the increasing quantity aligns with the maintained quality becomes a focal challenge. The intricate admission process, involving registration, entrance examinations, interviews, and subsequent selection, necessitates a careful balance to prioritize excellence.

The initial emphasis on student quality, given the limited slots and high demand for specific courses, is particularly demanding. Successfully managing this challenge involves strategic planning and efficient allocation of resources to maintain a rigorous yet fair admission process. Continuous refinement of our procedures and adapting to the evolving educational landscape are essential components of successfully navigating the challenges inherent in the Director of Admissions role.

How do you ensure that a new student is provided with the required information and support throughout the admission process to make it hassle-free?

Ensuring a seamless and hassle-free admission process is a priority for us, given the prevalent online landscape. We leverage online platforms and social media for widespread advertisement and promotion, making all relevant information accessible from application dates to examination details. Our commitment to accessibility extends to conducting online examinations, allowing applicants to participate remotely. For the Merit Scholarship examinations, though offline, we facilitate a smooth process by providing clear instructions for on-campus participation. This dual approach accommodates various preferences and ensures that prospective students can engage with the admission process without complications. Moreover, our substantial 6.3 crores scholarship fund further contributes to making education at Anurag University both accessible and affordable.

Can you describe how ANURAG University follows rigid norms and practices for the admissions process throughout all of its programs?

Certainly, Anurag University takes pride in its non-restrictive approach to the admission process, eschewing rigid norms. Our institution embraces a liberal philosophy, prioritizing education for eligible individuals, regardless of potential missteps at the intermediate level. Recognizing that some applicants may face challenges, we offer a bridge course to bridge knowledge gaps, enabling even non-traditional students to pursue engineering courses successfully.

This flexibility is further underscored by our interview process, designed to simplify and facilitate admissions for individuals with varied backgrounds. Anurag University stands out for its commitment to providing opportunities for personal and academic growth. By fostering an inclusive environment, we empower individuals to enhance their career prospects and make informed choices, exemplifying our dedication to creating accessible and meaningful educational experiences for all.

What is your vision as a Director of admissions for the upcoming years in terms of providing a quality experience?

As the Director of Admissions, my vision for the upcoming years revolves around enhancing the quality experience for our students. We are actively implementing experiential programs, introducing changes in assessments, and prioritizing a holistic learning approach. For postgraduate courses, we've adopted a 60-40 split for internal and external assessments, while undergraduate courses follow a 50-50 model. Emphasizing experiential learning, we focus on Bloom's Taxonomy levels 2nd to 5th, ensuring students gain practical insights. Our distinctive curriculum, shaped by industry input through a dedicated board of studies, addresses both technical and soft skills. Beyond academics, club activities, co-curricular, and extracurricular pursuits contribute to a well-rounded experience. We extend support for diverse goals, including placements, higher studies, overseas education, and entrepreneurship. Our commitment to individualized growth, coupled with the success stories of our alumni, remains a cornerstone in attracting aspiring students.