QAU introduces new policy for admissions

President approves appointment of Dr Niaz Ahmed as vice-chancellor of QAU

ISLAMABAD':

While academic activities continue to remain suspended at the Quaide-Azam University (QAU) after two student groups clashed on the campus two weeks back, the top-ranking higher education institution has introduced a lengthy set of rules under the new policy for male and female students seeking admissions to hostels.

According to a notification issued by the QAU registrar, the rules of hostel allotments have been amended in the new policy. According to the new policy, all previous hostel allotments will be cancelled and students will have to apply for hostel rooms under the new policy.

The fee collected from the students for the spring semester 2023 will be refunded while those students who will get allotments as per the new policy, their fees will be adjusted accordingly. The revised hostel policy will also be applicable to girls’ hostels in the autumn 2023 session. According to the notification, the criteria for hostel allotment had also been changed. Academic merit will also be considered on a first come, first served basis.

The hostels’ administrations will decide on seats keeping in mind the number of students in each department. The chairperson or director of the department will recommend the names of the students for these seats and will be bound to follow the merit list strictly. After the first merit list, a fresh merit list will be prepared after every two semesters.

According to the notification, hostels will be vacated from boarders during summer vacations for construction and repair work. Accommodation will be provided to MPhil, PhD or undergraduate students on the recommendation of their supervisors or chairpersons and they will be charged fees. The allotment of rooms to BS programme students will be made for the duration of the respective programmes.

The allotment for MPhil students will be made for four semesters and the allotment for PhD students will be made for the first four years and there will be no extension of allotment. First-semester students of BS programmes will be given priority in hostel allotments.

Under the new hostel policy, the merit list of the previous semester will be taken into consideration in the current situation or later when a seat becomes vacant in the hostel. It will be mandatory for the students to show their hostel cards while entering the hostels. The chairperson or director of any department will be responsible for the supervision of the students during their stay in the hostels. In case of violation of the rules, the allotment will be canceled immediately. The notification further states that no guest of the students will be allowed to stay in the hostels.

Similarly, no attachment of students will be allowed. Hostel timings will be strictly followed for undergraduate students; however, some flexibility will be extended to MPhil and PhD students. Gates of all hostels will be closed at 10 pm. According to the notification, the hostels’ administrations will also ensure that mess bills are paid every month and no exemption will be given without the permission of the administrations. A penalty will be imposed in case of non-payment of the mess bill for two months and allotment can also be cancelled.

There will be no hostel facility for the students studying in centres. If the centres provide funds to the university, their students can be accommodated in the future.