RAHIM YAR KHAN: The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) administration has reverted its decision to hold ‘Special Summer Semester’, converting it into Fall Semester 2023, as it was taken in violation of Higher Education Commission (HEC) policy.

IUB deputy registrar, Academics-1, through a notification (No 382/DOA) dated May 12, 2023, approved in its 25th meeting of Deans’ Committee held on June 6 the commencement of 13-week special summer semester, from June 1 to Aug 31, 2023.

The special semester was open to the varsity’s Bachelor’s session 2020-24 (8th semester), Spring 2022-26 (4th semester) and deficiency courses and MS/MPhil/MSc (Hons) and PhD degree programmes.

Its detailed implementation plan and Terms of References (TORs) were also announced.

However, on May 14, IUB RYK Campus English department Assistant Professor (AP) Dr Zohaib Zahid wrote a letter to the HEC, seeking withdrawal of the decision of commencement of the special summer semester, saying it was taken in violation of the HEC’s Undergraduate Policy 2020 and basic structure of the country’s education system, terming it illegal.

Dr Zahid also mentioned six different types of violations of HEC rules by the IUB.

In the light of Dr Zahid’s letter, HEC deputy director (Curriculum), Academics Division, through a letter (No HEC/ACAD:CURRI/4718) dated June 8, informed the IUB that as per HEC policy only two regular semesters (Fall/Spring) are allowed in an academic year, having duration of 16-18 weeks (inclusive of 1-2 weeks for exams).

More over, the 8-9 week optional semester of concentrated study may only be held for the students re-attempting their failed courses, or to remove deficiency, or to improve grades (1-2) courses up to eight credit hours, the letter said.

The HEC letter advised the IUB to abide by the commission’s guidelines and withdraw the decision of offering the special summer semester at the earliest.

Acting on the HEC advice, the IUB, vide its letter NO.804/DOA, reverted its decision.

IUB Public Relations Director Shehzad Khalid said that the previous administration had announced the special summer semester for the students, but after taking the charge of his office the new vice chancellor, in accordance with the HEC directions, converted it into Fall Semester.

Published in Dawn, Aug 6th, 2023