No student to be allowed to drop out due to financial difficulties: Habib University

As higher education institutions locally and globally brace to cope with the challenges presented by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Habib University will continue to support its community of students, faculty and staff during these extraordinary times.

This was clearly stated by the President, of the university, Wasif A. Rizvi in a message to the entire Habib community, which followed the pre-scheduled June planning session at the University.

President Rizvi laid out six principles which guide Habib University’s response to the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic:

1. No student will be allowed to drop out due to financial difficulties; students will be given multiple options of support ranging from additional financial aid to deferred fees.

2. Habib University will not increase student fee (tuition or otherwise).

3. Students who a demonstrable need will be provided technology help in the shape of computers, internet connections, etc.

4. Habib University will not reduce full time faculty or staff numbers and will honour all job offers made to new faculty members for the Fall semester.

5. There will be NO reduction in any salaries.

6. The University will invest strongly in acquiring appropriate and effective online platforms and technology to optimize the innovative potential of technology-based learning possibilities.

The university has undertaken technology upgrades, revised logistical planning, instituted robust health and safety protocols, and measures to ensure financial stability in adjusting to Covid-19 induced reality.

In addressing these challenges, the students’ support has been a foremost priority. The university has ensured that its students, many of whom have been affected by a lessening of means in their households, are able to continue with their education despite philanthropic support to the University being adversely affected due to reduced resources and competing priorities for supporters.

President Rizvi noted that such uncertainty was beyond any model of forecasting or projections, however, “Habib University’s institutional fabric is strong enough to withstand such unpredictability.”