Private universities can enroll students for next semester
University Grants Commission said the institutions cannot put pressure on students to pay fees
The regulatory agency for higher education has cleared the way for private universities to enroll new students for the next semester from June, and to begin classes the flowing month.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) published guidelines on Thursday on conducting the academic activities of private universities – including holding examinations and online evaluations.
The guidelines include a provision that says institutions cannot put pressure on students for fees.
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UGC Chairman Professor Kazi Shahidullah reiterated to The Business Standard that private universities should not put pressure on students for fees. They must consider the current situation.
"Private universities must follow the UGC directives for running online classes and holding examinations and evaluations," he said."We will take action if any university violates the guidelines."
According to the guidelines, if a university thinks it has completed at least 30 percent of classes before the coronavirus outbreak, and now continues online classes, then it could publish the results of the current semester by evaluating class attendance, class tests, mid-term examinations, online assignments, case studies and online viva voce.
The universities also can take into consideration the previous semester's grade for the result of the current semester.
But the students have to complete laboratory work after the pandemic. They have to sit for the practical examinations too.
Class attendance of students must be at least 60 percent.
The universities have been asked to submit written applications to the UGC by May 17 to continue classes and evaluations.
Universities that are not holding online classes and have no plan to do it, have also been asked to submit their plans to the UGC by May 17 to conclude the semester.
The universities must regularly pay their teachers, officials and employees.
Students will get a chance to continue classes and take examinations after the Covid-19 pandemic if they were unable to attend the online classes. But universities cannot charge extra fees for it.
Universities have to inform students about taking examinations at least five to seven days before they are scheduled.
