KARACHI, Jan 5: The University of Karachi is all set to welcome over 5,200 new students on commencement of the academic session 2007 on Saturday at more than 50 departments.

KU Director Admissions Prof Saleem Shahzad told Dawn on Friday that so far about 2,426 students had finalised their admissions for various Bachelor of Studies (BS-four year) programmes, while another 1, 850, had been admitted to Masters classes. Besides, over 1,000 students have been admitted to the 10 other programmes, where pre-entry tests were also held.

He said that despite all efforts, the university had once again been unable to get all the seats filled as students selected for at least 24 departments did not turn up for finalisation of BS admissions there.

“Today, we have issued the second merit list of about 630 applicants to fill the vacant seats at some departments, including Applied Chemistry, Microbiology and Food Science departments,” he said, adding that more than 100 students, who had finalised their admissions at other departments of their choice as per routine exercise had also been included in the second merit list for fresh placements in view of changes in closing marks of some departments as vacancies emerged their due to non-utilisation of seats in line with the first merit list.

The students included in the second list of admission are required to finalise their respective admissions either on January 6 or 8.

Prof Shahzad said that the university had also issued admissions list pertaining to 1,530 students selected for BS programmes at 21 departments in the evening shift of the university and process for submission of relevant fees and formalities was still on.

The new academic session, particularly for those admitted to the KU morning shift will commence on Saturday (January 6) with the conduct of orientation sessions. Regular teaching of first semester for all batches of universities will begin from January 8, said a university official.

The new session also marks the beginning of the four-year BS programme on the campus which was also required by the Higher Education Commission. According to an estimate, the strength of KU students is around 20,000.

Meanwhile, in his message, KU Vice-Chancellor Dr Pirzada Qasim has informed the newcomers that with the diversified modern laboratories and research facilities at its campus, the KU offers multifarious opportunities and facilities to those who sincerely wish to seek education and training in Science and Technology.

SHUTTLE SERVICE: Dr Syed Mohammad Khalid, Chairman of the KU Transport Committee, has announced the new schedule for the shuttle bus service meant for the university’s students and employees.