What it is:

A Departmental Advisory Committee (DAC) is a group of experts and stakeholders formed to provide guidance, support, and recommendations to a specific academic department within a college or university. Its main role is to help align the department's goals, curriculum, and activities with industry standards, academic developments, and societal needs.

Purpose of DAC:

Key Functions of a Departmental Advisory Committee:

• 1. Curriculum Review and Development:
  • Advise on updating curriculum to match current industry trends and technologies.
  • Suggest new courses, electives, or skill areas to improve employability of students.
• 2. Industry-Academia Collaboration:
  • Recommend partnerships with industries, research institutions, and professional bodies.
  • Help organize internships, industrial visits, and live projects.
• 3. Skill Development and Training:
  • Propose training programs, workshops, and certifications.
  • Identify gaps between academic knowledge and practical skills.
• 4. Feedback and Quality Improvement:
  • Provide feedback on department performance, graduate outcomes, and teaching methods.
  • Suggest quality improvement measures in teaching, labs, and student services.
• 5. Strategic Planning:
  • Assist in setting long-term goals for the department.
  • Contribute to vision, mission, and objectives formulation.
• 6. Accreditation and Ranking Support:
  • Help prepare for accreditations like NAAC, NBA by providing external expert insights.
• 7. Scheduling Meetings:
  • DAC meetings are planned at least once or twice a year (pre-semester/post-semester).
  • Agenda is prepared by the HoD and circulated to all members beforehand.
• 8. Implementation of Recommendations:
  • Faculty teams and department committees take action based on DAC suggestions.
  • Curriculum revisions, training programs, guest lectures, etc., are implemented.
  • Reports on the progress of action items are prepared.