The Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) successfully conducted its Fall 2024 Orientation at MA Jinnah Campus and Virtual Facilitation Centers nationwide, both in-person and online. The event saw an impressive turnout, with many newly admitted students eager to begin their academic journey at VU.

Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti (S.I., T.I.), Rector of VU, Welcomes New Students. In his welcome address, he shared the university's journey, highlighting how VU has evolved over the years. He emphasized that VU is unlike conventional universities, offering students the freedom to learn at their own pace and develop essential skills. He encouraged students to become independent learners, particularly in the field of IT, and advised them to use AI as a tool for assistance in their studies but avoid its misuse. He also stressed the importance of converting knowledge into practical skills through continuous practice.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Javed, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology and organizer of VU societies and clubs, introduced the university's five faculties and their departments. He highlighted the contributions of both regular and adjunct faculty from across Pakistan in developing VU’s video lectures. Dr. Javed also encouraged students to participate in extracurricular societies and clubs, which offer valuable learning experiences beyond academics, and noted that active members will be awarded a "Roll of Honor."

Department heads then provided brief overviews of their departments, including Dr. Nasir Naveed (Computer Science), Dr. Muhammad Jam-e-Kausar Ali Asghar (Management Sciences), Dr. Asif Nadeem (Biological Sciences), Dr. Shahzad Faizi (Mathematics), Mr. Abdul Quddoos Durrani (Islamic Studies), Dr. Syed Muhammad Muslim Raza (Statistics), Dr. Ambreen Anjum (Psychology), Dr. Sumbal Tahir (Education), Dr. Nadia Saleem (Mass Communication), Ms. Samina Saghir (Economics), Dr. Qurrat-ul-Ain (English), and Dr. Sadia Jabeen (Sociology).

Dr. Nadia Saleem, from the Department of Mass Communication, provided an introduction to VU's semester system and learning management system (LMS). She highlighted key academic activities such as moderated discussion boards, assignment submissions, quizzes, graded discussion boards, and assessments, ensuring that students were well-acquainted with these tools.

Prof. Dr. Ather Azim Khan, Registrar of VU, explained the university’s structure and how VU operates differently from traditional institutions. He familiarized students with the academic calendar, which includes Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters, and discussed important aspects such as student status, course selection, semester freeze/unfreeze procedures, and the Student Handbook.

Dr. Faisal Tehseen Shah, Controller of Examinations, detailed the grading system, the process for creating a date sheet, and the conduction and rescheduling of exams.

Mr. Ehsen Zafar Puri, Director of ICT, elaborated on the role of the IT and Networking departments in managing VU’s infrastructure, including the data center. He explained how VU’s IT department provides backend and frontend services, with a focus on continuous improvement of the LMS. He also guided students through the LMS’s navigation and introduced the ticketing system for submitting queries and complaints.

Finally, Mr. Muhammad Ashraf Ali Khan, Director of Finance, discussed how the finance department supports students with their financial matters. He explained the process for generating challans, applying for scholarships, and submitting fees through various 24/7 payment channels, including online gateways.

The orientation concluded with a strong sense of enthusiasm among the new students, ready to embark on their academic journey with Virtual University.