Presidency University launches ‘CSE Adda!’

With over a hundred private universities currently operating in Bangladesh, a significant number offer Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) programmes. These institutions cover areas such as Computer Science, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, fields that have become widely accessible to students across the country.

However, very few institutions go beyond traditional classroom teaching to foster interactive learning, facilitate meaningful faculty-student engagement, and offer practical career mentorship. To address this gap, the CSE Department of Presidency University has introduced a new initiative titled "CSE Adda!"

The platform enables students to engage informally with faculty members, discuss academic challenges, share personal experiences, and receive mentorship on academic and career matters. The initiative aims to create a more engaging, supportive, and student-centred learning environment.

Professor Dr Shahidul Islam Khan Nayeem, Head of the CSE Department and Dean of the School of Engineering, shared the inspiration behind the initiative: "Students at leading universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, MIT, and Caltech often cite the accessibility and mentorship provided by faculty as a key part of their academic experience. We asked ourselves—why can't we foster the same culture in Bangladesh? That was the motivation behind launching 'CSE Adda.'"

He further added that a university is more than an academic institution; it is a foundation for building a knowledge-driven society. Constructive and approachable relationships between teachers and students play a vital role in improving education quality, encouraging research, and fostering a positive academic culture.

When students feel supported, they are more likely to express academic concerns, seek guidance, and develop critical life skills such as leadership, communication, and teamwork. Faculty mentorship also contributes to students' emotional well-being, confidence, and overall academic success.

Students at the CSE Department have welcomed "CSE Adda!" and expressed enthusiasm for its continuation. The initiative is expected to enrich the educational experience and set a precedent for similar efforts across engineering institutions in the country.