COMSATS University Islamabad completes 40th Selection Board using SmartSelect@CUI system

ISLAMABAD — COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) has concluded its 40th Selection Board for faculty recruitment and promotion, marking the first time the process was conducted entirely through electronic means using its in-house software, SmartSelect@CUI. The move is part of the university’s broader digital transformation initiative aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in administrative processes.

Chaired by Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, the Selection Board reviewed cases over a span of 16 days. According to university officials, interviews and evaluations were conducted for 780 faculty members on the Officer Grade (OG) scale and 212 faculty members under the Tenure Track System (TTS) across CUI campuses.

Digital platform for faculty evaluation

SmartSelect@CUI, developed by the university’s software team within four weeks, was deployed to manage documentation, case handling and evaluation procedures. Officials said the system generates blinded recommendations based on academic credentials and performance indicators, with the aim of strengthening merit-based assessments.

The university stated that the digital platform ensures secure documentation and structured decision-making during faculty evaluations. Further upgrades are planned, including the integration of artificial intelligence features to support analytical review and evidence-based decision-making in future selection processes.

Addressing backlog and staffing gaps

CUI last held a Selection Board in August 2024. Since then, faculty appointments and promotions had remained pending, contributing to staffing shortages and creating a backlog of nearly 1,000 faculty members awaiting career progression.

University officials said the recent board was convened to address delays and restore regular academic and administrative processes. The Rector had identified operationalizing key university forums and resolving pending cases as a priority.

The Selection Board for non-faculty officers is expected to conclude in the coming week, according to the university.