HEC to promote student centered policies.

KARACHI -- HEC as well as the Vice Chancellors are agreed that students are the primary focus of universities. Universities need to ensure that their students get the skills that will enable them to achieve success in their life. Likewise, universities must protect the rights of their students to safety and privacy. This was stated by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) while talking to media persons on Tuesday. Informing the media persons of the proceedings of the 25th Vice Chancellors Committee meeting held on Monday, he said the university heads brought three agenda items -- safety and security of Vice Chancellors; safety and security of students; and, the drastic cut in the higher education sector's funding -- under consideration. Dr. Banuri expressed his deep concerns over recent tragic incidents,

stating that every student is a responsibility of the university and the HEC. 'We must ensure that students are protected, nurtured, and facilitated.' He emphasised the need to set up a system which in such tragic incidents did not happen because of anyone's negligence or inaction. In the meeting, the VCs had expressed their anxiety regarding the attack on the VC of Federal Urdu University, and floated a number of proposals regarding the challenges facing the higher education institutions. They stressed the need for ensuring the safety and security of Vice Chancellors. The job of a Vice Chancellor is one of the most difficult in Pakistan. The VCs have to bear the brunt of a myriad of pressures, and need to be protected against uncivil behavior.

Dr. Banuri urged the government to ensure the security of educationists. He also proposed that university heads should formulate an Academic Code of Conduct. HEC has initiated a number of programs aimed at enhancing student success. These include the revamping of the undergraduate curriculum, and in particular, the incorporation of 'practical' competencies into the educational programs. These...