(Page updated on 21st March, 2021)
Preamble
1. Spring 2021 Semester is commencing from Monday 22th March 2021. Due to the continuing pandemic situation HEC has already given guidelines to all HEIs/DAIs for resumption of academic activities on their campuses. In the light of these guidelines, DSU has formulated this policy for the conduct of Spring 2021 semester. However, same may be reviewed/revised depending on the evolving situation (HEC COVID-19 Policy).
2. The COVID-19 Policy of DHA Suffa University is based on following themes:
a. We have to learn to continue living with COVID-19 in the foreseeable future and excel in performing our functions effectively.
b. Pakistan has been able to continuously avoid major damage to the Economy through adoption of “Smart Lockdown” Policy instead of Complete Lockdown.
c. Education is amongst the few sectors which have not fully resumed its activity, whereas economy needs workforce.
d. Universities need to function and must be opened to students as soon as possible for provision of high-end employees as workforce (with quality education) with all possible / pragmatic COVID-19 protocols.
e. Safety of the Students, Faculty and Staff must remain supreme/top priority during all activities at the University Premises / Campuses as well as in Transportation.
f. The success of the implementation of COVID-19 Policy will depend on the unflinching cooperation by all stakeholders i.e., Students, Parents, Faculty and Staff. This support comprises of full commitment to the following broad directives;
i. Use of Facial Mask while on DSU campuses and elsewhere outdoors at public places.
ii. Observing Social Distancing as per the national directives and as notified on premises.
iii. Washing or sanitizing hands frequently during the day to avoid carrying virus
iv. Voluntary Declaration/Isolation/Staying Home on suspicion of having being infected with COVID-19 virus and notifying the DSU Medical Officer.
v. Following Instructions and Directives religiously and with a patriotic resolve.
Precondition for Returning to University
3. All the returning students have to submit a Health Declaration which states that they are in good health (or, whether they have any health condition), and whether they have undergone any COVID-19 testing and/or treatment during the closure period. All students desiring access to the campus premises will be facilitated by the Designated Authority and their departments.
4. All members of the campus community, including faculty, staff, and students, are expected to adhere to the Guidelines in order to protect the health of its students, faculty, and staff.
Reopening of Campuses / Invitation to Students / Arrival Protocol
5. The University will be inviting all its students to campus for classes such that they have regular but longer intervals in their visits to the premises. There are certain groups of students that cannot progress without face-to-face engagement such as in lab courses to fulfill their psychomotor skill development, final year students working on their design and make engineering projects, doctoral scholars requiring consultation with supervisors or access to their research labs. While ensuring their safe access, this semester the University has also set the goal to resume university campus education for all students but with smart scheduling of classes for each student through the following measures;
a. Campus student strength is not to go above 50% of the total DSU student population at any particular time during working hours. It will be monitored through a central dashboard populated with all program timetables and class strengths.
b. Department are to design their Classes’ Schedules such that their own student density on campus does not peak more than 50% of their overall student strength at any time of the day.
c. Class Student Strength on campus can reach the maximum number as much permitted after ensuring social distancing protocol as per COVID-19 SOPs. At the same time an online class could have up to 100 students per session.
d. Online sessions accommodating up to 100 students per session are managed through Zoom and/or MS Teams and DSU Moodle LMS platform, encouraging and facilitating merging of smaller sections of a course taught by one faculty member as a single section.
e. All Graduate classes having smaller strength will be accommodated on campus by the respective departments.
6. Voluntary Option for Online Learning is being extended to the students so as to further decrease the student footfall on DSU campuses. Students are being given the liberty to opt for online learning in coordination with their department if their course can be taught online without compromising on quality. Such arrangements are visible in the available timetables of all programs.
7. Campus Support for Online Classes is provided by the University to those students that have difficulty in studying online due to lack of internet and/or power at their homes. The departments will welcome these students on campus to avail facilitation to attend their online lectures on campus by using DSU computing platforms available in department labs, library and through uninterrupted free WiFi throughout the campus premises. Needless to say that these students will have to abide by the COVID-19 SOPs and also provide their Health Declaration to gain access to campus and its facilities.
8. On-Campus and Online availability of Teachers is ensured in designated student counselling hours. Students studying online will also have the option to come to campus for a Q&A session with their teachers once a week after appointment and information to the Designated Authority by their department. For students attending classes on campus, classrooms have been prepared such that social distancing protocols are met.
9. On campus Implementation of COVID-19 SOPs through the Control, Command and Coordination Cell as well as an Implementation Committee will be carried out by DSU administration and it is to be followed by all stake holders in letter and spirit.
10. DSU first Hostel facility opened its doors to students at the DCK Campus from Fall 2020 semester. The accommodation space and amenities within also require SOPs for safe living which are shared with the hostel borders upon arrival.
11. An upgrade in the DHA Suffa University COVID-19 Policy for opening its doors to students of all semesters for more on-campus classes (allowing higher student density per hour on campus) will depend on the improvement in the regional COVID – 19 pandemic parameters and resulting directives from the Government/ HEC/ CIEC.
Teaching Arrangements
12. Teaching for new and returning undergraduates will begin as planned from 22nd March 2021. Different plans are in place for students of different departments. Keeping in view the HEC directives, particularly the density thresholds relative to campus spaces and infrastructure, and success in implementing the safety protocols, only a subset of students can be accommodated on campus at a particular hour during a working day because of safety consideration.
13. Teaching Modes: The University has remained flexible in adopting a multiplicity of approaches for imparting education to students. These include various combinations of Face-to-Face and Distance learning modes, including Blended and Hybrid learning. The choice of options depends on three major considerations:
a. Certain courses can be taught completely Online without any compromise in quality of content delivered. This will be enabled through the diversity of synchronous and asynchronous student engagement, which was the norm in Spring and Fall 2020 semesters this year.
b. Certain courses need Blended Learning; some portion of class students on campus as expected through a possibility of diverse mix between students consenting and not consenting for campus learning and the rest online from home.
c. Certain courses have to be taught or demonstrated on campus including laboratory and practical work.
14. Class Composition: Some of the classes will be held face-to-face, as in the pre-COVID era. However, in some cases, a Hybrid learning mode will be followed in which some students will be sitting in class while others will be following the class through online video conferencing platforms such as Zoom, MS Teams which were effectively used in Spring and Fall 2020 semesters. The student mix in a class on campus will be dependent on the consent response of students in that class.
15. Class Size: Social distancing requirements have implications on the physical space needed to run a face-to-face class. Therefore, depending on the class/section strength the entire class may be split into smaller sizes to ensure the implementation of COVID-19 SOPs. The University COVID-19 Policy dictates that overall strength of students having on-campus classes at any time of a regular day must be halved by every department. Therefore, more physical classrooms become vacant and available to fulfil the need for extra classrooms on campus through proper scheduling of classes.
Note
16. In case of any difficulty in comprehending the implementation of the COVID-19 Policy, the relevant bodies have been mandated by the Vice Chancellor to execute their functions. They should be consulted through the head of department or student advisor designated by the department.
17. In case of any conflict, the University ruling through the relevant body will be considered and the final authority and jurisdiction will be with the Vice Chancellor, DHA Suffa University.
18. The University reserves the right to update / amend this policy without prior intimation to the University community in order to comply to the directives of the DHA/ HEC/ SHEC/ CIEC or the Government in order to remain compliant to the prevalent laws, rulings and directives.
(Page updated on 1st October, 2020)
COVID-19 SOPs
– Come wearing a mask and preferably carry your own sanitizer, soap and one more extra mask.
– Your temperature will be checked at gate. So keep discipline in line with physical distance with other students.
– Maintain safe social distance from others.
– Do not shake hands with anyone.
– Preferable bring your own drinking water and food items.
– Avoid touching door knobs and he staircase handrails. If you do, please sanitize immediately.
– Use your elbow or handkerchief while sneezing or coughing.
– In case of any medical query consult Medical Authority as soon as possible at DSU.
– If you are having cough, fever or flu then don’t come to University.
– If anyone of you recently came from another country or from outside of Karachi, please quarantine yourself for one week. If you are perfectly ok then join University.
– University is on but do not hang out together or arrange parties. Be aware and cautious.
COVID National Updates
COVID International Updates
COVID Advice
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
https://www.coronatracker.com/prevention/
COVID Live Meter
(Page updated on 23rd October, 2020)
Important Telephone Numbers – DSU
S. No. | Office / Rank | Phone/Cell No. |
---|---|---|
1 | PA to Vice-Chancellor | 021-35244875 Ext. 106
0345-2770847 |
2 | PA to Registrar & Pro Vice-Chancellor | 021-35244866 Ext. 141
0321-8992494 |
3 | PA to Dean | 021-35244862 Ext. 108
0300-2595782 |
4 | PA to Admin & Security Officer | 021-35244860 Ext. 146
0300-2531864 |
5 | Medical Officer | 0321-2306551 |
6 | Manager IT | 021-35244853-4 Ext. 142 |
7 | Executive Maintenance Engineer | 021-35859603 Ext. 221
0306-5373088 |
8 | PA to Maintenance Officer | 021-35859603 Ext. 175
0346-3130936 |
9 | Admin Coordinator | 021-35244860
0301-2551418 |
10 | Junior Admin Assistant | 021-35244860
0344-2412896 |
11 | Security Supervisor | 0345-4463405 |
12 | Transport | 0321-3680021
0302-2174333 0315-2557391 |
13 | The Indus Hospital | 021-35112709-17 |
14 | DHA Medical Centre | 021-35344201 |
15 | Aga Khan Hospital | 021-111-911-911 |
16 | Liaquat National Hospital And Medical College | 021-111-456-456 |
17 | South City Hospital | 021- 35862301 |
(Page updated on 19th March, 2021)
Working Hours
During this period, the official timings of the University will be followed as under:
– Monday to Friday 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Program Timetables
(Page updated on 22nd October, 2020)
DHA CITY KARACHI (DCK) CAMPUS
Department of Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
Department of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
MAIN CAMPUS
Department of Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
Master of Engineering (Electrical)
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Master of Engineering (Mechanical)
Department of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)
Bachelor of Science (Software Engineering)
Master of Science (Computer Science)
Department of Management Sciences
Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Science (Accounting and Finance)
Master of Business Administration
Master of Science (Management Sciences)
Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
(Page updated on 23rd October,2020)
DSU is providing a safe transport facility for its Students and Faculty members ensuring all COVID related SOP’s for both Main Campus and DHA City Karachi (DCK) campus.
DSU possesses a sufficient number of transport buses including HINO buses, Coasters, HIACE etc. covering all major parts of the city at market compatible fee.
For transport related queries, contact:
– Lt. Col(Retd). Ghulam Dastagir, Mechanical Transport Officer . His contact number is 0321-3680021
– DSU also employees a designated transport contractor Mr. Shahid. His contact number is 0302-2174333
– Transport incharge, Mr. Ayaz can be contacted on 0315-2557391
(Page updated on 31st January, 2021)
COVID-19 and Mental Health
It’s OK to not be OK right now.
This situation can often be scary and sad and just plain awful. Anyone- students, staff, and faculty- can benefit from additional support.
Please know that DHA Suffa University is always here for you so please be there for each other as well.
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for many people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause a wide range of thoughts, reactions, and emotions.
Common Reactions during COVID-19 could be anxiety, worry, feelings of helplessness, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating and sleeping, anger and race/Identity related stress.
Things you can do during COVID in order to save your mental health:
While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our wellbeing during such times.
– Keep things in perspective. Limit worry and agitation by decreasing your COVID-19 information intake. Although you should get the facts and stay informed, remember to take a break and focus on the positive in your life or things you have control over.
– Stay Healthy. Adopt healthy hygienic habits: wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer frequently, cover your mouth if you sneeze or cough, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
– Seek Help. If your anxiety or worry is feeling overwhelming, seek additional help from our counselor to find out more information or to schedule an appointment.
Hours of Operation and Services
While our university acts to keep our community safe in response to COVID-19, Counseling Center is open and continuing to support the campus community.
– New hours of operation: Monday to Friday 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
– If you have a mental health concern and would like to speak with a counselor, please call 021-35244853 (Ext#352) or 0092-3342553421 to schedule a phone appointment or email at counseling.center@dsu.edu.pk , so that we may determine how to best assist you.
FAQ’s
Q. Who may use counseling services?
A. DHA Suffa University graduate and undergraduate students are eligible for our counseling services. Family of students may also be seen but only as part of family counseling. Faculty and staff may access counselor for consultation regarding student concerns.
Q. Is the Counseling Center open?
A. Our physical office space is closed in accordance with recommendations, however we remain available to support students. All counseling services are being provided via videoconference or phone. To schedule an appointment, call 0092-3342553421. Consultation hours are Monday to Friday 08:30 am to 04:30 pm
Q. Does counseling really works?
A. For most students, counseling does help students make the most of the university experience, both personally and academically. Meeting with a counselor is a chance to explore one’s hopes and fears, and determine possible courses of action or resolution in a calm, objective and confidential setting.
Q. What if I don’t have the technology to use the virtual counseling session?
A. Contact the Counseling Center number (021-35244853 (Ext#352) or 0092-3342553421) and speak with a counselor on the phone.
– Calls that cannot be answered immediately will be returned within 24 business hours.
Q. Will my discussion with the counselor be confidential?
A. Yes. All conversation and even the fact that you have seen a counselor is kept strictly confidential. With few exceptions, we do not communicate with your friends, professors, parents, or family without your written consent. There are some exceptions to confidentiality, however. If there is the possibility of harm to the student or another person, Counselor is mandated to report certain information to the appropriate authorities.
Q. How frequent are sessions?
A. Based on best practices, the frequency of counseling sessions has transitioned from biweekly sessions to weekly sessions, to increase the benefits of counseling.
Q. I am really worried about my studies and I’m feeling very anxious, help?
A. This is a very anxious time for everyone and it’s normal to be experiencing feelings of worry, distress and even panic. There is telephone help and support available via the Counseling Center Services, you can email us on counseling.center@dsu.edu.pk or contact us at 021-35244853 (Ext#352) or 0092-3342553421.
Q. Where is Counseling Center located?
A. Counseling Center is located in DHA Suffa University room no. GF-033.
Q. What other services are offered?
A. In addition to individual counseling, consultation, workshops, and walk in hours, referrals to other departments on campus such as the Dean Office, Career Services, SSCC, Academic Support, etc. are frequently made. Group counseling may be offered based on need and availability. Lastly, we offer crisis support and referral options.
Q. What concerns are addressed in counseling?
A. Students present a range of concerns including (but certainly not limited to): classroom performance, depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, stress management, family or personal crises, interpersonal conflict with friends, or romantic partners, educational or vocational ambiguity, drug use, suicidal thoughts, concern about a friend, and other developmental issues. The number one reason that students access Counseling Center is “Stress and Anxiety”.
Counseling center operates on a short term, solution-focused therapy model, referrals to outside providers may be appropriate for issues that exceed our scope of care or current resources.
Please speak with your counselor if you have any more questions.
(Page updated on 31st January, 2021)
Admission Process Guidelines
1. Go to the website
2. Choose your degree program and read admission criteria/eligibility
3. Know the critical dates
4. Fill out your application : http://admissions.dsu.edu.pk/apply/
5. Upload required documents and submit the application
6. Receive an e-voucher via SMS and email mentioning payment/ transaction ID. Pay the application fee through online banking, over the cash counter payment, easy paisa etc. by using the unique payment/ transaction ID
7. Receive an e-admit card notifying test date & time
8. Appear in online computer-based admission test from home and online admission selection interview (if applicable)
9. Receive and print out your Notification of Selection Result
10. Receive an offer letter, supporting documents and payment voucher
11. Send the admission acceptance along with the required documents and payment receipt to DSU Admissions Office
Admission Updates
– Due to current pandemic situation, and prohibition of large gatherings, only applicants are permitted to visit the University Admissions Office during visiting hours i.e. Monday to Friday 08:30 am to 04:30 pm subject to adhering to strict SOPs like mandatory wearing of masks, sanitizers, transparent water bottles etc.
– DSU is conducting virtual Ad-CHAT sessions – for college students & parents to interact with our Faculty and Admissions Representative, who will also walk you through our admissions process and answer all your queries in person!
It’s a unique one-on-one opportunity for you to interact with us, know more about the DSU/DHA education legacy, and get personalized academic advice from the comfort of your home.
Register now to book your meeting slot at: Ad-CHAT
FAQs
Q. Are campus tours / visits cancelled? Until when?
A. Campus tours / visits are open now only for applicants during visiting hours i.e. Monday to Friday 08:30 am to 04:30 pm subject to adhering to strict SOPs like mandatory wearing of masks, sanitizers, transparent water bottles etc.
Q. How can I get general updates about DSU?
A. Visit our resource pages for the most up-to-date and accurate information about our robust curriculum for Business, Engineering & Computer Sciences Degree Programs, Labs, Faculty, Industry-linkages, Placements, Financial Aids, transport and much more.
Q. Are you still processing applications?
A. Yes – Admissions Office is continuing to process applications as usual. The process is now undertaken online completely.
Q. Will I be eligible to apply if my final year exams / results are delayed due to the COVID-19 threat?
A. Yes, all those candidates whose Intermediate / A level / Equivalent exams / results are delayed due to the COVID-19 threat are eligible to apply for admissions at DSU on the basis of their Intermediate first year / AS level / Equivalent initial year(s) results.
Q. Will students be given an option to test in an online forum for their admission keeping in view the current situation where students cannot make it to an in person session?
A. Yes, this year the computer-based admission test is online from home.
Q. Are you a test-flexible University?
A. Yes, DSU is a test-flexible University. If one have a valid NEDUET (current year), NTS or SAT scores, he/she may be exempted from DSU Admission Test only if his/her composite scores meet the merit cut-off of the chosen program. However, candidates who do not have good enough NEDUET/ SAT/ NTS scores will be advised to appear in the DSU Admissions Test for better chances of securing admission.
Q. What can I submit in replacement if I do not have any required documents from the checklist of the application form?
A. An undertaking is required if the candidate is unable to provide any required document from the checklist that the missing document will be submitted within the specified time given by the authority.
Q. Is it possible to make changes to the online application after submitting it?
A. No, you cannot make changes to the application once it is submitted. However, you can send a request to Admissions Office for desired changes in your application details.
Q. How do I know if my application was submitted?
A. When the application is submitted you will receive an email notifying you that your application has been submitted. At that time, you can continue to check the status of your application through the link provided in the email.
Q. When will I receive an admission decision?
A. Merit lists are published on the University website and successful candidates are notified of their admission status via email & text message.
Admission letters are sent through postal mail.
Q. Can I defer my offer of admission?
A. Yes, you may defer your admission to the next semester since the test scores are valid for consecutive semester. A request is to be submitted at the Admissions Office for processing.
Q. Who do I contact if I have questions about the application process or any particular program?
A. If you have any question about the application process, please contact the Admissions Office at the details given below:
Ms. Aneela Mansoor, Assistant Registrar (Admissions)
Email: aneela.mansoor@dsu.edu.pk, info@dsu.edu.pk
02135244851-52 & 0324-2444595
Q. Who do I contact If I have question about the application process for Master and PhD programs?
A. If you have any question about the application process, please contact at the details given below:
Ms. Rabia Mumtaz, Manager Postgraduate Programs
Email: rabia.mumtaz@dsu.edu.pk
Note: We’ve answered more general Admission FAQs on Admission FAQs
(Page updated on 3rd February, 2021)
Procedure for the Issuance of Degree
1. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, following ONLINE PROCEDURE is to be followed for the issuance of DEGREE:
a. After filling up the first part of the Degree Form “TO BE FILLED BY THE APPLICANT”, Email its scanned copy to Mr. Junaid Farooq, Office Assistant at junaid.farooq@dsu.edu.pk with CC to Ms. Arshia Haqqani, Assistant Registrar (Academics) at arshia.haqqani@dsu.edu.pk and a.registrar.acad@dsu.edu.pk Cell No. 0302-0241679 / 021-35244858. ( Please attach the copy of Final Transcript)
b. On receipt of your Form, you will receive a return email mentioning the amount of Degree fee that needs to be paid by you.
c. For payment of Degree Fee please contact Mr. Elwyn Matthews, Office Assistant, Accounts at emathews@dsu.edu.pk Cell No. 0346-3244745.
d. Fifteen days after the receipt of your payment, you will be contacted by the Registration Department that will inform you when and how to receive you degree.
2. Please note that once the University becomes physically operational, the existing procedure for the issuance of Degree will be followed.
Procedure for the Clearance and Issuance of Final Transcript
1. Due to COVID-19 Pandemic, following ONLINE PROCEDURE is to be followed for CLEARANCE and the issuance of FINAL TRANSCRIPT (Forms are attached with this Email):
(Note: These Forms can be downloaded from the DSU Website https://www.dsu.edu.pk/graduating-students/)
a. After filling up the first part of CLEARANCE FORM (Form No. DHA/DSU/EXAM/CF/F-01/VER-I), Email its scanned copy to Mr. Sohail Ahmed Khan, Office Assistant at sohail.khan@dsu.edu.pk with CC to Ms. Arshia Haqqani, Assistant Registrar (Academics) at arshia.haqqani@dsu.edu.pk and a.registrar.acad@dsu.edu.pk Cell No. 0302-0241679
b. At the same time, after filling up the first part of the FINAL TRANSCRIPT ISSUANCE FORM (Form No. DHA/DSU/EXAM/FT/F-02/VER-II), Email its scanned copy to Mr. Iftikhar Masih, Assistant Controller of Examinations at iftikhar.masih@dsu.edu.pk Cell No. 0345-2953538.
c. Fifteen days after Email of both the Forms, you will be contacted by the Examinations Department that will inform you when and how to receive your Final Transcript.