KARACHI, Jan 2: The academic session 2005 commenced at the University of Karachi with orientation classes held for newcomers of Bachelor's (Hons) and Master's classes at various departments.

The KU Students Adviser, Prof Mohammed Raees, and the Campus Security Officer, Khalid Iraqi, with other varsity staff members welcomed the newcomers at the main Silver Jubilee Gate and guided them to their respective teaching departments and institutes.

Flower-petals were also showered on the newcomers at the main Silver Jubilee Gate by activists of the Islami Jamiat Talaba, who also distributed the schedule of classes, timing of point buses and an academic calendar among the newly admitted students.

Addressing students at various teaching departments, heads of respective departments welcomed the newcomers and congratulated them for being admitted to one of the most reputed public sector varsities in the country. They advised students to follow rules and regulations, remain punctual, and strictly follow the 75 per cent attendance rule to be eligible for exams.

The departmental heads informed newcomers about initiatives taken by the varsity administration for providing latest reference books, scientific equipment and computers besides hiring qualified teaching faculty to impart to them latest knowledge in their respective fields.

ORIENTATION CLASS: The Chairman, Department of Business Administration, University of Karachi, Abdul Rehman Zaki, has said there was only one criterion for admissions to the department, and that was merit.