On February 23rd 2022, a student town hall with the Executive Director was arranged at the G&T Auditorium, IBA Main Campus. The aim of this was to equip students with the chance to voice their troubles, provide recommendations. In turn, they would be able to acquire a more suitable atmosphere for all pupils at IBA.
Along with the Executive Director, Dr Akbar Zaidi, The Interim Dean of Student Affairs, Rahma Muhammad Mian and Dr Babar Qureshi were also attending in order to acknowledge and answer student queries.
The students availed the option to present many of their problems regarding student common rooms and smoking etc.
Unyielding Ligature:
As aforementioned, spatial matters have been a persistent crisis for IBA students. Many spoke about the lack of places for students to relax when they don’t have classes. One suggested the construction of common rooms in every building in order to create a comfortable environment for students. The response was positive as The Executive Director assured the students this was a work in progress.
There was also a protest against surveillance in the town hall, considering it was brought up in the previous one. One proposed the idea of employing more female patrols. However, they were quick to be called out on the irony since it was still supervision.
Smoking was also brought up in regards to the surveillance matter. Numerous students pointed out the discomfiting sense of being watched in the smoking area. However, the interim dean of student affairs pointed out the importance of cleanliness since the smoking area is often loaded like a sponge in water with buds. Moreover, on the notion of passive smoking, they said they would look to create a secluded spot for smoking on campus.
The Ethics of IBA:
One of the most significant issues discussed in the recent town hall was consent and privacy. One student brought up how the staff sometimes captures images of students, without their consent, as evidence when students are not following the rules.
Consent and anti-harassment workshops were also recommended. The Executive Director mentioned how the workshops for faculty were already launched and mandatory but they will consider student workshops too.
One student from the girl’s hostel talked about the intrusive camera within the hostel and how it was an invasion of privacy. Moreover, a ventilation system for the girl’s hostel was also requested under the topic of heat. The Dean of Student Affairs assured them she would look into it and asked for a separate meeting to discuss troubles arising in the girl’s hostel.
Further Cases of Discussion:
The coming heat of Karachi was touched upon as well as the food prices. Students asked for shaded areas on campus and healthier, affordable meal options.
Social Sciences students also seized the opportunity to ask for better exposure in the town hall. In comparison to their batch mates, social sciences are not given course trips. On the subject, the Dean of Student Affairs ensured them they would be given more possibilities in the future.
Denouement or Not?
On the whole, the town hall was a cluster of everything. Students presented problems, gave tips and were given a guarantee by the faculty. However, will assurance all that will be given to us? Will the faculty work with the students to untie the clump of tribulations we face on a daily basis? Maybe, maybe not.
Although it is unfair to say the Town Hall was not a great initiative to make IBA better. Still, problems continue to prevail.
Hopefully, this town hall will achieve its true aims, backed by actions of the faculty rather than just concocted words. In the end, we all just want to see IBA become a better place for students, in general.
