Letter to Parents - Institute of Technology and Management, Gurgaon

15th May 2015
Dear Fellow Students,
As an integral member of the ITM family, you have known us to be continuously evolving and challenging
conventions. In a span of a few years, we have grown to be one of the foremost educational institutions in the
country. As a testimony of this fact, you will be delighted to know that we have been ranked No.1 Emerging
University in India by the Higher Education Review in April 2015.
To further expand our vision and to take our University to greater heights, we are happy to announce that ITM
University is in the process of rebranding itself as 'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' or 'NCU' for short. The new name,
we believe captures the essence of our vision, our guiding principles and our mission for excellence. It is inspired by
our geographical location in the north of the country in the National Capital Region. Our new logo has the “Bridge”
a mnemonic which represents the connection between the 'classroom and the real world' using multidisciplinary
value based education imprinted with an industry relevant curriculum. In its new avatar, NCU continues to
empower its students for a life time of personal and professional fulfillment.
This rebranding has been necessitated by a variety of factors, external and internal. As you are aware, since our
establishment in 1996, the ITM brand attained iconic status and became synonymous with innovation and
excellence in academics. It also evoked a sense of trust and integrity amongst its stakeholders. However, it did not
reflect our evolution from an institute of technology and management to a University offering multidisciplinary
courses engaged in cutting edge research. In addition, certain other universities/institutions are also using the
same acronym i.e. ITM, which is confusing our stakeholders and public at large. The need of the hour calls for a
smart new and distinct identity that symbolizes innovation and creativity.
This process of rebranding is already underway and approval of the Government is expected shortly. In the
meantime, you may have questions about our name change. For your convenience, we've answered some
common questions in the attached FAQ's which, we are sure will provide you all the answers. Apart from the FAQ's,
we will continue to utilize a variety of communications to keep our stakeholders updated on the progress of our
rebranding.
While thanking you for the faith reposed in us, we look forward to strengthening our relationship with you by
continuing to offer an unmatched educational experience.
With warm regards,
N K DEWAN
PROF. PREM VRAT
CHANCELLOR
FNAE, FNASc., FWAPS, FISTE, FIIIE
PRO CHANCELLOR
ITM University, Sector 23 A, Gurgaon 122017, India Tel: + 91 124 2365811 to 13, Fax : + 91 124 2367488
Email : itm@itmindia.edu Website : www.itmindia.edu
We have no other Branch or Campus in India or Overseas
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
Q.
Ans.
Why have you decided to rebrand the University by changing its name and logo?
Several factors presented an opportunity for us to re-invent/re-orient the brand. These are:
(a)
Present branding is restrictive: The acronym 'ITM' stood for 'Institute of Technology & Management'. It was coined
to represent our strength in Technology and Management only. However, since then we have substantially
expanded the offerings to include Law, Sciences & Commerce. These courses have also acquired a reputation for
excellence. In the near future, we propose to introduce Architecture and other courses as well. Research will also
be at the forefront of the University's focus going forward. Since our community of stakeholders and students is
expanding at the Undergraduate, Post graduate and Doctorate level, the acronym ITM is limiting our expanded
vision and mission. Given our University's multidisciplinary offerings, rebranding will revitalize and reflect our
growing community of stakeholders and their aspirations.
(b)
Appropriation of our brand equity: Since its establishment, ITM University has earned an enviable reputation for
academic excellence at the Under Graduate and Post Graduate level. Our commitment to excellence has been
acknowledged year after year. We enjoy the distinction of having been ranked amongst the best Universities in
independent surveys conducted by leading national and international magazines/agencies each year. This year too,
we have been ranked the No. 1 Emerging University in India by Higher Education Review in their March 2015
edition. Consequent to the pole position enjoyed by the University, our accomplishments and accolades may be
appropriated by other institutions with the same name, with a view to improve their visibility in a competitive
environment. Similarly, the shortcomings and/or misdemeanors of the other institutions with the same name may,
by default, bring discredit to our unique institution. Thus, it has become necessary to reassert our unique identity
via a considered rebranding strategy.
(c)
Conflict of interest: Since the establishment of ITM University, many more colleges and/or universities have
mushroomed with the same name. This has created a lot of confusion in the minds of present/ potential students
and/or their parents. It has also led to unnecessary and avoidable litigation. Therefore, it had become necessary to
distinguish ourselves from the other colleges/ universities with the same name.
Q:
Ans:
What is the new name of the University?
'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' or 'NCU' for short.
Q:
Ans:
Is there any other University with the same name?
No. It is unique and gives our institution a national appeal and a geographic identity (i.e. The Northern part of India and the
Capital Region).
Q:
Ans:
Does the University have any other branch/ campus?
No. We have no other branch and/or campus in India or overseas.
Q:
Ans:
What does the new name and logo represent?
The new name and logo embodies the expanded vision and mission of the University and its Founders. Through its
multidisciplinary and industry-relevant curriculum, the University seeks to empower its students for a life time of personal
and professional fulfillment. Aside from bridging the gap between the classroom and industry, the new name and logo also
epitomizes endless progression of the University based on higher intention, intelligent direction and skillful execution.
Q:
Ans:
Will the rebranding affect its recognition by statutory bodies of the Central/ State Government?
No, absolutely not.
ITM University in its new avataar as 'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' will enjoy exactly the same recognition as earlier.
More specifically, the rebranded university and its degrees & other awards continues to be recognized by University Grants
Commission (UGC), Bar Council of India (BCI), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India (MHRD),
Government of Haryana, Association of Indian Universities (AIU), National Board of Accreditation (NBA), Accreditation
Service for International Colleges (ASIC) – United Kingdom, American Society for Quality (ASQ), Association of
Commonwealth Universities (ACU) – United Kingdom. It will also be accredited by National Assessment & Accreditation
Council (NAAC), Bangalore as and when applicable.
Q:
Ans:
Will the location of the University campus change with its name?
No. It will remain at its present location at Sector – 23A, Gurgaon.
Q:
Ans:
What will happen to the name ITM University?
To ensure a smooth and seamless transition from the old into new, once Government of Haryana notifies the new name
'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' through an Act of State Legislature/Gazette Notification and/or an executive order, the name
ITM University will be retired and the new name will simultaneously come into effect. However, to leverage the enormous
brand equity built by ITM, as also to ensure continuity of the brand value, all material of the University, whether print or
digital will carry the following tagline 'Formerly ITM University, Gurgaon' below the new name and logo.
Q.
Ans.
When will the first 'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' degrees be awarded?
Students graduating in June 2016 will be the first to receive 'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY' degree. The degree and marksheet will however clearly mention 'Formerly ITM University, Gurgaon'.
Degree/ mark-sheet of graduates passing out till 2015 will only bear the name 'ITM University, Gurgaon'.
Q.
Ans.
Will the Management structure of the University remain the same or will it undergo a change?
No. There will be no change whatsoever. The new name and logo shall also be the creation of the sponsoring body i.e.
'Educate India Society' and this will also be notified in the Act of Legislature/ Gazette Notification/ Executive Order of
Government of Haryana.
Q.
Ans.
How should students graduating in June 2016 refer to ITM University, Gurgaon in their resumes?
On your resume, one would simply mention 'THE NORTHCAP UNIVERSITY', 'Formerly ITM University, Gurgaon'. This is how
it will also be mentioned on your degree/ mark-sheet.
Q.
Ans.
How will the name change affect, admission and admission standards?
It will not affect the admission process in any way. The same exacting standards of merit based admissions will be observed.
Q.
Ans.
Will the University email and website change?
Yes, it will. The new email and website will come into effect from the date of notification of the new name by Government of
Haryana.
Q.
What is the University doing to reach out to the corporate and industrial sector and other stakeholders in the job
recruitment process?
All stakeholders in the corporate and industrial sector shall be similarly kept informed about this change. Our Director
(School of Professional Attachment) will also reach out individually to all our esteemed stakeholders of the industry and
corporate world, of our rebranding.
Ans.
Q.
Ans.
Will the pipeline of grants from UGC, DST, DRDO and other research bodies get affected by this name change?
No. There would be no effect on the flow of funds. The name change shall be informed to them in due course, for
continuation of all projects funding as hitherto fore.
Q.
Ans.
In case I have any more questions or doubts, who should I approach?
Please direct your queries, if any to rebranding@itmindia.edu.