Dubai: Students at BITS, Pilani - Dubai (BPD) have complained of poor academic quality, of unfair penalty methods and not being able to transfer to other institutions.
Gulf News received a complaint from student Syed Atif alleging that teaching quality is poor. Several other students brought up other issues including power outages and penalty methods.
Atif noted the reputation of the institute's base campus in India and claimed its campus in Dubai paled in comparison. Other students highlighted the alleged poor communication skills of professors and their unsatisfactory teaching methods. They all insisted they remain anonymous for fear of repercussions from the institute.
"During the orientation, the director clearly warned us not to approach any news reporters without getting permission from the institute, and that if we did, we would be expelled," said a student.
"The teachers aren't very proficient in English and don't know how to communicate," one student said. "And many of them aren't committed to teaching. They come here with their degrees simply looking for a job. But teaching is not about making money; it's giving knowledge and power to students."
The students also complained about the institute's penalty system. There is no mention in the handbook of the application of fines as a form of penalty for such things as and missing classes or curfew. Students said that they were briefed about being fined for breaking rules during the orientation, but that the amount was never specified and that the orientation took place when they had already been admitted into the institute.
Describing the institute as a "money-making machine", students claimed they were being fined "wherever and whenever the institute saw an opportunity to take money."
"We have a curfew on campus; we can't leave the campus before 2pm and we must be back by 10pm," said Atif. "If a student is late, they are warned, and if it is repeated, they have to pay a fine of Dh100. Students can be asked to pay from their first tardiness, and fines can range from Dh100 to Dh400, it depends on your ability to convince the supervisors about the reasons for your tardiness."
Power outages
Students residing in dorms said the institute is not yet provided electricity by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and is running on generators. They sit through a number of power outages every week, making it difficult to concentrate on their studies.
"During Ramadan, we'd go through prolonged power outages that lasted for hours," said one student. "We'd have to find ways to cope with the heat and lack of light."
When Gulf News asked the students why they chose to continue in BPD and not get a transfer to another institution, they said that should they decide to transfer, they would have to pay the remaining years of tuition fee. They claimed the administration makes it difficult for students to leave and that transfer procedures were not clearly stated in the handbook prior to enrolment, excluding those universities BPD collaborates with. One student said that he went to the registrar asking for a transfer; he was informed that he must pay for the remaining years and that this may change next year. "I was told to fill out the form and that it all depends on what the director says," he said.
Students insisted they had exhausted their options, and the efforts had proved futile, with their complaints going "in one ear and out the other". They also said they found the feedback forms of no use and that institute administrators have an "arrogant attitude" towards students.
When Atif was asked why he decided to talk about the issue openly, he explained that he is leaving the institute regardless of the payments and that the threats don't exist for him anymore. "Almost everyone feels the same about these issues but they're afraid to voice them," he said. "It's time to speak out. If everyone keeps quiet, there will be no improvement, no change and no hope for progress."
PhD holders
Gulf News spoke to Director of BPD Dr M. Ramachandran and other institute officials about the issues the students had raised. He said professors are fully vetted before they are hired, with all faculty being PhD holders who are proficient in the English language.
"A student always has the right to stand up and say they're not happy. They can at any time visit our offices to explain their issues and that meeting is always confidential. My door is always open for my students." he said.
Ramachandran added that students fill out compulsory feedback forms that evaluate professors' performance, which are taken into consideration when professors are re-evaluated.
Ramachandran explained that measures are put into place to ensure the positive growth of students and that they have no reason to be late or miss classes as they are clearly informed about the institute's rules and regulations from day one. "We have accountability to ourselves, the parents and the country we live in," he said.
Ramachandran emphasised the meaning of "freedom of responsibility," asserting that he condones freedom which nurtures positive growth and leaves no room for that which fosters "negative growth or negative attitudes". He also added that parents have been very grateful and have received no complaints about their regulations.
According to H.S. Sharma, BPD senior facilities manager, the campus is still running on generators, as they still do not receive electrical supply from DEWA.
"During the day, the generators are stopped for about 20 minutes for maintenance," he said. "They've been working smoothly for the past several months. DEWA informed us that in order to supply us with electricity an electric cable must cross one of the main roads and so in that sense there may be complications with the Road and Transports Authority."
Sharma added that they have been following up with DEWA but have received no definite date as to when the issue will be resolved.
"Students need to understand that by being here, they are part of a community. When you have a problem, you don't go running to the press. You first try to use the opportunities available to you to redress the issue," Ramachandran said.
"Students need to learn how to follow certain protocol. They need to learn how to use the system to their own benefit. They have many options available to them."
Ramachandran refuted the claim students made about paying full tuition fees should they decide to transfer, saying students are free to transfer provided they fill out the necessary paperwork.
accreditation yet to meet standards
A top official from the Ministry of Higher Education said BITS-Pilani, Dubai campus has been given the licence to operate, as per their procedures.
The institute has sought accreditation, however, none of its programmes have been accredited because they have not met the required standards.
Any educational institution must get a licence from the Ministry to be able to operate in the UAE.
The licence is granted once the ministry assesses the institution's proposed programmes and determines that it has the funds and resources to establish itself as a institute.
The official said they will investigate the issue, and should the complaints be valid, they will take necessary measures.
