As part of the Hundred Ideas Summit, a Fireside Chat on Faculty Life at RUB: Motivation, Well-Being, and Academic Culture brought together a balanced panel of senior and junior faculty members. The panel featured senior faculty representatives Dr. Som Gurung from Paro College of Education and Mr. Sonam Dendup from Sherubtse College, alongside young faculty members Ms. Tashi Yangchen from Jigme Namgyel Engineering College and Ms. Ruth Biswa Karma from Gedu College of Business Studies. The discussion was moderated by Ms. Karma Kelzang Eudon from the host college, who guided the conversation and encouraged active engagement between the panel and audience.
The conversation began with reflections on sustaining faculty motivation over time, a key component of well-being in academic life. Panellists highlighted the importance of mentorship, supportive work environments, research opportunities, continuous learning, and encouragement from student feedback. They also emphasized the deeper sense of purpose derived from contributing to society through education, underlining the role of intrinsic motivation in nurturing a fulfilling academic career.
Attention then turned to challenges in balancing teaching, research, and service responsibilities. Workload, recognition, and burnout were identified as common concerns, illustrating how institutional culture can influence faculty well-being. Panellists noted that fostering trust, mentorship, and collaboration across career stages is essential to sustaining a positive academic culture. Guided by reflective prompts, discussions encouraged participants to consider how motivation, well-being, and community support intersect in faculty life at RUB.
The Fireside Chat concluded with a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly with panelists. The dialogue highlighted that, while challenges persist, ongoing conversation, supportive environments, and a shared sense of purpose are central to nurturing a resilient and thriving academic culture at RUB, aligning closely with the summit’s overarching theme of motivation, well-being, and academic excellence.