Mass Communication admissions: PU committee accused of unfair interview

VC directs admissions committee chairman to investigate the matter, prepare a report.

LAHORE:

Punjab University Vice Chancellor (VC) Dr Mujahid Kamran on Monday took notice of irregularities in their MPhil admissions and interview process at Institute of Communication Studies (ICS) and directed the admissions committee chairman to submit a report on the matter.

A candidate, who had passed the written test but failed in the interview by the ICS had written to the VC complaining about the committees ‘unprofessional’ and ‘unlawful’ interview.

She objected to the committee’s composition and said it had failed to ask her questions relevant to her degree. She said the interview was not conducted fairly.

The admissions committee comprises Dr Ahsan Akhtar Naz, Dr Bushra Hameed, Abida Ejaz and Mudassar Shah.

According to Doctoral Programme Coordination Committee (DPCC) rules, only DPCC members can administer examinations and conduct admissions interviews. However, Shah and Ejaz, are not DPCC members.

The complainant, Tehreen Manzoor Butt, said in her application that the panel did not ask her any questions regarding the course. She said, “Dr Naz said that he knew my family and did not need to ask me anything.” She said it was shocking and very unprofessional.

She said Dr Bushra refused to recognise her saying that she had never seen her in the department. After looking at her credentials, she said, the panel members told her to leave.

She requested the VC to take action against the committee for violating Higher Education Commission rules and for conducting an ‘improper’ interview.

The VC on Monday summoned Dr Amin Athar, the admissions committee chairman, to discuss the matter and directed him to inquire into the matter and submit a report.

The meeting was also attended by the Behavioural and Social Sciences dean, the Doctorate Programme Coordination Committee (DPCC) chairman and some other senior officials.

A faculty member present at the meeting told The Express Tribune that the vice chancellor showed his annoyance with the ICS which he said had made it a habit of creating problems for the administration.

Dr Athar said that the matter will be investigated in a transparent way and admissions will be made on merit.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2011.