The Universiti Malaya Students’ Union (Umsu) is unhappy with an apparent U-turn by authorities over allowing students the option to continue with online classes.
In a statement today, the Umsu leadership called for more flexibility to accommodate students who may need to take up the option.
“On April 8, 2022, the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences has already issued a statement where they allow the implementation of online classes for the semester. However the statement was withdrawn on April 9, 2022, as a result of interference by the university administration,” claimed Umsu.
It said that the demand from students not to require face-to-face classes, especially from non-technical streams, was rational and feasible.
“The decision taken by the university administration is unreasonable because it was made by ignoring the needs of the students.
“Umsu would also like to take this opportunity to represent students from the faculty to express appreciation to the faculty management for its consideration and the cooperation given to them in order to ensure the welfare of his students.
Umsu said it would like to reaffirm that it is not against the implementation of face-to-face classes and that most of its own leadership have stated to the management of their respective faculties that they are ready to return to campus for face-to-face classes on Week 8 of the current semester.
“However, we demand that UM students, especially from the non-technical stream be given the freedom to choose their mode of learning for this semester.
“This claim is made after taking into account the planning and preparation that has been made by students at the beginning of the semester based on announcements by some faculties that have started the implementation of fully online classes for the semester.”
Umsu said that notices for face-to-face classes should be issued before the semester begins so that students can make initial preparations, such as searching for lodging and so on.
“This late notice only makes it difficult for students when they need to focus on academic commitment rather than searching for accommodation and transport during this period,” it said.
Umsu claimed its leaders were told in a previous meeting that exceptions would be considered, but it has now been clarified that only international students with travel restrictions as well as students with health problems could apply for an exemption.
“This is the reason for Umsu to take a firm stand especially when the decision is irrational to final year students, students from Sabah and Sarawak as well as students who will undergo training in industries in other states.
“They are mostly forced to sign rental housing contracts for one year although physical classes will only be implemented for less than three months,” said Umsu.
Umsu also urged the university administration to issue clear SOPs and guidelines for teaching and learning as well as face-to-face examinations.
“The university must provide alternative guidelines for face-to-face examinations in the event of Covid-19 cases on campus soaring,” it said.
Malaysiakini has contacted Universiti Malaya for a response to the matter. - Mkini
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