IBA’s New Attendance Policy Regarding COVID-19 Draws Criticism

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi draws widespread criticism after informing its students through an official notice that if they contract coronavirus, they will not be given any leeway in attendance.

According to IBA’s new Covid-19 guidelines shared in an official email, students will not be given any leeway in attendance if they contract coronavirus.

The guidelines state that the “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 Institute would like to remind its students that although Covid-19 cases are declining in the country, it is by no means over. Any carelessness on our part is likely to increase the spread of the virus,” the official email said, further adding that following standard operating produces (SOPs) and preventive measures for curbing the spread of the virus was crucial.

“All students are requested to follow safety measures such as wearing a mask on campus, frequent washing and sanitising of hands, avoiding all forms of physical contact and maintaining a physical distance of three to six feet with others,” it read, adding a link for the new SOPs that will be in place once the varsity opens.

According to the institute’s attendance policy that came into effect on January 15, every full-time student is required to attend at least 83 percent of the sessions of each course in which they are enrolled.

This means students, for the upcoming semester will not be allowed to miss more than two classes for some courses while for others a maximum of five absences are allowed.

“A failure to maintain attendance up to the mandatory 83pc mark will result in the student being awarded an ‘F’ grade in the attendance deficient course,” the policy states.

Many took to social media criticizing IBA Karachi’s attendance policy announced during the global pandemic.