SIO AMU writes to the AMU V-C on resuming on-campus classes

The Students Islamic Organisation (SIO) of India AMU Chapter has written a letter to the Vice-Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University for phased re-opening of the university and resuming the on-campus offline classes in the varsity.

The letter argued that the online mode of teaching and learning could not be a permanent substitute to the offline learning and that the administration should take it on a serious note that the online learning suffers from many handicaps likes unstable internet connection, long-duration exposure to the digital screens causing irritation to the students and teachers alike.

The letter was written in the wake of recent order from university administration mandating online teaching in the even semester. The letter reads:

Professor Tariq Mansoor
Vice-Chancellor
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh

Subject: Re-opening of varsity in a phase-wise manner.

Assalāmu ʿalaykum wa rahmatullāhi wa barakātuhū

Respected Sir,

This is to bring your kind attention towards a very important issue, i.e., reopening of the varsity in a phase-wise manner to ensure the commencement of the even semester in offline mode.

The COVID-19 has affected the lives of everyone but it has hit hard on the students most. From internet connectivity to the continuous strain on eyes due to excessive use of screens to fulfill study requirements has not only took a heavy toll on the physical health of students but also mental. Online mode of study can be a temporary aid but not a permanent substitute for offline classes and laboratories. The administration must take it seriously as the outcomes of prolonged online studies are grave.

I, hereby suggest some points which would be appropriate regarding the issues and must be given thought and implemented as soon as possible: -

• Release plan for campus reopening under the UGC guidelines.
• Initiate the phased return of the students to the university.
• Ensure all the required arrangements and measures regarding COVID-19.

I hope you will look into the matter as soon as possible and will release a plan immediately.

Thanking you in anticipation.                                                                                                                   

Wassalām

Yours Sincerely
Talha Mannan
President, SIO AMU