The Vice-Chancellors of universities across the country have reiterated their commitment to ensuring adherence to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and government guidelines given the situation evolving due to the COVID-19 resurgence in the country.
The 34th Vice-Chancellors Committee meeting was held online on Wednesday. It was attended by a large number of Vice-Chancellors and Rectors from all over Pakistan.
The university heads reviewed the situation on campuses concerning COVID-19, especially considering the threat of the feared second wave of the pandemic. They said that the universities have taken several steps to cope with the situation, including strict enforcement of SOPs, reducing the numbers of students in classrooms and hostels, and shifting to hybrid modes of instruction.
“In fact, while the adherence to SOPs has dropped significantly in most other public places, universities have tried hard to maintain their level of vigilance and provide good examples for others,” the attending Vice Chancellors said.
They expressed their total commitment to adhering to the guidelines issued by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) and the health authorities.
ALSO READ
Punjab to Get a University of Child Health Sciences
A majority of the Vice-Chancellors said that they can readily switch to online or hybrid instruction and limit the number of people who are allowed to enter the campus in case the re-emergence of the virus requires curtailment of public interaction.
The meeting also discussed other options for action, including enhancing counseling services for students as well as the general public, sharing of information and technical resources, and mutual learning from best practices. They also demanded that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should arrange better data packages for students and faculty members to facilitate online interaction and instruction.
During the meeting, HEC Chairman, Tariq Banuri, apprised the university heads of the decisions made in the last NCOC meeting.
He said, “We need to do the best we can to deter any disruption in the education system being caused by the situation evolving due to the COVID-19 recurrence.”
ALSO READ
KU to Conduct Online Classes for Private Post-Grad Students, Announces Admission Policy
HEC Chairman stressed that the universities need to prepare and look ahead as to how they can efficiently deal with any evolving situation.
