Governing Bodies

1. The Senate – Governing Body ORIC

The Senate is the supreme governing body of the University responsible for overall supervision, policy direction, and accountability of all institutional functions.

Composition:
The Senate is chaired by the Chancellor and includes the Vice-Chancellor, a Government representative (not below the rank of Additional Secretary), and distinguished members from society representing diverse fields such as administration, education, medicine, law, science, technology, and arts.

Core Functions:

• Provides strategic oversight and ensures effective governance of the University.
• Approves the annual work plan, budget, reports, and accounts.
• Formulates and supervises policies for property, funds, and investments.
• Oversees the quality and relevance of academic programs.
• Approves appointments of senior faculty and administrators.
• Sanctions strategic and financial resource development plans.
• Reviews and approves statutes and regulations proposed by other authorities.
• Has the authority to annul proceedings of any authority not in compliance with the University Act.

Meeting Timeline:

The Senate meets at least twice a year, operates on an honorary basis, and serves as the highest decision-making authority ensuring accountability, transparency, and institutional excellence.

1. ORIC Steering Committee

The ORIC Steering Committee is the principal governing and advisory body of the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU). It provides strategic leadership, policy guidance, and performance oversight to ensure that ORIC fulfills its mission of promoting high-impact research, innovation, and university–industry linkages. The committee functions as the key decision-making authority that aligns ORIC’s objectives with the university’s long-term vision and national research priorities.

Composition

The committee is chaired by the Vice Chancellor, with an eminent external representative serving as Co-Chairperson, and includes senior academic leaders, distinguished researchers, and industry experts. This multidisciplinary composition ensures a balanced perspective on research governance, commercialization strategy, and academic–industry collaboration.

Core Functions

• Strategic Governance: Formulate and approve ORIC’s five-year strategic plan and ensure alignment with institutional goals and national innovation frameworks.
• Policy Oversight: Provide policy direction and operational guidance to ORIC leadership for effective implementation of research and innovation initiatives.
• Performance Evaluation: Review ORIC’s progress through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and strategic monitoring reports.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and external partners to promote research commercialization and innovation-driven growth.
• Advisory Role: Advise the Vice Chancellor on university-wide research management challenges and institutional capacity building.
• Compliance & Ethics: Ensure members uphold transparency and integrity through a Conflict of Interest Declaration.

Meeting Timeline

The committee meets quarterly, jointly chaired by the Vice Chancellor and an external representative, to review progress, approve new initiatives, and guide ORIC leadership. The quorum for meetings is two-thirds of the total membership, ensuring decisions reflect collective and inclusive input.

The Graduate and Research Management Committee (GRMC) is a statutory academic body of Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University (STMU) established under the provisions of the Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University Act, 2012. It functions as a key organ of the University responsible for the regulation, coordination, and quality assurance of postgraduate programs and research activities across faculties and constituent institutions.

The GRMC ensures that research and graduate education at STMU adhere to standards set by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and align with the university’s vision of advancing knowledge, innovation, and professional excellence. The Graduate and Research Management Committee (GRMC) serves as a cornerstone in ensuring academic excellence and research integrity at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University. Through effective oversight of graduate programs and research activities, GRMC upholds the University’s commitment to innovation, scholarly rigor, and the advancement of scientific knowledge in alignment with national and global standards.

Composition

The GRMC is composed of members representing academic leadership and research expertise within the University. The committee’s composition typically includes:

• Chairperson: Vice Chancellor or nominee
• Secretary: Director (Graduate Studies / Research)
• Members:
  • Deans of Faculties
  • Heads of relevant Departments
  • Senior Professors / Research Supervisors
  • Controller of Examinations (for academic compliance)
  • ORIC Representative (for innovation linkage)
  • One nominee from the Academic Council (if applicable)

The membership may be extended or modified as per the University’s approved statutes and the evolving research governance needs.

Core Functions

The Graduate and Research Management Committee (GRMC) oversees and regulates postgraduate education, research policy, and quality assurance. Its main functions include:

1. Graduate Program Oversight:
   • Review and approve curricula, courses, and regulations for MS/MPhil and PhD programs.
   • Recommend eligibility and admission criteria for graduate students.
2. Research Governance:
   • Approve research proposals and thesis titles after ethical and technical review.
   • Monitor progress of graduate research and ensure timely completion.
   • Maintain quality and originality in research outputs.
3. Policy and Compliance:
   • Ensure compliance with HEC’s postgraduate and research standards.
   • Recommend policies for plagiarism prevention, research integrity, and data management.
4. Scholarship and Collaboration:
   • Facilitate collaboration between researchers, departments, and external bodies.
   • Review applications for research grants and scholarships.
   • Promote publication in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
5. Advisory Role:
   • Advise the Academic Council and Senate on matters related to graduate education and research development.

4. Meeting Timeline

The GRMC holds meetings periodically to review and approve matters concerning graduate education and research.

• Regular Meetings: At least twice a year — typically at the beginning of each academic semester.
• Special Meetings: May be convened by the Chairperson to address urgent research proposals, thesis defenses, or regulatory updates.
• Reporting: All decisions and recommendations of the GRMC are submitted to the Academic Council and, where necessary, forwarded to the Senate for ratification.