On the first day of the programme, participants from various colleges assembled in their designated room, CR 08. The participants were organised into eight groups (Groups 57 to 64), with each group comprising of four to five members. The session commenced with a mindfulness practice led by the host college facilitator, setting a calm and focused tone for the programme.
With enthusiasm and openness, participants introduced themselves and gradually became acquainted with one another. Each group then nominated a facilitator to co-ordinate group activities. Session One focused on Problem Identification, during which each group brainstormed key challenges and opportunities within the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB). Through active discussion and collaboration, the groups refined their ideas and narrowed them down to one key issue or opportunity to pursue further.
On the second day, participants reconvened at the same venue. To create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, the host college facilitator initiated an ice-breaker activity, encouraging participants to share what they had purchased with their first salary. This activity prompted laughter, reflection, and the sharing of fond memories, helping to strengthen group rapport.
Following the icebreaker, Session Two: Idea Development commenced, with participants deliberating in depth on their selected ideas. In the afternoon, the World Cafe: Cross-Pollination of Ideas session was conducted. Two members from each group remained behind to present their group’s idea, while the remaining members circulated among other groups to listen, exchange perspectives, and provide constructive feedback. The day concluded with Session Three, during which groups worked to finalise their ideas and began drafting a 500 word abstract along with their slide decks.
On the third day, Session Four focused on the finalisation of abstracts and presentation slides in preparation for pitching. Each group refined their work and presented their ideas with confidence. The following are the pitches presented by each group:
Group 57
The Holistic Student Development Matrix (HSDM): A nonpunitive system tracking academics, wellbeing, values, and leadership to support holistic student growth.
Group 58
Bridging Education and Employment through Competency Based Education: University wide competencies, experiential learning, and digital passports to enhance employability and industry alignment.
Group 59
Green Data Hub: Renewable powered, sovereign data hubs enabling secure storage, analytics, and revenue generating blockchain cloud services.
Group 60
Institutional Internationalisation through Strategic Infrastructure Alignment: A Global Gateway linking digital, residential, and learning infrastructure to attract global talent and partnerships.
Group 61
AI as a Tool, Not an Answer: Embedding AI literacy and ethics to enhance critical thinking and uphold academic integrity.
Group 62
Building a Unified Faculty Research Portal for RUB: Centralised faculty profiles and research projects to reduce fragmentation, foster collaboration, and guide strategic resourcing.
Group 63
ASPIRE IN ACTION: Defining and measuring core values within assurance processes to strengthen ethics and institutional culture.
Group 64
Reading Culture as a Strategic Lever for Academic Quality at RUB: University wide reading initiatives to enhance analytical skills, communication, research quality, and lifelong learning.