WE kindly draw attention to the statement issued by Thomas Samuel, titled “Be compassionate, provide moratorium for private varsity students”, published in The Vibes today.
The Vice-Chancellors’ Council for Private Universities (VCCPU) would like to reiterate our commitment and support extended to students of private higher learning institutions to alleviate the predicament they face due to the pandemic.
There are many initiatives taken by members of VCCPU, subject to policies and capacities.
It is important to highlight that many private universities have granted flexibility to students in terms of a moratorium and waivers on accommodation, student activity, library and other fees, as and when required.
In addition, many private universities provide exemptions for students to take quizzes, tests and examinations, allowing them to receive their results even if they have outstanding fees.
In some cases, students are allowed to proceed to the following semester if they pay only a portion of their outstanding fees. These measures have contributed positively towards the continuity of teaching and learning endeavours in these uncertain times.
As part of our commitment to ensure effective learning, which is being conducted mostly online, members of VCCPU have taken the initiative to provide gadgets, such as notebooks and tablets, in addition to data plans, for students to navigate the learning process amid the pandemic.
Furthermore, higher learning institutions have managed to secure financial support, scholarships and bursaries catering to deserving students, especially those from the B40 group, that will further lighten their burden.
Realising the Covid-19 outbreak could impact the welfare and well-being of students on campus, private universities took the proactive step of providing meals and basic necessities for students throughout the movement control order last year.
We should also look at the involvement of these universities in Op Hantar Pulang Pelajar, spearheaded by the government, including the Higher Education Ministry.
Many universities have committed their resources, in terms of manpower and transport. Some of them even went the extra mile by undertaking the responsibility of serving as departure centres for the various zones.
All initiatives, as highlighted above, are part of the commitment of private universities to support the noble call made by the prime minister and higher education minister to protect the interest of students, and to ensure they are able to continue their education and graduate, despite the challenging environment we are in. – The Vibes, February 3, 2021
Prof Datuk Kamal Nasharuddin Mustapha is secretary-general of VCCPU
