JUCSU presses for 13-point academic reforms

Jahangirnagar University Central Students’ Union (JUCSU) staged a sit-in on Sunday demanding immediate implementation of 13 measures to reform the university’s academic system and protect students’ academic rights.

The programme was held in front of the university’s new Registrar Building in the afternoon.

The demands include implementing academic calendar, increasing thesis allocations 20-fold, introducing student research assistantships, teacher evaluation, facilities for students with disabilities, longer institutional email validity and re-evaluation of exam scripts, easier improvement exams, stronger examination administration, special examinations, timely practical exams and improved online academic resources.

JUCSU Assistant Generation Secretary (AGS) Ferdous Al Hasan said students were unable to complete their studies on time due to the university’s failure to implement the academic calendar. 

He also called for increased research funding and opportunities for students to engage in research.

JUCSU Genereal Secretary (GS) Mazharul Islam said the union had been pursuing the demands since its formation and that the Academic Council had accepted most of them at its latest meeting.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said the demands were relevant but noted that the university faced financial constraints due to its dependence on government funding. 

He said the administration would prioritise increasing allocations for students and researchers and provide maximum support within its resources.

MT/JJ