The Institute of Business Administration faced widespread criticism after it had announced that it will not give students any leeway in attendance if they contract the novel coronavirus. According to a student who wanted to remain anonymous, the students received an email from the varsity stating that it will begin in-person classes from September 15, as per the government’s announcement, and shared detailed SOPs that will be followed after the university reopens. “All students are requested to follow safety measures such as wearing a mask on campus, frequent washing and sanitizing of hands, avoiding all forms of physical contact and maintaining a physical distance of three to six feet with other,” the email read. The varsity has also issued a document containing detailed SOPs that the students are required to follow. One of the things mentioned in the document, however, was criticised by students and sparked outrage and anger on social media. It said, “Please note, if a student contracts COVID-19, he/she will not be given any leeway in attendance. Absences allowed for a course as per policy will remain in force and no exception on medical grounds will be given. Use your absences wisely, be cautious in late comings and in skipping classes.” The allowed number of absences for each class varies between two and five days. In another place the document also states that students experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should get themselves tested and avoid coming to campus. Students took to Twitter and Facebook to call out the varsity. They called it “inhumane” and “unfair”. Some filed a petition against the policy on Change.org while others requested the government to take action. IBA’s Head of Marketing and Communication Haris Tohid told SAMAA Digital that the policy has been issued to “instill clear the severity of the coronavirus pandemic among students and highlight the importance of behaving responsibly on campus given the prevailing situation”. He said this will act as a reinforcement for students to attend classes regularly and not use a suspected flu as an excuse for their absences. “This will basically make sure that the students are strictly following the SOPs.”
