Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Student Handbook
Student Handbook
2010
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Today, you are about to turn the most important leaf in the book
of your life. The coming years will shape your career, character,
consciousness, and calling. Wise investments of time, zeal, and
zest during these years will yield rewards for the rest of your lives.
Here, you will be part of a community that believes research to be an integral part of academic excellence.
We have pioneered high caliber research in the fields of Renewable Energy and Bioinformatics-Stem Cells.
These fields are not only of great academic value, they are also of huge significance to our country’s energy
and scientific independence.
To practice Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto’s precept of spreading the light of education to every
nook and corner of Pakistan, SZABIST has introduced Autonomous Learning Initiative (ALI) which will
enable us to reach remote and literacy deprived areas all across Pakistan through internet video conferencing,
allowing fully interactive virtual classroom and laboratory sessions.
At SZABIST, you will be part of a lively and energetic student body, and I urge you to join, participate, and
take leadership roles in all the activities which will make your college experience memorable, productive,
and purposeful.
Once again, I welcome you personally, and on behalf of the SZABIST community to embark on a journey
which beacons, “discover yourselves”!
The second item on my list is ‘Institutional Research’ (IR). IR is rather different from the academic research
mentioned earlier. SZABIST is the only education institution in Pakistan implementing its Quality Control/
Quality Assurance under a dedicated IR office. It provides the framework to ensure that the institution
fulfils its aims and objectives as set out in its founding vision. It uses various instruments to assess qualitatively
and quantitatively the ‘health’ of the institution and its social responsibility to the general community. This
way SZABIST has been able to measure its ‘efficiency’ and hence improve its products and services across
its four campuses.
The last item on my list is cleanliness. Health problems, quality of life, pollution, diseases, and premature
deaths are all symptoms of being unclean.We have started the process of beautification of SZABIST and its
neighborhood; launching awareness campaigns; conducting workshops, seminars and conferences. Perhaps
the most strategic part of the cleanliness drive will be to ensure its sustainability and the means of measuring
the success of the drive.
We all understand the value of education in contemporary society and especially in the interconnected
global economy. While we vigorously pursue this, we also encourage students, faculty and staff to spend
time with family, take part in sports and exercise the mind with recreational activities. The mantra goes
something like this ‘look good, feel good and do good.’
Finally, one day when you look back at your list of memorable moments I know you will truly feel happy
that some of the best times of your life were spent at SZABIST. I wish you both success and happiness in
all your future endeavors.
90 Clifton Building
Reception Desk: at the Entrance (left side) Ground Floor, Room # 01
President’s Office: Ground Floor, Room # 02
Executive Secretary to the President: Ground Floor, Room # 03
Vice President Academics & Dean of Management Sciences: 1st Floor, Room # 26
Personal Assistant to Vice President Academics & Dean of Management Sciences: 1st Floor, Room # 28
Senior Strategic Advisor & Head of Institutional Research: 1st Floor, Room # 20
Institutional Research Department / Quality Enhancement Cell: 1st Floor, Room # 19
BBA Program Coordinator: Ground Floor, Room # 13
BS-Computing Program Coordinator: Ground Floor, Room # 12
MBA Coordinator: 1st Floor, Room # 30
EMBA & BABS Program Coordinator: Ground Floor, Room # 11
MS-Computing Program Coordinator: Ground Floor, Room # 10
Academics Controller: Ground Floor, Room # 04
Examinations Controller: Ground Floor, Room # 05
Records Controller: Ground Floor, Room # 08
Computer Labs (1 & 2): Ground Floor (Front), Room # 06
Computer Labs (3 & 4): Ground Floor (Back), Room # 15
Library: Ground Floor, Room # 09
Classroom # (21, 22, 23, 24, 25): 1st Floor
Classroom # (31, 32): 2nd Floor
Study Room: Ground Floor (Back Area), Room # 16
Faculty Room (Management Sciences): 1st Floor, Room # 29
Girls Common Room: 1st Floor, Room # 33
Academic Support: 1st Floor, Room # 34
Research Analyst / Editor: 1st Floor, Room # 27
Manager Systems: Ground Floor, Room # 07
Head of IT: Ground Floor, Room #14
Conference Room (ALIC): 1st Floor, Room # 35
Auditorium: 2nd Floor, Room # 36
Photocopier Shop: Ground Floor, (Back Area)
Cafeteria & Seating Area: Ground Floor, (Back Area)
Dean, Media Sciences and Social Sciences: 1st Floor, Room # M-24
BS-Media Sciences Program Coordinator: 1st Floor, Room # M-23
BS-Social Sciences Program Coordinator: 2nd Floor, Room # M-31
Media Cage: 1st Floor, Room # M-21
Media Lab: 2nd Floor, Room # M-32
Media Lab: 2nd Floor, Room # M-33
Classroom: Ground Floor (Back Area) Room # 107
Study Room: Ground Floor (Back Area), Room # 108
Student Activity Room: Ground Floor, (Back Area)
Media Faculty Room: 1st Floor, Room # M-22
ZabSolutions: 3rd Floor, Room # M-45
ZabFM 106.6 Radio Station: 3rd Floor, Room # M-42
Photocopier Shop: Ground Floor, (Back Area)
Cafeteria & Seating Area: Ground Floor, (Back Area)
Library is a shared facility for the benefit of all students. Consequently, following polices are in place to
ensure a beneficial learning environment for the student community.
1. A student can borrow two books simultaneously for a period of three days.
2. Borrowed books can be renewed once for an additional period of three days. This can be done
over internet and telephone. For details, see below.
3. Reference books, periodicals, magazines, and newspapers can be consulted only in the library
premises.
4. SZABIST has access to HEC digital library. Students can access all the databases in the HEC
digital library within SZABIST’s premises using the following link:
http://www.digitallibrary.edu.pk/szabistkhi.html
5. Students also have the facility of reserving non-reference books in advance by requesting the
Library Desk via internet (zablis.szabist.edu.pk). To ensure maximum availability of books, a
book can be reserved for three days only and is not renewable.
6. To ensure that students at large continue to benefit effectively from the Library, it is important
that the Library is able to maintain an adequate stock of books in good condition. Hence, the
Library will adhere to the following rules for the replacement and restoration of the books.
Books will be inspected when returned.
7. To ensure a quiet and peaceful study and reading environment in the library, students are
encouraged to carry out group studies, either in the study rooms or the class rooms, and not
in the Library.
8. Librarian has the final authority to cancel or suspend the Library privileges of those students
who fail to respect the right of other students to use the Library in a quiet and peaceful
manner. The suspended students will have to surrender their Library card and will not be
allowed to enter Library premises.
9. To instill a sense of accountability, names of suspended student will be displayed on the notice
board and the library web page.
Timings
9:00 am- 10:00 pm (Mondays-Saturdays)
SZABIST is equipped with state-of-the-art computer facilities with around-the-clock high bandwidth con-
nectivity to the Internet. Moreover, all its campuses are Wi-Fi enabled; as a result, all students with Wi-Fi
enabled devices can access all network resources wirelessly.
In order for all students to benefit equally from the computer lab facilities, following rules are to be fol-
lowed.
Lab availability
• Computer Labs are open to all students for computing and printing facilities from 8:00 am to
10:00 pm from Monday to Saturday.
• To avoid disruptions, students are not allowed to enter the labs while classes are in
progress therein.
• Color printing and laser printing is available at nominal cost.*
• Printing facility is available on a first come, first served basis. To ensure proper closure of the
lab, material for printing will not be accepted half an hour before closing time.
• Students have the facility to buy papers from the photocopying shop for printing in labs.
• Also, to ensure the integrity of the network, students are not allowed to install their own
software programs on SZABIST computers. Should additional software be required to
undertake a course-related assignment, please seek the written approval of the concerned
faculty and contact the Manager Systems well in advance to make arrangements for loading the
software only on specific workstations.
• To handle sudden and abrupt power interruptions, a five minutes power backup is available for
all computers. All users are advised to regularly save their work. Students are also strongly
encouraged to maintain a backup of their data, as the Lab staff will not be responsible for any
loss of data.
*(see annexure B).
All SZABIST students are expected to conduct themselves with responsibility and dignity and adhere to
the Code of Conduct given in a separate section. In addition, while working in the computer labs, the
following rules are applicable.
• To ensure peaceful atmosphere, clean and properly functioning of equipment for all students,
eating, smoking, drinks, use of cell phones and playing video games on SZABIST computers are
not permitted. As a courtesy to your fellow students, you should leave your terminal and the
Lab neat and clean. All trash must be placed in the trash cans provided in the Lab.
For smooth operations of the Labs, while protecting the privacy of information of all users, following rules
are in place:
• For students’ convenience, computer can be reserved depending on the availability of computer
labs.
• Those who have reserved will be given priority for the use of the computer.
• Unless a workstation has been reserved, student working on a particular machine/workstation
has priority.
While all the computers are for the use of the students in the pursuit of their studies, please note that all
the hardware, programs, and software are the property of SZABIST. As a result:
• No one is allowed to make any changes to equipment configuration in any way whatsoever.
• No one is allowed to unplug any cables, connections, terminals, or any other equipment
whatsoever.
• Further, to maintain the integrity of the system, no one is allowed to install any computer
applications, control panels, system extensions, or any other software on the machines without
the explicit permission of the Manager Systems. In the event, when any of the above needs
to be done for academic purposes, please submit an appropriate written request which should
be duly signed by Instructor / Supervisor.
• One is allowed to make changes solely to files in one’s personal folder or a directory in which
one has been specifically authorized to store files.
As noted earlier, students and faculty members can access the Internet e-mail and the powerful serv-
ers in the computer laboratories through wireless from any place in the campus. In order to benefit
from this service, students must register their Wi-Fi devices with the Assistant System Administrator.
Timings
7:30 am - 10:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
Fridays closed during Namaz break
Timings
9:00 am - 10:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
Timings
9:00 am - 10:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
SZABIST is the first university in Pakistan which offers a degree program in Media Sciences for both
Bachelors and Masters, and has an FM radio station on campus (ZabFM 106.6).
To ensure that all students are able to study in a congenial environment and benefit to the maximum
from their hard work, following policies are to be adhered to while working in the Media Labs:
• Media labs are to be used for media related assignments and projects during/after class timings.
• To monitor the use of labs, students are required to use Lab Extra Time Form to sign-in and
sign-out while using the lab during periods beyond the class times.
• Before starting rendering files which would take longer than 15 minutes, students are required
to contact Lab Administrator, who has full authority to stop/disable any rendering any time, if
he deems it necessary.
• To save data, students should use their assigned folders. Anything left on computer desktop will
be removed without any intimation.
• Students should take backup copies of their folders, as the Lab staff will not be responsible for
any loss of data.
• Please note that those who fail to adhere to the above rules to the detriment of other
students and SZABIST, will be subjected to disciplinary action, fine or even asked to pay the
amount of damage caused by them.
• On matters not covered by the above rules, the Media Lab Supervisor’s decision will be final.
For complaints or any other feedback, a register is available in each lab. While giving feedback,
be concise and provide your name, date, and the time.
Timings
8:00 am – 8:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
In order to check-in and check-out any equipment, a valid student picture ID is required.
Students have the facility to reserve the lab with an advance notice of one week or more for
up to 8 hours per week. These eight hours can either be used at a stretch or can be divided
into two four-hour sessions per week. Please note that all reservations should be made
through a lab employee with his/her signatures.
Any reservations without a Lab staff member’s signatures, initials will be “whited” out. Missed
reservations may not be rescheduled, and scamming rules below will be applied. To ensure that
valuable Lab time is not wasted, after a half an hour wait, if unclaimed, the reservation will be
cancelled and the editing space will be given to ANY waiting student.
Media-related equipment is very expensive and in order for all the students to be able to
benefit, it requires special care and handling by everyone. Consequently, any item of the
equipment should not be left unattended at anytime. Student using the equipment or the one
who has borrowed it is solely responsible for the cost of repairing or replacing lost, stolen or
damaged equipment. Further, to maintain the equipment, the labs, and the editing room in
working order, student is also responsible for their condition. Please note that trashing of a
room or abuse of editing equipment can lead to suspension of privileges.
• Students have the right to reserve these equipments for up to 2 days per week. These days
could be consecutive or split up over a week. Please note that cameras are to be returned by
9:00 am on the day they are due. Reserved equipment can be picked up after 9:00 am and will be
kept in the lab till 3:00 pm from Monday - Saturday; after which remaining equipment will be
available to scam.
• To ensure that equipment is available to everyone, as mentioned above, it has to be checked in
by 9:00 am on the due date. Those who fail to adhere to this rule and thus cause problems
for their fellow students will be subject to a “three-strike rule.” Missing the deadline first time
will be counted as one strike resulting in a two-day suspension of cage privileges, the second
strike will entail, loss of editing and media equipment access for one full week. And the third
strike will mean loss of access and remaining privileges for the rest of the semester.
• Regarding the safety and upkeep of the equipment, please note that same rules as specified in
the last bullet of the previous section will apply.
Timings
9:00 am - 5:00 pm- (Mondays – Saturdays) (Media Cage)
The Media Club at SZABIST allows an opportunity to the students to polish and hone their talents. This
educational production house is a great way for the student to learn, execute and convert their creative
ideas into reality.
SZABIST being a not-for-profit Institute believes in equitable social service by providing quality education to
masses.To accomplish this task, SZABIST offers scholarships on merit as well as to needy, deserving candidates.
Merit Scholarships
• There are a number of scholarships, one for each section of each class of BBA, BS, MBA and MS
(Computing) Programs.
• The total amount of scholarship per program per class is equal to a full semester’s tuition fee.
• The eligibility criterion for the merit scholarship is a minimum GPA of 3.50. Scholarships are
awarded from Semester 2 for any program and are renewable for each semester depending on
the student’s performance.
Following Scholarships and Financial Assistance are available to all SZABIST continuing
students:
Please contact the External Affairs Department if you wish to be considered for any of the above.
Timings
9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
• All tuition fees should be paid through cash, cheque, pay order or demand draft at Standard
Chartered Bank (Teen Talwar Branch) during banking hours and obtain a copy of challan for
your records.
• Current tuition fees and all dues for the previous semester are to be submitted at the begin
ning of the semester. The deadline to pay tuition fee is by the end of second week of classes
(end of first week for summer semester) (Saturday by 6.00pm latest).
• Fees paid after due date will have a late surcharge* per course.
• If fee is not paid by the end of fourth week of classes (two weeks for summer semester), the
student will not be allowed to attend classes and appear for the exams.
*(see annexure B).
Timings
8:30 am – 7:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
SZABIST Executive Development Center (EDC) facilitates Internships and placements for all students and
acts as a liaison between the industry and business students. Every semester, well known national and multi-
national firms and financial institutions, contact EDC to conduct their employment tests, interviews and other
on-campus recruitment activities.The EDC also operates a research-based facility to train and develop com-
panies’ human resources; list of EDC’s corporate clients is available at its website (www.edc.szabist.edu.pk).
SZABIST EDC regularly arranges a Corporate Finesse Week comprising of workshop sessions for its
graduating classes across programs. The training sessions and workshops are run by top corporate
trainers and mentors from the industry. Workshop topics generally include: Potential Employers in
Pakistan; Resume Development; Handling Interviews Effectively; What is an office?; Importance of
Business Etiquette; Corporate Dinning Manners; Managing Time; Company Culture; Inter-Gender
Relations at the Work Place; Road Safety etc.
SZABIST holds an annual dinner with its leading alumni and adjunct faculty, particularly those who are
gold medalists or work in top multinational organizations, to network with the corporate world for in-
novative curriculum development, internships, placements, sponsorships and joint activities. This activity is
facilitated/arranged by the Executive Development Center (EDC).
Timings
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
SZABIST Center for Management and Development (CMD) has the following objectives:
• To study the development and management issues within the corporate sector and
governmental/non-governmental organizations.
• To explore the issues in selected areas, conduct in-depth surveys and studies, and propose
recommendations.
• To provide consultancy services to multinationals and international organizations, including
governmental and non-governmental organizations, within and outside Pakistan.
The SZABIST CMD consultants and research scholars are trained in providing consultancy and perform-
ing research using state-of-the-art computational methods, tools, and facilities available at SZABIST.
The CMD publishes a Bi-Annual Report which lists titles of all individual and joint publications by faculty
& students at SZABIST, and is published in January & June every year. It is available in the library as well as
at the SZABIST website.
Video Conferencing
SZABIST invites a number of distinguished speakers at its Dubai, Islamabad and Karachi Campuses. To fully
benefit from the knowledge and expertise of these speakers, attendance for students is mandatory. Those
who fail to attend can be subject to a fine. Given the importance of the occasion, students are expected to
be dressed smartly, with tie being compulsory for all male students. In addition, students are also expected
to conduct themselves in an exemplary manner and follow the videoconferencing protocol.
SZABIST Forums
SZABIST has a regularly held and well publicized distinguished speaker seminar series. In addition to
the speakers, a number of noteworthy guests are also invited. These Forums are an excellent activity
to enhance ones educational, professional and continuing education abilities and opportunities. Further,
these Forums also allow SZABIST to network itself to the outside world both directly and indirectly.
• Reflecting the significance of the event, attendance is mandatory for all faculty members and
day students, which are identified by Coordinators for that particular subject area.
• As warranted by the occasion, everyone is required to dress formally, with male staff and
students attire in dress shirts, trousers and ties.
• On the Forum Day, faculty members should finish the afternoon classes fifteen minutes early
to enable the attending students to be seated 5 minutes before the start of lecture. To avoid
disruption, latecomers will not be admitted to the Auditorium. Coordinators and faculty are
strongly urged to help in maintaining punctuality and discipline during the proceedings of the
Forum.
• There is a fine* for not attending or being late to the Forum.
*(see annexure B)
Photocopy Shop
Photocopy facility located at 90 & 100 Clifton is available to the students at a very nominal cost.*
Similarly, printing facilities are also available through the Computer Laboratories at nominal cost.*
*(see annexure B)
Cafeteria
SZABIST offers a spacious outdoor Cafeteria right on campus where both full meals (Pakistani cuisine)
and sandwiches, snacks, coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, and to beat the heat a variety of ice-creams are
also available.
Induction week starts one week before academic session begins. Presentations on academic rules and
regulations, and use of facilities, are given during induction week by the Vice President Academics, Deans,
Program Coordinators, Academic Controller, Finance Officer, Head of IT, Manager Systems, Librarian and
the Executive Development Officer.
Orientation is held the weekend before classes begin on a Monday. A Chief Guest is invited for the Ori-
entation Day. Welcome is given by the President followed by refreshments for students and parents. All
faculties are invited to the Orientation.
Dr. Fouzia Khan Dean of Media Sciences and Social Sciences 100 Clifton
& Student Advisor
fouzia@szabist.edu.pk
Students are provided a copy of the Academic Handbook at the Orientation Ceremony, which is also
posted on the bulletin board and on the SZABIST website.
Registration
The following registration procedure is strictly followed at the beginning of each semester:
• Students must register through ZabDesk, the automated SZABIST Online Registration System.
Contact the Academic Office if you need help.
• Registered students who have paid their fee but have not appeared for the first hourly exam,
and have remained absent for three prior classes will be‘forced to de-register’ from the course during
the fourth week.
• Student not registered will not be allowed to attend classes. No registration will be allowed
two weeks after classes begin.
• For continuing students, only students with a CGPA of 2.0 will be allowed to register in an ad
ditional course. Any registration beyond one additional course has to be approved by the Vice
President Academics.
Scheduling of Classes
• All class schedules are given in the student admission folder during induction week or at
orientation Day, are posted on the bulletin boards as well as on ZabDesk.
• Class size is limited to only 35-40 students, which allows the delivery of high quality education
on an interactive basis.
• Classes are scheduled for a 16 week semester (Fall & Spring), Fall begins on first Monday of
August, and Spring on first Monday of January. Summer Session is 8 weeks long. Class
scheduled for undergraduate programs are 3 hours a week with a 20 minute break except
for BS-Computing program in which classes are of 1.5 hours twice in a week with a 10 minute
break. For Master and Postgraduate level programs, classes are scheduled for 3 hours with a 20
minute break respectively.
Classes at SZABIST Karachi for 3 hour slots are held six days a week during the following hours:
Classes at SZABIST Karachi for 1.5 hour slots are held six days a week during the following hours:
1. First slot 8:00 am – 9:30 am
2. Second slot 9:45 am – 11:15 am
3. Third slot 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
4. Fourth slot 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm
5. Fifth slot 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
6. Sixth slot 4:45 pm – 6:15 pm
Classes rescheduled or cancelled are held on week days or the following Sunday to make up for the lost
time. Please note that classes are only cancelled in case of emergency and with prior announcement.
• Hourly-Tests of one hour duration are administered during the 4th, 8th and 12th week of
classes (out of 16 weeks of semester). Out of these three hourly’s, two highest (n-1) will be
counted towards the final grade. Generally, these tests count for a total of 30-40 per cent of
the final grade with each hourly/test equivalent to 15-20 per cent marks.
• Mid-term exams of the undergraduate and postgraduate programs are administered in the 8th
session for 3 hours class and 16th session for 1.5 hours class respectively which count 30-40
per cent of the final grade.
• The Final Exam is generally of two-and-half hours to three hours duration. Please note that
depending on the course content, Test/Exams could be a combination of written, practical or
multiple choice questions.
Term Papers and Projects can be 20 per cent, depending on the course content, while a deviation of 10
per cent is permissible at the faculty’s discretion.
Letter Remarks
S Satisfactory
U Unsatisfactory
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
J Result withheld
Minimum passing grade in each course is C minus for Bachelor and Master Program courses and B minus
for MS/PhD program courses.
• For Undergraduate, a course in which D and F is earned must be repeated with full registration.
• While MS/PhD courses with an earned grade of C plus, C, C minus, D and F are to be repeated.
• F grade in a course does not count as having met the pre requisite requirement for taking an
advanced course.
• Students with repeat grades such as D, F etc. must take the course next time as it is offered.
Student may get attendance waiver in D grade courses, provided the same faculty member is
teaching the course. Otherwise attendance waiver approval is required by Coordinator/Dean.
• Student repeating a course(s) that is/are no longer offered will be allowed an appropriate
replacement course, which will be approved by the Coordinator.
• In case of any discrepancy in final grade, student can submit an objection for review within 14
days of announcement of provisional results on ZabDesk. If his/her claim proves to be valid, the
relevant faculty member will submit the correct grade to the Examination Controller by com
pleting a “Change of Grade” form and providing the reason for the change.
• At SZABIST, there is no policy or provision for giving or requesting grace marks.
• All grade points earned will be averaged towards the final grade point for graduation.
• Minimum GPA to graduate is 2.0 for BBA/BS/MBA/EMBA and 3.0 for MS/PhD.
• If incomplete grade I is not completed before the specified deadline, the default grade is an F.
STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010
www.szabist.edu.pk 27
GENERAL RULES FOR EXAMINATION
All Examinations are conducted and monitored by the Examination Controller’s office in the presence of
the relevant teaching faculty.
The examination paper is handed by the faculty member to the Examination Controller’s office at least a
week in advance of the exam, which are then reviewed by the Examination Board. All answer sheets are
initialed and numbered by the Examination Controller’s Office.
No leave is allowed in case of out-patients, mild and minor illness. In case of serious illness, disease or
traffic accident, students should submit the application to the relevant program coordinator’s office along
with the following documents:
• The medical certificate of a specialist consultant (not a General Practitioner) on his/her printed
letterhead duly signed and stamped.
• The lab reports and X-ray investigations.
• A discharge letter of hospital
In case of death in immediate family or non availability due to job-related travel, student has to provide
proof of death (death certificate) and company letter, traveling documents in case of job-related travel.
Every student is allowed a maximum of two retake/deferral in examinations each semester. Please note
that for retake / deferral of examination, a fee is charged* for each retake/deferral.
*(see annexure B)
Note:
1. Please note the distinction between a Retake exam and a Re-sit The former means that when a
student misses taking an exam he/she takes the exam at a rescheduled date (with a new
question paper). While a re-sit exam means that student takes the same exam twice.
2. The terms ‘retake’ and ‘deferral’ are being used interchangeably. Deferral means a retake.
• To maintain the integrity of the process, exams can only be taken with the proof of a valid ID
card.
• To avoid disruption and any undue anxiety, students are encouraged to arrive at least 5 minutes
before the commencement of examination.
• Students are advised not to bring mobile phones in the examination hall; However, if they do
so then make sure they are switched off. Otherwise, penalty, including awarding an F grade,
could be imposed.
• Students are not allowed to take the question paper outside the examination hall, as it is to be
returned, along with the answer sheet, to the concerned faculty.
• For examinations requiring quantitative analysis, students are responsible for bringing their
own calculator, but approved by the faculty. No borrowing from any other examinee is allowed.
Similarly, students are expected to bring their own stationery items.
• Examinees should sit in the rows allocated for the particular paper. Examinations Controller or
invigilators may re-locate the students if s/he deem fit.
• Departure from the exam hall will only be permitted after 30 minutes of commencement of
Hourly/Mid-Term Exam and after one hour in case of the Final Exam.
• Students will not be permitted to enter in the exam room/hall 30 minutes after the com
mencement of the exam.
• All assessments and marks obtained by the students in quizzes, assignments, term papers, proj
ects, and tests are available to the students and their parents online through ZabDesk
• Use of unfair means during the exam in any way shape or form is totally unacceptable. Any
student found doing so will be awarded an F grade in the course by the examiner. A few
examples of such behaviors are given below for illustrative purposes:
• Any written or oral communication among students during an examination.
• Providing information about the content of an examination.
• A student’s use of a substitute or surrogate to take an examination.
• Indulging in unruly behavior in the examination hall.
• The decision of the invigilating staff regarding the conduct of the exam and the
behavior of the students will be final and binding, any argument by the student will be
liable for disciplinary action by the committee.
• Once the exam time has ended; the examiner will announce “all pens down” at that
time no student should be holding a pen in his or her hand. Any student found not
obeying instructions will have 5 marks deducted from his/her paper.
• Students will be shown all hourly/mid-term exam answer sheets in the following
class/week by the faculty to review their performance for future guidance.
• Final exam copies will not be shown to the students, and requests for final exam
copy re-checking or re-grading will not be entertained.
• The exam results will be deemed final. However, the Academic Council or the
President’s Office reserves the right to review those results viewed as
uncharacteristic and atypical as determined by the Examination Board.
• For all programs exams can be conducted at other campuses for which a special request form
must be submitted, along with a fee* for this service.
• In case if a student is transferred anywhere outside Pakistan for job related reasons only, then
s/he can request for conducting the exam at the nearest university where s/he is
situated.
• All kind of charges (if any) relating to off campus exams are to be paid by the student
himself/herself.
• Examination Department will be responsible to facilitate the students interested in off-campus
exams.
*(see annexure B)
• A student has the option of taking more than the required number of courses, and request in
writing which courses are to be reported in his/her transcript.
• Additional courses taken (even as bi-majors) will not be recorded on the transcript. Students
must submit an application for bi-majors at the beginning of the semester. Additional courses
will be considered as certificate courses and a separate official letter will be issued as proof of
having completed these courses.
• For students who repeat a certain course, the better of the two grades will be reported on
transcript and counted towards CGPA.
• Majors are not mentioned on the transcript and pass certificate.
• In special cases, as approved by the Academic Council Heads, up to one course (maximum) can
be replaced for graduation. The student should qualify as a graduating student.
• One year is the maximum time allowed to a student for improving grades after graduation. The
maximum time allowed to complete the undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate and doctorate
degree is 7 years, 5 years, 3 year and 7 years respectively. Time limit can be extended with the
approval of the Academic Council Heads.
• Without completing all degree requirements, including, clearance of financial dues, completing
the required courses, internship and passing of the comprehensive exam, a student will NOT be
allowed to continue on for MBA/ MS/ Ph.D programs. Completion of pre-requisites is a neces
sary condition to advance to higher degree programs.
• Students must complete the internship requirements during degree program.
• At end of every semester grades awarded for all examinations are posted on ZabDesk
as ‘Tentative Results.’
• Semester grades are only issued upon request through official Letter Grade Form at the
end of a semester.
• Final Transcript and Pass Certificate is issued only after graduation and completion of all
degree requirements and filling of Final Transcript and Pass Certificate Request Form.
Degrees are issued once the Convocation has been held.
• Students can request for duplicate transcripts and degrees after filling out the Duplicate
Transcript/Degree Form. Please note that the minimum processing time for such requests
is about 2 working weeks for duplicate transcripts, one month for duplicate degrees and two
working weeks for urgent duplicate degree. There is a special fee* for this service.
*(see annexure B)
The Comprehensive Examination is conducted three times a year after the end of each semester (Fall,
Spring and Summer) on the last Saturdays of December, May and July.
All students intending to appear for the examination must register first by filling out a Registration Form
for the Comprehensive Examination at least two weeks before the examination. The Registration Form is
available at the Reception Desk.
The Comprehensive Examination rules and format are subject to change by the SZABIST Academic
Committee at any time without prior notice during the course of the study, and will be binding on all
continuing and new students. The best (n-1) sections are counted towards the final grade.
Passing the Comprehensive examination is a requirement for all Bachelors and Masters Degree students
enrolled in a non-thesis option program. While it is not required for MBA/MS Students who have com-
pleted Thesis or Research Project equivalent to 6 credits hours.
Although Comprehensive Exam can be cleared anytime during the degree program, it is strongly recom-
mended that students should appear for the exam before the final semester as the format of the exam is
based on the content of the basic courses. Please note that there is a fee* for the Comprehensive Exam
per attempt. *(see annexure B)
For MBA, the seven subject areas are Business Communication, Management, Marketing, Mathematics,
Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Economics and Management Information System.
For BS-Computing, the seven subject areas are Technical Communications, General Programming, Oper-
ating Systems and Networks, Computer Architectures and Organizations, Database Concepts, Software
Engineering and Mathematics.
All students who wish to complete MS degree by course option must pass the Comprehensive Examina-
tion.
All students intending to appear for the examination must first register by filing out a Registration Form
for the Comprehensive Examination at least two weeks before the examination. The Registration Form is
available with the Reception Desk.
The MS Comprehensive Exam is based on the last two Independent Study topics which were completed
and passed. The exam entails six questions, three from each study topic; students must attempt two ques-
tions for each topic. The passing grade for the exam is a B minus.
Thesis Format
Thesis is all to be hard bound (black with golden text). One submission each is required by each student
with his/her name only in case of teamwork. For MS and PhD degrees two submissions along with soft
and hard copies are required. A sample copy of thesis is available in the library for reference.
• Students, who secure a GPA 4.00 during the semester with full course load, are recognized
as honors students, and they are awarded a Certificate of Honors at the end of the semester.
Academic Gold Medals are awarded to graduating students securing CGPA 3.75 and above
with full work load and have completed degree requirements with their own batch,
at Convocation.
• Corporate Gold Medals are awarded to graduating students securing minimum CGPA 3.25 in
the graduating year, and with highest marks in the course.
Constructive and objective student feedback can be a great source of increasing teaching effectiveness. To
achieve this aim, students evaluate instructors during the 5th and 6th weeks of classes. The consolidated
results of these evaluations are discussed by the Vice President Academics and the Coordinator with each
Course and Laboratory Instructor, and with the class, and if need be corrective measures are immediately
taken.
Timings
8:00 am - 10:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
SZABIST has a very strong culture of academic integrity, and zero tolerance for plagiarism is an integral
part of this policy. Any student who commits plagiarism will be awarded an F grade in the course. SZABIST
employs HEC approved software for Research Reports, Independent Studies, Theses and Dissertation to
detect and weed out plagiarism. Please note that the threshold for plagiarism, as envisaged by the HEC, is
under 15 per cent. Some of the illustrative examples of plagiarism include:
• Direct quotation from the published sources that are not fully and explicitly cited and
acknowledged.
• The use of surrogates, substitutes, stand-ins or their services to do and or prepare work that is
submitted as one’s own.
• The use of previously submitted papers or work, written by other student or individuals.
• Misappropriation of research materials.
• Any unauthorized access of an instructor’s file or computer account.
Termination of Registration
In all other matters, the decision of the Academic Council Heads will be deemed final.
• Please note that admission fees once deposited is not refundable (new admissions only).
• In case of withdrawal from program during the first semester, (new admissions only) 50 per cent
of the tuition fees is refundable provided the student applies at least two (2) weeks before
classes begin and 25 per cent of the tuition fee is refundable if requested one (1) week before classes
begin. No refund is allowed if a student withdraws from the semester less than one week
before start of semester.
• In case of withdrawal from a course, tuition fee will be charged at 50 per cent, 75 per cent and
100 per cent before the first, second and third hourly’s test respectively. At the time of the new
registration for the course, the course fee must be paid in full.
• In case of De-Registration or Forced De-Registration, tuition fees for course(s) will be carried
forward.
Students completing their Bachelors and desiring to continue their studies for a Masters program,
or those completing their Masters and waiting to continue into a Doctoral program should fill out a
Program Continuation Form and submit to the Admission Office during their graduating semester. All
pre requisites have to be completed before advancing to higher degree program. Updated
documentation will be required and a new registration number will be allocated at the time of registration.
Timings
8:00am – 10:00pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
The Academic Policy is revised on a regular basis. Students are advised to consult with the Program
Coordinator and regularly check ZabDesk to apprise themselves of any revisions in the above academic
policy.
In all academic matters, the decision of the Deans or Academic Council Heads is final.
Vice President Academics is the competent authority to take all academic decisions, and have the right
to form a committee comprising of all the program coordinators with special invitation to the Program
Dean or the President SZABIST and all other department head if deemed necessary.
Timings
8:00 am - 10:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
For Sundays between 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Timings
9:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
SZABIST Management firmly believes that to inculcate confidence, initiative, and entrepreneurial talent,
which will serve SZABIST students well in their professional careers, it is important that students be
allowed an opportunity to exercise and develop these skills during the course of their studies. As a result,
students are strongly encouraged to join, participate, and assume leadership roles in the various student
associations, clubs, and organizations.
1. All student associations, clubs, and organizations are required to register with the
administration once they are formed. To ensure that democratic norms are instilled, every year
proper elections are to be held for the various offices of these organizations under the
supervision of Student Activities Officer/Student Advisor.
2. The following club/societies are currently active on Campus:
• ACM – Association of Computing Machinery (SZABIST Karachi, ACM Chapter)
• AIESEC – International Association of Students in Economics and Commerce. (It is an
International platform for young people to discover and develop their potential)
• Adventure Club
• Anime Society (Club of Japanese Graphic & Animation Society)
• IEEE – Institutes of Electronic and Electrical Engineering (SZABIST Student Branch of IEEE)
• Retail Management Society
• Rotaract (Rotaract Club of SZABIST MidCity Karachi)
• SZABCOMPS (Computer Society)
• Debating Society
• Entrepreneurship Society
• Law Society
• ZABPAS (Performing Arts Society)
• Sports Society (Cricket; Table Tennis; Squash; Body Building; Swimming)
• Young Senator’s Club
• ZABMUN (SZABIST Model United Nations Society)
3. In addition, there are regular campus student project activities on Retail Management, Service
Marketing, Marketing Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Community Services.
4. Mentor Groups formed by senior students are available to assist and guide incoming/junior
students with their academic concerns. Further information on these matters can be obtained
from the relevant Program Coordinators.
5. Semi Annual Newsletter ZABTIMES is regularly published jointly by faculty and staff. It is a
mutual effort of all four campuses of SZABIST. Previous issues are available in the library and at
the website by the name Phoenix. Those wishing to join the Editorial Board should contact the
Editor of ZABTIMES or the Coordinators.
6. An Annual Newsletter, “SZABIST Law Review”, is published by the Law Society. For more
details, contact the Law Coordinator.
7. Student publications in magazines and newspapers are encouraged. Rewards* per article
(with SZABIST name) and (without SZABIST name). Coordinator approval on quality of article
is required. *(see annexure B)
STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010
www.szabist.edu.pk 41
GRADUATE PROFILE
A profile of graduating students is published by the middle of each year.The profile goes to the Human Re-
source Departments of all leading organizations of Pakistan.This is useful for potential employers to direct-
ly contact graduates for prospective employment. All graduating students are required to fill the Graduate
Profile Data Form available on ZabDesk by November each year or as per the requirement of the Executive
Development Center (EDC). Otherwise their information will not be published in the Graduate Profile.
Alumni Association
Plans are to form SZABIST Alumni Association to reach, serve and engage all alumni and to foster a lifelong
intellectual and emotional connection between SZABIST and its graduates.The objective is to create a plat-
form to facilitate and initiate projects which can be mutually beneficial for graduates and their alma mater.
Timings
10:00 am - 6:00 pm (Mondays - Saturdays)
The norms of behavior under the Code of Conduct are aimed at providing every SZABIST student a safe,
clean, and healthy learning experience and environment.
1. In order to create a conducive environment for learning all students are expected to conduct
themselves in an orderly, polite, and ethical manner.
2. In order to make sure that all students enjoy a clean atmosphere, the safety of the books/
library and equipment, the following are prohibited:
• Eating/drinking in the library, class rooms, computer laboratories and study rooms.
• Littering on the campus.
• Utensils/cups/bottles (disposal ones only) should be thrown in the garbage after use and
others utensils should be returned to the canteen.
• Disfiguring furniture and other property by scratching and graffiti.
3. For the sake of everyone’s health, particularly students’ eating of “paan” and smoking of
cigarettes on campus is strictly prohibited.
4. SZABIST places a high priority on ensuring an environment conducive to learning for all its
students. As a result, those who with their words, actions, and behavior, deemed unbecoming of
a SZABIST student, disrupt and disturb their fellow students’ learning opportunities, will be
appropriately disciplined by any member of the faculty, including debarring entry to the campus
premises for one day.
5. For the sake of students’ safety, the campus premises will be vacated and closed at 10:00pm.
6. Students’ vehicle parking is at your own risk. Please be aware that SZABIST does not take any
responsibility for the security of your vehicle.
7. To remain fully informed, all SZABIST students are strongly encouraged to regularly check the
bulletin boards, SZABIST website, and ZabDesk for important announcements. Please note that
urgent announcements will be conspicuously posted on the easel at the entrance of the
Institute and also in the Library. Furthermore, to ensure prompt dissemination of important
information, SZABIST takes the additional measure of sending SMS to the students’ cell phones.
8. To prepare students for a successful induction in professional life (SZABIST Forums and
important events) are designated as “Formal Dress Days.” On these days, all students are
expected to dress smartly while wearing of tie is mandatory for all male students. In order to
ensure that the image of the Institution and its student body is preserved, students violating the
above rules can be penalized, including by being sent home.
9. Every SZABIST student is expected to conduct him/her selves in an environmentally
conscious manner by practicing the following precepts.
Given below are a number of very practical steps that students are expected to observe to not only
protect the environment, but also reduce the cost of operating the campus premises.
Electrical Power Turn off electrical power when not in use; few example are:
• Light: Use minimum. Turn off when leaving the room etc.
• Fans: Turn off when leaving the room. Turn down for unused areas of the
larger rooms, such as in the library, etc.
• ACs: Use minimum power. Turn off when not in use.
• Hallways: Turn off lights, except when absolutely necessary.
STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010
www.szabist.edu.pk 43
WATER / SANITATION
Water/Sanitation
• Use minimum quantity.
• Turn off water when not in use.
• Avoid spillage such as on the floor, mirrors, etc.
• Keep bathrooms clean and hygienic.
• Report all malfunctions immediately to Administration.
• “Ablution” is to be carried out in a separate area reserved for this purpose.
Note that sterilized & filtered water is available separately for drinking purpose.
The Disciplinary Committee is authorized to take action against these students. Reflecting SZABIST’s
belief in fairness, the Disciplinary Committee will observe the following procedure. In case of misbehavior
by a student, the Committee will review the complaint lodged by faculty, staff or students. The student
who is alleged to have committed the breach is provided an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
If the Committee is not convinced of the student’s explanation, s/he can be subject to one or all of the
following penalties:
Students and his/her parents are provided an opportunity to appeal for reconsideration of the expul-
sion penalty by submitting a written application to the President of SZABIST, whose has the authority to
render the final decision.
All Forms are available at the Reception Desk of 90 & 100 Clifton Campuses.