“True intuitive expertise is learned from prolonged experience with good feedback” - Daniel Kahneman

NICMAR University (NU) has always placed significant emphasis on creating an environment of continuous feedback and learning for its student community as it is the cornerstone towards holistic growth and development. The University has strived to create an environment where constructive feedback on the two-way street of varied stakeholders across the learning spectrum is appreciated and understood from a future developmental perspective; with the view that there are ‘no mistakes, only learning’!

It is my belief that the power of learning has a profound impact through learning with and from others, by a process of constructive feedback. Students are forever in the process of learning and augmenting themselves during their formative years. It is the most crucial phase of their lives that contributes towards shaping their thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes towards learning, work and life in general. However, it is during this time that they face the obstacles of fear and lack of self-worthiness, at times questioning their paths and future ambitions. Sometimes it gets overwhelming for some to even seek feedback on their work or mistakes for the fear of being ridiculed or criticised as they are yet novices on the impactful art of giving and receiving constructive feedback.

NU has taken the initiative and established an Academic Mentoring Practise process that aligns learned faculty members as Academic Mentors for select student groups. The academic mentors play the dual role of not only understanding the academic challenges and perspectives of concerned students (student feedback), but also proactively share constructive feedback to the students and support them in learning the subtle art of receiving feedback for upgrading and optimising their inherent potential. The initiative has been successful in parting the formal faculty-student barrier and instead created a holistic mentor- mentee relationship where feedback and regular interactions have seamlessly integrated into a share, support and grow motive for the stakeholders.

The creation of an environment ‘where the head is held high, without fears’ does require efforts and perseverance. However, it is the student-centric focus of NU that keeps spurring this premier institution towards leaving no stones unturned in paving the way for a bright future of its students and learners alike. We will keep the mast flying higher and strive relentlessly to both give and receive feedback on the journey of continuous improvement and growth for all our stakeholders.

Warm regards,
Professor Anil Kashyap,
Director General, NICMAR