LAHORE: The vice-chancellor of the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) could not get herself appointed as Professor Emeritus in the recent meeting of its Syndicate, it was learnt.

“The sitting VC cannot put her own case for approval to become Professor Emeritus in the meeting of the apex body of the university,” an officer of Punjab government who attended the Syndicate meeting told Dawn on Sunday.

The officer said Dr Sabiha Mansoor’s tenure would expire on July 13 this year and she was not shortlisted by the Search Committee for appointment to the top post of the LCWU for another term.

“Appointment of Dr Sabiha as Professor Emeritus could only be discussed in the Syndicate meeting after the next VC of the university takes over. The biggest hurdle is that Dr Sabiha doesn’t even fulfill the criteria to become Professor Emeritus. One should have at least 10 years experience of professorship (to qualify for the slot) according to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) standards. Other than that one can only become Professor Emeritus at one’s parent institute. Dr Sabiha has not been teaching at the LCWC before becoming its VC,” said the officer, seeking anonymity.

Another Punjab government representative objected to the agenda of the meeting, held last Sunday, saying, “How could the appointment as Professor Emeritus of an academic could even be discussed who has yet to retire.”

“Dr Sabiha attempted to silence the government representative but another member of the Syndicate said that this item could not be approved,” said the officer, adding the LCWU senior faculty members who initially objected to her appointment as Professor Emeritus apprehend “consequences” with regard to their Annual Confidential Report (ACR) because of their stance as they were among the 23 candidates shortlisted for the coveted post of VC by the Search Committee.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2015

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