Northern University

Introduction

The Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) at Northern University serves a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s academic and research objectives. Established to enhance the quality and rigour of graduate education, BASR is responsible for overseeing advanced studies, including the formulation and approval of curricula for master's and doctoral programs.

This board functions as a crucial governance body, ensuring that research activities align with both institutional standards and the ethical guidelines established by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. BASR is tasked with evaluating research proposals, facilitating funding opportunities, and monitoring the progress and outcomes of research projects to maintain a high standard of academic excellence.

Furthermore, BASR fosters an environment conducive to interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging partnerships that enrich the academic community and enhance the relevance of research initiatives. By organising workshops and training sessions, the board aims to equip faculty and students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their research endeavours.

In essence, the BASR plays a significant role in shaping the research landscape of Northern University, promoting a culture of inquiry, innovation, and academic integrity that aligns with national and global educational standards.

Responsibilities and Functions of BASR

The Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR) at the Northern University, Nowshera since its establishment has been dealing with
monitoring all the research activities and enlightening the standard of Advance Studies and Research (ASR) at the university and performing functions such as:

• The Director will serve as the BASR secretary. In this role, he or she will draft and distribute the Advance Studies and Research agenda and minutes.

• It offers ample opportunities to departments, graduates, and undergraduate students interested in undertaking research.

• Advise an authority on all matters connected with promoting advanced studies and research publication in the University.

• Consider and report to an authority about a research degree from the University.

• Propose regulations regarding the award of a research degree.

• Appoint supervisors for a postgraduate research student and approve the title and synopsis of a thesis or dissertation.

• Recommend panels of names of examiners for evaluation of a research examination and perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the statutes.

• To assist all postgraduate students with their approval of supervisory committees, approval of synopsis, approval, and organisation of thesis viva voce.

• To ensure authenticity, transparency, competitiveness, and the timely completion of all degree programs within the allotted time.

• Reviewing and approving curricula for advanced degree programs, ensuring they align with academic standards and market needs.

• Evaluating and approving research proposals, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and institutional policies.

• Tracking the progress of ongoing research projects and academic programs, providing feedback and support as needed.

• Establishing and maintaining standards for research output and academic excellence.

• Identifying and allocating funding for research initiatives, including grants for faculty and student research.

• Promoting collaboration across departments and faculties to enhance research initiatives and interdisciplinary studies.

• Organising workshops, seminars, and training programs to enhance research skills among faculty and students.

• Formulating policies related to research ethics, intellectual property, and publication practices.

• Encouraging community involvement and partnerships that enhance research relevance and application.

• Preparing reports on research activities, outcomes, and impact for university leadership and external stakeholders.

Members of BASR

Sr.#	NAME OF MEMBERS	DESIGNATION
1	Dr. Munawar Hashmi	Chairman (Rector)
2	Prof. Dr. Muhammad Jamil Sawar	Member (Nominee of the Board of Trustee)
3	Mr. Taha Jamil Sawar	Member (Pro-Rector)
4	Dr. Mohsin Raza	Member (Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)
5	Dr. Mohsin Raza	Member (Dean Faculty of Sciences)
6	Dr. Naseer Ahmed Sajid	Member (Dean Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology)
7	Dr. Rabia Tabassum	Member (Professor Education Department)
8	Dr. Syed Tahir Ali Shah	Member (Director QEC)
9	Dr. Munir Ahmad	Member (Associate Professor BIIT, Rawalpindi)
10	Dr. Pervaiz Ahsan Khan	Member (Consultant)
11	Dr. Muhammad Nasir	Member (Principal, Govt Higher Secondary School Risalpur Cantt)
12	Dr. Syed Tahir Ali Shah	Member (Registrar-NU)
13	Dr. Khurram Javid	Member/Secretary (Director Advanced Studies and Research/HOD Mathematics)

Rules and procedures for BASR-Meetings

The rules and procedures for meetings of the Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan at Northern University typically include several key elements to ensure effective governance and oversight. Here’s an outline based on standard practices that HEC promotes:

• BASR should meet at least once every semester or as required to address ongoing research and academic matters.

• The agenda must be prepared by the chairperson and distributed to members in advance, typically at least one week before the meeting.

• Members can suggest additional items to be included in the agenda before its finalization.

• A specific number of members must be present for the meeting to be valid, usually defined as a simple majority.

• The chairperson leads the meeting, facilitating discussions and ensuring all members have an opportunity to contribute.

• Accurate minutes must be recorded, detailing discussions, decisions, and any action items assigned.

• Decisions may be made by consensus or through a formal vote, depending on the nature of the issue.

• Voting outcomes and decisions must be documented in the minutes.

• Members are expected to maintain confidentiality regarding discussions that involve sensitive information or proprietary research.

• At the end of each meeting, specific responsibilities for action items should be assigned to members to ensure follow-up.

• The board's effectiveness and adherence to its mission and responsibilities may be reviewed periodically to enhance governance practices.

• BASR is often required to submit regular reports to the university's administration and HEC regarding its activities, decisions, and research oversight.

• The record of proceedings of meetings of the BASR will be maintained by the Secretary and confirmed by the Rector/Chairperson. The proceedings after authentication by the Rector will be circulated among the members. An advance copy of a paragraph of the proceedings may, with the permission of the Rector, be issued for necessary action.

• The BASR is authorised for a change of supervisor.

• The approval of subjects for research and appointment of supervisors in the case of MS examination will be accorded by the Chairperson on behalf of the BASR on the recommendations of the Board of Studies concerned.

• The approval of the research proposal and appointment of supervisor/s in the case of Ph.D. examination will be accorded by the BASR when the candidate has satisfied the members of BASR through the presentation.

• A previous decision of the BASR shall not ordinarily be reconsidered within one year of the date of the decision in a subsequent meeting of the BASR unless the Vice-Chancellor recommends so.

• The rules may be added to, changed, or modified from time to time at the discretion of the BASR.

BASR

Introduction

Mission

vision

Responsibilities and Functions of BASR

Members of BASR

Rules and procedures for BASR-Meetings