GILGIT: The University of Baltistan, Skardu, has announced its examination & assessment policy for current spring semester-2020 after completion of the ongoing online distance education through LMS-based software.

In this regard, Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Naeem Khan shared salient features and key points of the online examination policy with over 200 vice chancellors from all private and public sector universities of Pakistan, who attended a VCs committee meeting through video conferencing on Wednesday.

The meeting was chaired by Higher Education Commission Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri from Islamabad.

The Baltistan varsity’s academic council has already approved the examination policy consisted of SOPs, assessment criteria, marking and schedule of examinations.

According to a press release issued here, the assessment of mid-term examinations (based on sessional assignments, quizzes, projects, case studies, presentations, online viva voce etc.) will be completed online before June 10, 2020.

However, regular final-term examinations will be held on campus under strict SOPs and social distancing protocol between July 6-14, 2020.

According to SOPs, the University of Baltistan will use all its existing resources, buildings and spaces available in all its three campuses and four affiliated colleges to ensure maximum precautions, bio-safety care, physical spacing and separation and social distancing during regular examinations.

Dr Mohammad Naeem said that the varsity would announce new admissions for fall semester during June-July to ensure academic continuity, protection of educational career of GB youth and new students.

This was the fourth meeting of the vice chancellors under HEC since the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. It was convened to reach a consensus on examination policy, admissions policy, academic quality, and the academic calendar during the virus pandemic.

The meeting decided that all universities will announce their policies on examinations and admissions within one week.

Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2020