Reduced Inequalities

Introduction

Lovely Professional University (LPU) is deeply committed to community engagement and social responsibility, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10, which seeks to reduce inequalities within and among countries. Recognizing the transformative role of education in meeting the SDG 10 target by 2029, LPU actively participates in diverse initiatives aimed at addressing societal disparities. Through a comprehensive approach involving academic programs, admission policies, and support services, LPU's initiatives are designed to bridge gaps across sectors and empower communities, underscoring the university's dedication to fostering an equitable society

Academic Initiatives

Lovely Professional University (LPU) currently offers an extensive range of over 150 programs across more than 40 disciplines, catering to students at the diploma, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. LPU prides itself on its team of highly qualified educators who carefully tailor curricula to meet the evolving needs of various industries. In addition to providing scholarships for Indian students, the university also attracts numerous outstanding international students from around the world, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all. LPU goes a step further by offering international students the opportunity to work on campus, and multinational corporations actively recruit students from diverse countries. Approximately 8% of LPU's student body comes from low- and middle-income countries, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

LPU is firmly dedicated to instilling in its students an understanding of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The process of curriculum development at LPU involves aligning courses across various programs with the SDGs, particularly focusing on inclusivity, equity, and fostering a lifelong learning culture. The university ensures that the highest standards of education are met while crafting and delivering these courses. Every course, whether in undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) programs, is designed with a clear focus on addressing specific sustainability challenges. In alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 10, which aims to reduce inequalities, LPU offers a range of courses that directly address issues of inequality and promote social justice.

Admission Policy

Lovely Professional University (LPU) maintains a transparent, non-discriminatory admissions policy that ensures equal opportunities for all applicants. Regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or other factors, LPU fosters a culture of diversity and inclusivity. The university is committed to a merit-based admissions process, promoting fairness and transparency, and providing every individual the chance to pursue their educational goals on an equal footing. To further support students, LPU offers a Scholarship Scheme aimed at unlocking the potential of talented individuals facing financial challenges, with scholarships available across all programs from diploma to Ph.D. levels. Additionally, LPU provides financial aid to individuals from underprivileged groups, with further details provided below.

  • Need based Scholarships: With a view to facilitate access to higher education to persons who belong to specific category and whose annual family income is below a certain limit, LPU offers a financial aid.
  • Financial aid to Orphans: With a view to facilitate access to higher education to orphans, LPU offers a financial aid.
  • Persons with Certain Disabilities: With a view to facilitate access to Higher Education to the persons with benchmark disability and Locomotor disability caused by Spinal Cord Injury, LPU offers a financial aid.

LPU’s admission programs offer significant financial support to first-generation students. In the academic year 2022-23, LPU welcomed over 8,489 first-generation students, many of whom rely on scholarships and loans to pursue their education. Additionally, understanding that first-generation students may need extra guidance with academic and exam-related issues, LPU assigns dedicated mentors to help them navigate and overcome any challenges they may face.

Diversity and Inclusivity

LPU hosts over 3,100 students from developing countries and offers LPU Scholarships to top-performing international students, covering their tuition fees for the entire duration of their program. Every year, the university provides scholarships of varying amounts to hundreds of exceptional international students from around the world. This year, a significant number of students from countries like Bangladesh, Sudan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Yemen, Kenya, Ghana, Maldives, Malawi, and many others have enrolled at the university.

Tracking the applications and admissions of underrepresented groups

The University tracks applications and admissions of underrepresented and potentially underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, low-income students, non-traditional students, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and students with disabilities, through its admissions department. It maintains a statistical database that records applications and admissions from various backgrounds, countries, and ethnic groups.

Supporting Students with Disabilities

LPU is dedicated to ensuring that access to higher education is not hindered by any disability. Currently, 24 students with various disabilities are enrolled at the university. LPU provides comprehensive support for students with spinal cord injuries, including a full fee waiver and the installation of dedicated ramps and lifts in hostels and classrooms to facilitate access to classes. Additionally, applicants referred by SCIA, Jalandhar, will receive additional benefits, such as free accommodation in a hostel dormitory

Policies and Support Services

Policies at LPU are meticulously designed to ensure a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory campus environment. The institution has laid out comprehensive policies against discrimination, harassment, and ragging. In addition, the university has established mentorship programs to provide guidance to students on both academic and non-academic matters. Student counseling, which is done by faculty members, ensures that students have access to a mentor, with a ratio of approximately 20 students to 1 faculty member. This arrangement enables close and personalized support to resolve academic and non-academic challenges. To involve parents in their children's education, LPU conducts Parent-Teacher Meetings, both virtually and in-person, and provides tools like the LPU Touch App and UMS to track their ward's progress.

Disability support Office

Disability Support Office assists the individuals with disability to have a comfortable and safe environment inside the University campus. The office provides help to the individuals about any academic, residential and infrastructure related trouble they face in the campus. In addition, the department coordinates with every Academic and Residential block of the University through a dedicated Administrative Officer to take care of the requirements of the individuals with disabilities.

Campus Facilities and Sports

LPU provides all students with access to world-class sports facilities so they can develop their athletic prowess. LPU provides all tuition costs, free accommodation, and boarding, as well as funding for the purchase of sporting equipment, competition entrance fees, and coaching sessions to its gifted athletes. All students, including those with impairments, are inspired and given the opportunity to succeed in athletics by the university's top-notch academic and athletic facilities. 14 LPU students participated in recently held Paralympics 2024 in Paris

Campus Engagement Activities

LPU goes beyond academics and sports by hosting a wide range of campus engagement activities. These activities not only showcase the talents of students but also promote inclusivity and empowerment. For instance, the university Each year, LPU takes the initiative to host a conference for individuals with disabilities. VISTAAR 2023, the 6th Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Conference & Wheelchair Games, was a notable event organized by LPU's NSS in collaboration with the Spinal Cord Injury Association of India (SCIA). Held at the Shanti Devi Mittal Auditorium from March 30 to 31, 2023, the conference drew participants from all over India.

Outreach Activities

Lovely Professional University (LPU) actively promotes inclusivity and empowerment through diverse initiatives. In collaboration with the Louis Braille Welfare Association, LPU-NSS hosted a national competition for the visually impaired, enhancing opportunities in music, sports, and academics. LPU's NSS program also launched “Golden Era,” an elderly care initiative providing physiotherapy and engaging activities. The university’s POSHA workshops and gender sensitization street theatre raised awareness on workplace equality, sexual harassment prevention, and women’s rights. A dedicated Women Empowerment event highlighted skill development and leadership for women, complemented by “Nari: Her Right, Her Pride,” focusing on menstrual health in underserved areas. LPU celebrated International Women’s Day 2023, featuring activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and women entrepreneurs, underscoring digital empowerment. Successes in sports included LPU’s women’s American Football team winning the AIIU Championship and hosting a groundbreaking Transgender Cricket Tournament, both reflecting LPU’s commitment to gender equality and inclusivity in athletics.

Future Scope

Looking ahead, Lovely Professional University can continue to build on its commitment to SDG 10 by:
Expanding Scholarship Opportunities: Expanding scholarship programs and financial aid to cater to a broader range of underprivileged students, both nationally and internationally.
Enhancing Disability Support: Further improving facilities and support for students with disabilities, making the campus even more accessible and accommodating.
Increasing Awareness: Expanding awareness campaigns and sensitization programs, engaging the entire university community in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity.
Research and Innovation: Encouraging research and innovation that directly addresses inequalities and disparities within and beyond the campus.
Global Partnerships: Collaborating with international institutions and organizations to exchange best practices and promote SDG 10 on a global scale.
Continuous Evaluation: Regularly evaluating the effectiveness of existing programs and policies to ensure they are aligned with the evolving needs and goals of SDG 10.
Community Outreach: Extending the university's commitment to SDG 10 to the local community, thus playing a larger role in reducing inequalities beyond the campus.
By taking these steps, Lovely Professional University can further its mission of promoting SDG 10 and become a beacon of inclusivity, equality, and education for all.

Happenings @ LPU

LPU student won medal at Paris Paralympic 2024
Punjab CM Shri Bhagwant Mann and LPU Chancellor Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal interact with spinal cord injury patients at the 'VISTAAR - 2023' conference
Nukkad natak by LPU students on women empowerment
LPU celebrated International Women’s Day
Golden Era Elderly care Programme
Sports facilities for disabled persons
LPU-NSS always there to help the needy
Nari – Her Right Her Pride’ – a successful initiative by LPU NSS volunteers