State universities to open their doors for students and staff once more: UGC Chairman
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has given approval to begin academic activities in all state universities, under different phases and strict health guidelines.
UGC Chairman Prof. Sampath Amaratunge told Education Times that both vaccinations will be compulsory for students and academic staff to resume work at campuses from tomorrow onwards.
The final arrangements to prepare for the re-opening of universities were discussed at a meeting with all Vice Chancellors, Health Ministry representatives, other university representatives and community medicine teams, held recently.
Prof. Amaratunge said that arrangements will be made to check if the staff and students have obtained both vaccine doses for COVID-19, while a special programme will be organised to ensure that people who have not obtained the vaccines are able to do so.
Campaigns were carried out inside universities to ensure that both vaccines will be taken, and students not put at risk.
Under the plan initially only 25 per cent of students will be allowed in the university premises and only one batch of each faculty will be permitted.
“The Vice Chancellor and the staff can decide on which batch should be called back first to resume educational activities,” he said.
However, if there is a batch which needs to complete its practical examinations to end its academic activities, they will be given preference, he added.
Under the phased–programme, the number of students should be gradually increased to 50, 75 and then 100 per cent while ensuring health precautions.
Prof. Amaratunga said the Health Services Director General has assured that university students will be given a booster dose, which will be the Pfizer vaccine.
Meanwhile as students are due to encounter lodging issues in private homes, the university welfare staff will visit the house owners and explain to them about the safety precautions taken.