SMIU holds special meeting of its Academic Council
A special meeting of Sindh Madressatul Islam University’s Academic Council was held on October 24, 2023 at the Senate Hall of the university with Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor in the chair.
In the meeting the modified undergraduate policy by HEC was discussed in detail and taken some important decisions. The Academic Council decided that the said policy will be implemented at SMIU as it has been formed according to the needs of the day and will benefit the students at large. At the same it was decided that that after seeing the ground realities at SMIU, new courses will be added to the syllabus of the university. These new general courses are included in the HEC’s policy: Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Functional English, Expository Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, Islamic Studies (or) Religious Education/Ethics in lieu of Islamic Studies only for non-Muslim students, Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan, Applications of Information and Communication Technologies, Entrepreneurship and Civics and Community Engagement. The council was informed that the majority of these courses are being taught at SMIU.
The Academic Council resolved that the mode of implementation of modified curriculum for different departments will be finalized in the Board of Studies and Board of Faculties, then recommendations of these bodies will be placed before the next meeting of the Academic Council for final approval. The Academic Council formed a five-member committee that will look into some new courses that may be started at SMIU as per the policy of HEC. The committee will be comprised of Dr. Zahid Ali Channar, Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Dr. Jamshed Adil Halepoto, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan and Dr. Stephen John.
The Academic Council also resolved that at present SMIU shall continue its four-year degree program but in the future when required resources will be available at SMIU two-year associate degree program and a five-year degree program will be added. Vice Chancellor SMIU praised the new undergraduate policy of the HEC and termed it most important for grooming and learning of students. He also lauded the inclusion of the Field Experience/Internship of six to eight weeks as the mandatory degree awarding requirement. It was much needed for the learning of students as I had personally advocated for it on many forums in the country, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai said.
He directed the deans and chairpersons of SMIU to include field experience/internship in the syllabus of their respective departments and explore opportunities for students’ field work. He said SMIU will fully support students in their field work and will provide them with facilities whatsoever they are needed. He emphasized on the importance of strengthening linkages with private and public sector organizations and industries.
Dean Faculty of the Social Sciences Prof, Dr. Zahid Ali Channar, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor on Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Khan, Dean Faculty of I.T. Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed Shaikh, Assistant Professor Asif Hussain Samo and Assistant Professor Muhammad Naeem Ahmed also expressed their views on the HEC Policy in view of the present courses being taught at SMIU. Dr. Zaheeruddin Khan and Dr. Khalida Ghous, members of the SMIU’s Academic Council also shared their opinion about the policy.