KARACHI:
The environment at the University of Karachi’s Department of Psychology raises serious concerns as it often falls short of what students expect from a higher education institution. Credentials are not the problem. Many teachers hold advanced degrees and are accomplished in their fields. But subject expertise is not the same as the ability to teach and still less the ability to engage with students respectfully. A deeper issue appears to be attitude: student concerns are often treated as an intrusion. Students are left feeling they have little space to question, or even comment on, matters that shape their own education. At orientation, it was conveyed that teachers “own” their classrooms and may run them as they see fit — a remark that reflects the broader culture.
One small episode illustrates this. The department’s seminar library, which should be a quiet space for study, is at times used for informal staff conversations unrelated to academic work. Such experiences can leave students feeling that these spaces prioritise staff convenience over their intended purpose.
The irony is difficult to ignore. This is a department of psychology — a discipline built on empathy, communication and respect for human dignity. These values should be reflected not only in theory, but in practice.
This is not intended as a criticism of individuals, but as a call for improvement. Measures such as basic teaching training for faculty, meaningful channels for student feedback and accessible grievance mechanisms could help address these concerns. Having experienced other institutions where students are treated as central to the academic environment, I can say such a culture is both possible and worth striving for.
Muhammad Sultan
Karachi
