Martin Luther Christian University - MLCU

About Martin Luther Christian University - MLCU

Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) is a Private University created in July 2005, by an Act of the Legislative Assembly of the government of Meghalaya. The gazette notification was issued on February 22, 2006 for the establishment of the University. The academic program commenced in July 2006. The creation of the University is in accordance with the University Grant Commission Act, 1956 under Section 2(f) and the University is empowered to grant degrees under Section 22 of the UGC Act. Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) is jointly sponsored by the Khasi-Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly (KJPA) and The National Lutheral Health and Medical Board (NLHMB) of the Union Evangelical Lutheral Church in India (UELCI) to offer degree and other courses that will lead to employment in the region, promote research that is aligned with the development needs of the State and also participate in community development project. It is named after Martin Luther (1483-1546), a Church Reformer, known as the Father of Protestantism. He was an advocate of education and helped in a big way for the establishment of educational institutions in the 16th century. MLCU has positioned itself as a Development University and places emphasis on job and career-oriented courses.

Martin Luther Christian University has three campuses in three different locations spread across the state, in Shillong, Jowai and Tura.

These are:

1. MLCU Main Campus – It comprises of departments of allied health sciences, computer sciences, counselling psychology, environment and traditional ecosystems, management and commerce studies (tourism administration).
2. MLCU, Nongrah Centre - It comprises department of management and commerce studies
3. MLCU, Nongmynsong Centre – It comprises of social work department.

University Emblem

The University Emblem comprises of:

a)  The Knup – It is a traditional woven bamboo cane cape used as a protection against rain when working in the fields or out in the open. Knup symbolizes protection and nurture in the journey through hardship to gain knowledge

b)  The Cross - In the centre of the Knup, is the Cross which is the symbol of Christianity and denotes sacrifice and endurance.

c)  The Hearth - At the base of the Knup is the Hearth with burning fire which occupies an important place in tribal houses. It is a place where parents and elders gather to narrate stories, sing songs while imparting the cultural and traditional knowledge of the forefathers. It symbolises tradition and togetherness.

Departments at MLCU

Facilities at Martin Luther Christian University

Hostels – The University offers hostel accommodation to students on first come basis. Only two students are allowed per room.

Some of the hostel facilities:

• TV facilities
• 1 local, 1 national newspapers and magazines
• Emotional Counselling as and when needed
• Christian Activities in the evening by the University Chaplain.
• Doctor on Call 

Library - The University has both Central and Departmental libraries. The main library is housed in the main campus and is accessible to all the students and the staff. The departmental libraries are located in respective departments and accessible to students and staff of those departments. The libraries have small holdings limited to the courses offered at the campuses. It is equipped with computers and internet facilities for the students, and also has photocopying and spiral-binding facilities.

Scholarships – The University offers various scholarships to its students. It has set up a scholarship fund known as the MLCU Scholarship Fund (MLCUSF). It provides financial assistance to students on a merit-cum-means basis. To be eligible, a student must be registered in a full-time degree or diploma course and should have completed at least one year/semester of the course. Good attendance and academic progress are also criteria which are taken into consideration in order to determine the award of scholarship.

Some other scholarships:

• The Quinsilies and Jwinsilies Scholarship Fund
• Bluebell Reade Standal Syiem Scholarship Fund
• Dr. Helen Giri Scholarship Fund
• Dr. K Rajaratnam Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Rev. SS Majaw Scholarship Fund

Life Skills Education - MLCU conducts a workshop on Life Skills, Human Sexuality and Personality for undergraduate and postgraduate students. The workshop is held over four days. The life skills team consists of trained facilitators and a medical doctor. The course includes interactive lectures, discussions to promote reflection on gender and socio-cultural norms and practical exercises to build negotiation skills.

Career Counselling – The University has partnered with The Promise Foundation, Bangalore. It uses the Jiva Career Counselling Model in providing career information needed by the students for their career decisions. The service facilitates self understanding of one’s potential, understanding the world of work, and identifying career alternatives and career path. They organise interviews, counselling sessions and structured culturally sensitive psychological tests to evaluate career interests and potential of students. The counselling cell also caters to the academic as well as the personal problems of the students. Students are encouraged to attend the counselling sessions. It provides them with skills like communication, listening skills, negotiation and refusal skill, decision-making and problem-solving skills and coping and self-management skills, such as increased self-esteem and the ability to manage feelings and stress.

NSS - The NSS Volunteers at the University are involved in community programmes and reaching out to the rural interiors. A lot of programmes are organised by the NSS Unit through various Departments in the University.

Alumni – The alumni association promotes institution - industry interaction and fosters further growth and development of the institute. It also promotes professional union of different fields and enhances skills and knowledge in various fields.