Iftikhar Haider has joined the academic affairs team as assistant director for experiential learning. In his position, he will collaborate directly with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to facilitate successful experiential learning in undergraduate, graduate, and online programs of the iSchool.
Prior to Haider's new position, he was an adjunct lecturer at the iSchool, a role in which he developed extensive student advising experience. He holds a PhD in applied linguistics (second language acquisition and teacher education) and a master's degree in teaching English as a second language or foreign language, both from the University of Illinois.
"Mentoring students is an enriching and meaningful experience for me," said Haider. "Our interactions are not just about finding an internship or practicum—they're about adapting to organizational culture, understanding diverse perspectives, and building confidence in students as they navigate experiential learning opportunities."
In his free time, Haider enjoys watching comedy movies, spending time with family, and playing cricket.