Chittagong Independent University (CIU) is one of the degree awarding higher seats of learning in Bangladesh, located in the Port City Chittagong, which started its journey in 1999 as the Independent University Bangladesh (IUB), Chittagong Campus. Since its inception, the institution has been playing a pivotal role as a center of excellence for producing capable human resources for the country. The erstwhile Chittagong Campus of IUB applied for functioning as an autonomous University and received its approval from the Ministry of Education of GoB and UGC as a full-fledged University on February 6, 2013 under the name of Chittagong Independent University (CIU).
ESTCDT:
Chittagong Independent University is governed by the CIU Board of Trustees, which is a part of "Education Science Technology and Cultural Development Trust" (ESTCDT). The trust was set up by a group of like-minded individuals, with the objective of "giving back" to the society and country. It is a non-profit philanthropic body consisting of industrialists, business leaders, and eminent personalities from the academic, professional, diplomatic and public arenas. The Trustees provide a great deal of guidance and spare ample time for CIU, to create the institution of unparalleled excellence for students, teachers and the society.
Mission and Goals:
Chittagong Independent University accomplishes its mission by achieving the goals of higher education and sustainable economic growth in the country through a two-way relationship between community and university. Its goal is to produce graduates of international standards within the local environment, with knowledge and relevant skills to provide leadership in enterprise, public service and welfare; encourage and support useful research; create knowledge; and provide further learning opportunities. The University curriculum is progressively revised and adjusted on the basis of their relevance to national needs and global market demands.
An Overview:
Chittagong Independent University (CIU) follows the North American open credit system. The University has established collaborations with top universities and institutions abroad. As a result, students have a better choice to go abroad for higher studies. The faculty members and management personnel are highly qualified with years of experience, and most of the faculty members have obtained degrees from renowned institutions at home and abroad. They undertake research activities on a regular basis and publish extensively in national and international academic journals, and attend national and international conferences.
The institution has three spacious academic buildings with an area of approximately 100,000 sq. feet. The class rooms are well equipped with multimedia and computer facilities. Sophisticated labs and a well stocked library have already given the institution a reputation for having world class facilities in Chittagong. State-of-the-art IT facilities and a WiFi-networked campus (with highest internet BW in the town) meet the demands of the 21st Century. One of the unique features of CIU is that it has been hosting the American Corner (an initiative of the US Embassy, Dhaka) in Chittagong for the last 10 years, from which students/members get library support along with study materials for TOEFL, GRE and GMAT, and information on the Fulbright Exchange Program and education facilities in USA. The University also hosts the British Council Library in Chittagong.
Schools:
Chittagong Independent University offers degree programs under three schools (1) Independent Business School (IBS); (2) School of Engineering & Computer Science (SECS); (3) School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (SLASS). The students of these Schools are supported by fulltime faculty members, most of whom have degrees from reputed universities of USA, UK and Australia. A faculty student ratio of 1:25 is maintained to ensure high quality of learning and teaching.
Lab and Library Facilities:
The University has state-of-the-art computer, telecommunication, electronic, electrical and physics labs for science and engineering students and four computer labs for the business and liberal arts students. The main Library at present contains approximately 7000 books, 1150 audio-visual materials, 300 journals and a significant number of project/thesis reports. The CIU Library subscribes to 14 daily newspapers and 70 magazines. Among these, 7 magazines are of foreign origin. The library also subscribes to various e-journals such as IEEE, SEM, Emerald, JSTOR, HINARI, Oxford, Pro Quest, Springer, University Press and Blackwell Publishing. Under the institutional social responsibility, CIU provide all the resources related to Mathematics and Science Olympiad through its' well-equipped library and documentation center. The CIU Library is managed by an experienced PhD Degree holder Librarian.
Extra-Curricular Activities:
The University has a number of student clubs, namely "Social Welfare Society", "Independent University Cultural Club", "Independent Science & Engr. Club", and the "Environment Club" which organizes round-the-year co-curricular events. The university publishes a newsletter, "Independent Chronicle", where all academic and extra-curricular activities are highlighted.
Academic Support & Other Facilities:
The university provides the students with financial aid in the form of Tuition Waivers and Scholarships (20% to 100%) based on need and merit. Students in the Tribal and Freedom Fighters' Quota are provided 100% scholarship. It also provides campus employment opportunities for the students. The university has spacious Common Room(s) for the male and female students, a dedicated Prayer Room, Cafeteria, Auditorium and Conference Room for holding various events and programs.
CRECE:
A fundamental function of a university is creating knowledge and disseminating it to the students, society, and the nation. Center for Research, Extension and Continuing Education (CRECE) is the focal point for ongoing research and outreach activities of CIU. CRECE acts as a focal point for all the Schools and Departments in research, extension and continuing education which include, but are not limited to training and development, consultancy, training, workshops, seminar, conference, round tables, etc.
Office of International Affairs:
In the interconnected world of today, growth and learning are incomplete without an exposure to international viewpoints. The Office of International Affairs at CIU is the focal point for establishing international collaborations for the University, which include but are not limited to student faculty exchange programs, joint courses and training programs, etc.
CMOS:
The University hosts a web-based Course Management and Operation System (CMOS) which allows Faculty Members and Students to exchange class lectures, assignments, tutorials, exams via the World Wide Web. The system is very flexible to the requirements of its users and can be accessed from their homes through smart devices. This allows everyone to continue virtual classes and evade session delays when taking classes become impossible due to numerous unavoidable circumstances.
LFE:
The LFE (Live-in Field Experience) Program is a unique course offered by Chittagong Independent University (CIU) under which students spend 13 days in a rural setting where they gain firsthand knowledge about rural life in Bangladesh. The course has two major aims. First, to make the students aware about the vibrancy of rural life in Bangladesh, and make them realize that life goes on without many of the amenities of city life. Second, make them aware about the importance of leadership and teamwork. CIU believes that these two goals will enable each student to reach their individual potential which will enable them to succeed in a competitive environment. The LFE Program is managed and conducted by a group of Faculty Members who individually have more than 5 years' experience with the course.
Alumni Network:
Chittagong Independent University has been producing worthy human resources in the fields of business and engineering. CIU Graduates not only excel in the industry but are also pursuing PhD degrees in leading universities of the world. Independent University Alumni Association (IUAA) is one of the most diverse alumni networks in the country. The vibrant IUAA keeps this highly diversified group in constant touch with each other and the university. Fresh graduates of CIU enjoy tremendous support during their transition from university to industry with respect to internship placement, employment, reference, and career guidance. Besides annual conventions and similar collegial events, IUAA holds seminars and workshops on topical issues on a regular basis.
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