Ruet credit system: Students confine VC, 15 teachers
A section of students of Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology (Ruet) today confined the university vice-chancellor (VC) at his office for over three hours demanding cancellation of “33 credit system”.
The students of 2014-15 and 2015-16 sessions confined the VC Rafiqul Alam Beg and 15 other teachers, including Students’ Welfare Director Prof NHM Kamaruzzaman and deans of different faculties, since 6:00 pm, the VC told our RU correspondent.
Around 400 students of the sessions staged a demonstration in front of the administration building since the afternoon to press home their demand.
Later, they staged a sit-in programme in front of the VC’s office, confining the VC and other teachers when they were planning to hold a meeting of the academic council over the students’ demand.
The VC said that he asked a team of 10 agitating students to join the meeting, but they did not respond. “Besides, they staged demonstration in front of my office,” he said.
Meanwhile, the students threatened to continue their movement until the authorities cancel the credit system.
“We demand the withdrawal of 33 credit system right now,” said an agitating student.
The students kept the VC and other teachers confined till filing of the report around 9:31 pm, campus sources said.
Earlier, the university authorities suspended the academic activities of the sessions on January 31 and asked to vacate the students’ dormitory by February 2.
33 Credit System
According to the RUET sources, a student has to achieve minimum 33 credits out of 40 in the “33 credit system”. A student can gain credits through their exam marks, lab test in an average which varies from department to department.
If the student fails to do so, he or she will not be allowed to move up to next session and has to retake the whole year.
Whereas previously, students were allowed to attend classes and examinations of the next session even if they got less than 33 credits. They could obtain the credits by taking examinations later, which makes a possibility of session jam.