KARACHI: The Academic Council of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) approved several academic and governance initiatives during its 39th meeting aimed at expanding research programmes, strengthening academic structures and improving student support systems.
The meeting was chaired by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Amjad Siraj Memon.
According to details, the council confirmed the minutes of the previous meeting and approved key governance and faculty development measures, including the formal criteria for “Professor of Practice” positions to bring industry expertise into academia. The council also adopted the Higher Education Commission’s Best Teacher Award criteria to recognise teaching excellence and approved formal job descriptions for key academic positions, enabling annual performance evaluations based on defined performance indicators.
The council also approved the establishment of a Department of Social Sciences and the introduction of modern and regional languages, aimed at broadening the academic scope of the university.
To enhance student welfare and academic guidance, the council endorsed a Students Mentoring and Advising Policy, aligned with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan’s PSG-2023 guidelines.
In the area of research and academic governance, the council approved the constitution and reconstitution of several Boards of Studies (BoS) across the faculties of Medicine & Allied, Surgery & Allied, and Dentistry (SIOHS-JSMU). The university also approved two new doctoral programmes: PhD in Science of Dental Material and PhD in Community and Preventive Dentistry, aimed at strengthening research capacity in dental sciences.
In a move toward greater inclusivity, the council approved the inclusion of a student representative as a non-voting member of the Board of Faculty, in line with HEC PSG-2023 guidelines.
Other decisions included the reconstitution of the Advanced Studies and Research Board (ASRB) following the appointment of a new Dean of Medicine, the launch of a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programme, an MPhil programme in IPTR, and approval of the Semester-III study guide for the BSN programme.
To improve campus life and academic structure, the council also approved the conversion of contact hours to credit hours for the annual BDS programme and the establishment of a JSMU Health and Wellness Unit.
Addressing the council, Vice Chancellor Prof. Amjad Siraj Memon appreciated the collaborative efforts of the members and said the approvals reflected the university’s commitment to academic progress and innovation.
“Today’s approvals reflect JSMU’s unwavering commitment to evolving with the educational landscape. We aim to produce not only skilled professionals but also responsible citizens,” he said.
The meeting, organised by the Registrar’s Office, concluded with a consensus to continue initiatives that strengthen JSMU’s position as a progressive institution in health sciences education.
