First US varsity sets foot in India
Our Correspondent

New Delhi, November 11
The first-ever foray of an American university in India began today as Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit inaugurated the New Delhi campus of Western International University (WIU) at Lajpat Nagar today. Established by Modi Apollo International Institute (MAII), the inauguration witnessed the keynote address being delivered by WIU president Michael J. Seiden. It plans to offer MBA programmes in Management and Information Technology while also catering to the undergraduate segment by offering bachelor courses in the same areas.

The Phoenix-based university has several campuses all over Arizona and has also established several corporate campuses at Intel, Boeing and Motorola.

Mr Seiden said, “A strong business and technology education is a powerful tool for building a successful career. Scores of successful graduates, many of who are employed by major international companies, reflect the strength and the recognised effectiveness of our programmes.”

The New Delhi campus of WIU located in Lajpat Nagar-IV is spread over a sprawling location of 16,500 sq ft. It boasts of world class infrastructure and corporate environment to provide effective learning. MAII is planning to introduce a unique model in higher education entailing a curriculum based on best international practices. 

DU buildings to get new coat of paint
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, November 11
Dilapidated buildings on the Delhi University (DU) campus and colleges affiliated to it that have been crying for attention finally seem to have found an audience.

All such buildings could get a new coat of paint after the Centre pumps in the much-needed funds.

A decision to this effect was taken today after DU Vice-Chancellor Deepak Nayyar met Lieutenant-Governor Vijai Kapoor.

The meeting was attended also by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Finance Minister M. S. Saathi and Chief Secretary Shailja Chandra.

Sources said it had been agreed that the first installment of funds should be released to the university for the maintenance of buildings. “Old buildings that are crying for funds will get a new lease of life,” they said.

Although the decision to release funds was pending the necessary clearances from relevant departments of the government, the university could expect to receive a sum of about Rs 1 crore for the maintenance and upkeep of the buildings.

“It is only a proposal… it could take anything up to a fortnight to execute that proposal,” the sources said.

They added that the financial assistance for the development and maintenance of infrastructure would go towards giving the Zoology Block and the Arts Faculty a new look.