By Saadikah Hameed
GOMBAK, 29 April 2015: The Office of the Deputy Rector (Internationalisation & Industry and Community Relations) conducted an interactive session between the Deputy Rector, Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout, and his team with the International undergraduate students on Tuesday (28 April).
Students are the assets of this University, therefore it’s their right for their problems to be catered. It is only when the students put more pressure on the Management, measures will be taken. Hence, an interactive session between the Board of Directors and International students specifically was conducted to highlight the shortcomings and problems faced by them.
The session involved Director, Office of Industrial Links, Dr. Amir Akramin Shafie, Director, Alumni and Career Services Division, Dr. Wahabuddin Ra’ees, Director, Office of International Affairs, Madam Hasleena Mohamad Arsad, Director / Special Officer, Office of the Deputy Rector IICR, Dr. Bachir Soulhi, and a few others.
It was a full house at the Senate Hall with determined students, eagerly anticipating to voice their concerns and suggestions. Quite a few number of the spectators brought about the smoking issue in campus, wherein they’re finding it increasingly difficult to manage as the number of smokers and smoker spots in IIUM has increased. Few other concerns raised were regarding the early closing of the gates of female Mahallahs, and the recent ‘Gate 3 rule’ was also voiced out, pleading to revise the policy as it consumed more time and money.
Upon being asked whether the student visa price will increase, Madam Hasleena announced that the renewal process will not be under the Malaysian Immigration authorities any more, but under EMGS (Education Malaysia Global Services) and that they are yet to receive the confirmed price for student visa renewal.
Dr. Abdelaziz Berghout remarked that he was happy to have conducted this session for it brought down many barriers between the students and the Administration and that all the issues that were addressed will be noted and discussed with the respective officers in charge.***