Dr. Muhammad Rizwan Shad, Dean, Faculty of Engineering chaired a strategic meeting convened to address the admission challenges faced by Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) students and to develop effective measures to enhance their enrolment in undergraduate engineering programs at UCP.
The meeting brought together Heads of Departments from various technical colleges, who shared valuable insights into the key obstacles encountered by DAE students during the admission process and their transition into university-level education. Discussions focused on identifying barriers to entry, improving awareness, and implementing targeted initiatives to facilitate their access to higher education.
Key Resolutions and Proposed Initiatives:
· Awareness & Counseling: Organizing seminars and counseling sessions to guide DAE students on career opportunities in engineering.
· Admission Policy Revisions: Exploring modifications in admission policies to ensure a smoother transition for diploma holders.
· Bridging Courses: Introducing preparatory courses to strengthen the academic foundation of DAE students before they enter undergraduate programs.
· Curriculum Alignment: Collaborating with technical institutes to align diploma curricula with university-level requirements.
· Dedicated Entry Test: Proposing a separate entry test specifically designed for DAE students seeking admission to UCP engineering programs.
· Financial Support: Recognizing financial constraints as a significant barrier, the attendees urged the introduction of scholarships and fee concessions to encourage DAE students to pursue higher education.
· Ongoing Engagement: Emphasizing the importance of continuous interactive sessions not only for students but also for faculty members of DAE institutes to strengthen academic collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a strong resolve to advance these initiatives, ultimately contributing to the development of skilled engineering professionals and the overall growth of the sector.