COVID-19: University Reopening Policy

Vice Chancellor's Message for Students in these Trying Times

REOPENING PLAN OF BEACONHOUSE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

Introduction

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University was closed from March 13, 2020 first up to April 5, 2020, later extended till September 15, 2020 upon the directives of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). Under such circumstances, BNU strived hard to impart education during the Spring 2020 by using Alternate Online Delivery Channels. The objective was to ensure prevention of disruption of the academic year. While the government is mulling over reopening educational institutions in September 2020, it is pertinent to ensure that foolproof preventive measures are in place before this decision is taken.

The Federal Government, HEC and Provincial Government have allowed re-opening of the University campus from September 15, 2020 onwards. The students will start visiting the campus from Monday,28th September 2020 which is the date of commencement of existing students of our Fall 2020 Semester and then later-on after one week, newly admitted students will join the University i.e Monday, 5th October 2020. The senior faculty and administrative members under the leadership of the Vice Chancellor of BNU have deliberated extensively to plan and prepare for smooth reopening of the University in the light of directions issued by the HEC from time to time.

The main objectives on reopening of University are:

1. To impart and ensure Quality Education. 
2. To ensure safety of Faculty, Students and Staff returning to campus.

To achieve these objectives, the following plan is finalized:

Teaching:

The Fall 2020 Semester will commence on Monday, 28th September 2020 for existing students and Monday, 5th October 2020 for new admissions. The University, keeping in view the current situation has opted for Hybrid Learning (Face to Face as well as online) for Fall 2020 semester. Generally, most theory modules and classes shall be held in the online teaching format, while most courses requiring studio/lab/practical work will be conducted at the campus. The Concerned School/Department will share the list of courses along with the timetable and the format (on-campus and on-line) and the associated details that will be adopted for the delivery of these lectures.
Detailed planning of inviting students in small cohorts according to the class size as well as laboratories in such a way so as to ensure social distancing of 6 feet has been completed, the exact time and date and designated classrooms of face to face teaching will be communicated to each student as well as the faculty and staff responsible for making these arrangements on a weekly basis.

Exams:

We plan to hold exams on campus and online in a staggered manner after ensuring all safety protocols. The conduct mode of examination will be determined by the instructor and passed onto the students and Examination Department.

Return Package:

The Return Package including all the documents and SOPs that has been prepared and circulated to all the relevant personnel of the University, faculty and students and have been displayed on the website also. We are an ardent University with a student strength of over 2000 due to which implementation of SOPs will be optimal. University have proper hostel SOPs while Transport SOPs are given below.

Protocols and Procedures for Reopening of BNU (For Faculty, Students and Staff)

BNU has followed the HECs' requirements for a controlled and careful reopening of the academic activities. Only staff, faculty and students who have been explicitly recommended by their Heads of Department and invited by the Registrar (Designated Authority) were allowed to attend the BNU campus during the  gradual reopening phase of the University.
In light of HECs' recommendations, the following guide contains requirements for the proper reopening of the BNU campus.

1. Minimum Preparedness Conditions


1. Health and Safety Protocols:

The campus has been disinfected and sterilized according to recommended guidelines by the Health Authorities, Government of Pakistan. This will be an ongoing process twice a week. Regular anti- mosquito sprays as well as other preventive measures against Dengue are also being taken according to the guidelines provided by the Government. Two days are fixed on alternate weeks i.e. Wednesday/Thursday and Friday/Saturday for full campus disinfection purpose.

2. Designated Authority:

Designated Authority is Mr. Zaeem Yaqoob Khan, Executive Director for Student Affairs & External Relations. He has ensured preparation and is also responsible for implementation of all protocols and SOPs under the supervision of the Vice Chancellor. No one will be allowed to return without a written notification from The Registrar.

3. Contact Tracing of Symptomatic Individuals:
   Identities of contacts of the symptomatic person in the last two weeks will be determined and the information will be passed onto Dr. Furqan Umar Khan, Medical Officer at the BNU Chugtai Health Centre for screening and medical advice for further necessary process for which he shall also keep the concerned Authorities in loop.


2. Stage Wise Reopening of BNU:

The following is a priority wise list of personnel who have been asked to return to the campus:

Priority List	Description	Joining Date
Priority 1	All Administrative Heads & Essential Staff on Rotation Basis	September 15, 2020
Priority 2	All Deans & Faculty Members	September 01, 2020
Priority 3	Existing Students	September 28, 2020
Priority 4	New Students	October 05, 2020
Priority 5	For All	Subject to review by the Federal & Provincial Government Ministers



3. Steps Taken by University before Reopening:

As per HEC Guidelines, the University has taken all the necessary steps to ensure an orderly and safe return of faculty, staff, and students to campus. These steps include preparation and dissemination of a return package of essential documents as outlined below as well as planning for orientation sessions for returnees.

Returning of the students is subject to verification and submitting documents prescribed in the return package, which include a copy of the resumption letter, affidavit, and health declaration. They will also be checked for temperature, wearing of mask, hand hygiene, and entry on to the register on daily basis.

The Return Package of BNU consists of the following documents:

• On Campus Teaching Resumption Letter

  Annex I

  Registrar's Letter to the Students

• Student Affidavit

  Annex II

  In order to ensure BNU community’s health and collective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, each student is expected to make the following commitments about their behavior by signing the Agreement as follows:

  1. I will abide by all government SOPs to stop the spread of COVID-19. I will also follow the University’s specific guidance on associated health measures as relevant for the circumstances I am in.
  
  
  2. I will undergo a test immediately if I experience COVID-like symptoms, and I will notify my School/Department Coordinator accordingly. I will follow all instructions in the regard, including in relation to self-isolation.
  
  
  3. I will practice effective hygiene methods to limit contact transmission, including regular thorough hand-washing with soap or the use of hand sanitizers.
  
  
  4. I will adhere to the University’s policy on mandatory wearing of face coverings, which will include the requirement for face coverings to be worn for in-person teaching indoors and in any shared indoor spaces.
  
  
  5. If I live in University hostels, I will follow University guidelines on how I may interact with and share communal spaces with fellow hostel residents and staff. If I live in private residence, I will follow the relevant Government/Public Health guidance.
  
  
  6. I will fully cooperate with the University staff and show respect and consideration for the University community by adhering to social distancing requirements.
  
  
  7. I understand that COVID-19 is a public health issue and will cooperate fully with University staff and public health authorities, including participating fully in any contact tracing as requested.
  
  

• Faculty/Staff Affidavit

  Annex II (b)

  In order to ensure BNU community’s health and collective wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, each faculty/staff member is expected to make the following commitments about their behavior by signing the Agreement as follows:

  1. I will abide by all government SOPs to stop the spread of COVID-19. I will also follow the University’s specific guidance on associated health measures as relevant for the circumstances I am in.
  
  
  2. I will undergo a test immediately if I experience COVID-like symptoms, and I will notify my School/Department Dean/HoD accordingly. I will follow all instructions in the regard, including in relation to self-isolation.
  
  
  3. I will practice effective hygiene methods to limit contact transmission, including regular thorough hand-washing with soap or the use of hand sanitizers
  
  
  4. I will adhere to the University’s policy on mandatory wearing of face coverings, which will include the requirement for face coverings to be worn for in-person teaching indoors and in any shared indoor spaces.
  
  
  5. I will fully cooperate with the University administration and show respect and consideration for the University community by adhering to social distancing requirements.
  
  
  6. I understand that COVID-19 is a public health issue and will cooperate fully with University administration and public health authorities, including participating fully in any contact tracing as requested.
  
  

• Health Undertaking

  Annex III

  I, __________________, daughter of/son of _______________, bearing university registration number ____________, hereby solemnly affirm that to the best of my knowledge, I am in good health and spirits, and not suffering from the COVID-19 disease or symptoms attributable to the disease (including flu, fever, dry cough, tiredness, sore throat, diarrhea, eye infection, loss of taste/smell, difficulty breathing).

  I further undertake that I have not been physically in contact with any person who has contracted the COVID-19 disease (or symptoms that later developed into the disease) in the last two weeks.

  ___________________________
  Name & Signature of the Student

• SOPs - For BNU Students

  Annex IV

  All students coming back to the University are requested to adhere to the following guidelines in order to protect themselves and campus community from Covid-19 related illness:

  • Wear a mask at all times while on campus.
  • COVID-19 is readily transmitted from person-to-person when they are in each other’s breathing zones. It is imperative to maintain required social distancing in order to minimize the spread in case anyone is affected.
  • Maintain social/ physical distancing of 6 feet in classrooms, laboratories, libraries, offices, corridors, and staircases.
  • Maintain good hygiene practices. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer, dry the hands before leaving the bathroom. Use a tissue (and dispose it properly) or the crook of your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid sharing of items (books, stationery, mobile phones etc.).
  • Avoid touching face mask/covering and its exchange with others.
  • Wash/sanitize hands if contaminated while coughing/sneezing or touching mask.
  • Students are advised not to shake hands with or hug other students.
  • Students should bring their own lunch from home and not share with other fellows.
  • Students should keep their own drinking cup and do not share with fellows
  • No gathering or contact sports/activities are allowed.
  • Use only the designated entrances and exits.
  • Cooperate with the security staff to perform temperature checks at the entry gates.
  • Please maintain and update a Daily Contacts Diary, the student should keep a record of where he/she goes and meets each day. This information may be asked by the nominated Healthcare Professional on the campus in case any student is tested positive for COVID19.
  • Limit your movements. Try not to move around the campus too much. Stick to your own space as much as possible.
  • Use communal facilities, e.g. printers and photocopiers only in accordance with the designated protocols.
  • Contact Executive Director for Students Affairs and External Relations (Mr. Zaeem Yaqoob Khan) immediately if you feel sick or develop Covid-19 symptoms (fever with cough, body aches and sore throat are the common symptoms of COVID-19).
  • Review latest updates and general guidance provided by the University on the notice boards/web portal, designed specifically for updating COVID-19 related information.

  
  

  All students are requested to cooperate with the faculty and staff to fully implement above guidelines. Any violation to these instructions will result into a quick removal from the campus.

• Guidelines to Returnees

  Annex V

  All those invited to return to the campus should follow the instructions below:

  1. Make sure the Affidavit and Health Undertaking forms are signed and submitted through email or courier to the Registrar.
  
  
  2. Please cooperate with the staff taking temperature with a thermal gun at the entrance.
  
  
  3. Enter the contact information of key individuals in your phone’s database to contact in case of emergency.
  
  
  4. Make sure that you are wearing a facemask. You are advised to keep an additional mask with you all the time. Personnel without facemask are strictly prohibited to enter the university.
  
  
  5. It is advised to keep a small bottle of sanitizer with you for your personal use and do not share it with your fellow.
  
  
  6. Maintain social/physical distancing of 6 feet at all times in offices, libraries, corridors, staircases.
  
  
  7. Maintain good hygiene practices. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Dry hands before leaving the bathroom.
  
  
  8. Use a tissue or crook of your elbow while coughing and sneezing.
  
  
  9. Please keep your own drinking cup/bottle with you and do not share with friends.
  
  
  10. Limit your movements while on campus.
  
  
  11. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or a member of your household develops these symptoms, or if you have been in a contact with a COVID-19 infected person, you should not return to the campus and should share it with the University.
  
  
  12. Maintain and update a Daily Contacts Diary-you must keep a record of where you go, when and who you see while on campus.
  
  

• BNU SOPs – For Departmental Heads, Faculty & Staff

  Annex VI

  We are making health of everyone a priority and it is our foremost intention to avoid the spread of contagion of Coronavirus COVID-19.
  Primary mode of the virus transmission is via breathing airborne infected droplets produced through talking, sneezing, coughing, breathing of an infected individual. Interacting with others at close distance especially without masks and eating together are activities bearing high risk and are to be avoided at all times. Sharing crockery can also pose a risk in case of a latent infection among any of the staff members.
  The following guidelines have been developed to safeguard the health of everyone. We have tried our best to be mindful of employee convenience and practical considerations without compromising on minimum safeguards for interactional safety laid out by government authorities and health experts.

  Guidelines for Department Heads

  • As already being practiced, Heads may please continue to ensure minimal staffing on campus during the week, making use of rotational duties and reduced working hours as per nature of departmental deliverables. Tasks which can be done remotely must be assigned to be completed from home.
  • Heads may take their respective staff in confidence that if anyone feels apprehensive or he/she or his/her family member has recently undergone or is undergoing or have had unprotected exposure to a person bearing Coronavirus symptoms, he may be relieved from attendance at the University for a suitable time period of no less than 10 days. Or if they develop any one of these minor health conditions such as a headache, mild fever, sore throat, flu, cough, diarrhea, tiredness, eye infection, loss of smell and taste, they are required to intimate their Heads of the same and must be exempted from work. If any of the staff member is exhibiting such symptoms on premises, he must be asked to return home.
    Staff needs to take their Heads in complete confidence and good faith and ensure that on time of such circumstances or general relief of absence from the University, they should ensure their availability during working hours to their seniors and colleagues.
  • Heads are requested to ensure that their staff follows the staff guidelines provided below at all times in the interest of safety and best hygiene practices and a protected working environment for all.
  • Admin shall supply hand disinfectants/sanitizers for every operational office in each department. Box of masks and gloves shall be available for offices engaged in public dealing. Each staff is required to bring his/her own mask but in event of any visitor not wearing a mask, an official from the office must provide and require the person to wear the mask.
  • Physical mail should be handled the next day upon arrival. However, SOPs regarding handling of external mail and couriered packages shall be at the discretion of the department depending on the nature and frequency of mail handling. The handlers are advised to use protective hand gloves while handling mail, packages and paperwork.
  • To keep circulation of documents in minimal hands, wherever possible, photos or scanned images of documents may be shared with the concerned officials electronically.
  
  

  Faculty & Staff Guidelines

  As it is incumbent upon us to follow the SOPs issued by the Government to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19, I would like to serve you a gentle reminder and request you to continue to follow the safety guidelines given below to maintain a safe and healthy working environment on campus. Please note these are a necessary condition of work and are to be considered standard workplace conduct. In addition to being workplace requirements, we expect everyone to behave responsibly in line with personal and social considerations for health.

  • If any employee develops minor health conditions associated with Coronavirus such as a headache, mild fever, sore throat, flu, cough, diarrhea, tiredness, eye infection, loss of smell and taste, they are relieved from in-person attendance.
    On development of such symptoms, an employee must consult a professional physician, undergo a test, taking their Dean/Head into confidence about their health condition, and isolate themselves at home if and as advised.
    Anyone who has had an exposure to an infected individual and develops symptoms is advised to follow the same.
  • If any employee develops minor health conditions associated with Coronavirus such as a headache, mild fever, sore throat, flu, cough, diarrhea, tiredness, eye infection, loss of smell and taste, they are relieved from in-person attendance.
    On development of such symptoms, an employee must consult a professional physician, undergo a test, taking their Dean/Head into confidence about their health condition, and isolate themselves at home if and as advised. Anyone who has had an exposure to an infected individual and develops symptoms is advised to follow the same.
  • Employees are required to wear a personal face mask at all times.
    The mask may be lowered/doffed in personal space (office) for ease of breathing, but it must be kept on within a shared environment or in presence of others both as a personal caution and as social responsibility for the safety and ease of mind of others.
  • Employees sitting in shared spaces and workstations are required to keep their masks on at all times in addition to appropriate physical distancing.
  • Employees must not enter anyone’s office/cubicle without a mask.
  • Appropriate physical distance needs to be maintained with colleagues while interacting.
  • In case of dedicated lunch areas, employees may take turns in combined dedicated lunch areas, ensuring not to congregate at mealtimes.
  • Proper hygiene may be observed while sneezing and coughing. Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into the sleeve at your elbow. Care must be taken to ensure the droplets are not spread in the air around nor on any surfaces. While wiping nose/mouth, take care not to touch any secretion with bare hands and carefully wrap and dispose off the used tissue properly into the trash.
  • Hand hygiene may be followed by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water or through the use of hand sanitizer. Employees may keep personal hand disinfectants or sanitizers; these are also available at various public points in the University.
  • Employees are advised to cooperate with University officials for temperature screening. They shall be required to visit the campus doctor if observed with a concerning health condition and subsequently required to isolate at home as and if required.
  • Not wearing a mask, concealing a health condition, refusal to cooperate with University officials in following protocols for health screening and its subsequent management shall be considered violations of the health and safety guidelines.
  
  

  Anyone committing a minor or inadvertent breach of the health safety code shall be initially reminded of the violation and supported in observing the rules. Repeated violations may incur a warning and may be accompanied with a penalty. Deliberate refusal or failure to follow the instructions would be recorded and treated henceforth as a disciplinary violation.

  Deans and Heads are kindly requested to facilitate in ensuring compliance of their faculty and staff members in observing University health guidelines.

  Lastly, together we can protect ourselves and others through the following key points given below as summary!

  • Keep a mask on at all times especially when around others.
  • In case of having to cough or sneeze, do so without spreading droplets in the air or on nearby surfaces. Dispose used tissue properly and maintain essential hand hygiene.
  • Keep appropriate physical distance from others.
  • Isolate at home if symptomatic or having undergone exposure to an infected individual.
  
  

  Administration

  • Admin shall equip each operational office with bottles of hand disinfectant.
  • Admin shall provide building entrances and offices dealing with public with hand disinfectant bottles for public which must be stationed for oncoming visitors.
  • Admin shall provide a box of masks in offices dealing with public.
  • Building Guard shall ensure that all employees and any visitors entering the building are wearing their masks.
  
  

• Facilitation Provided by the University

  Annex VII

  • Campus has been disinfected/sanitized to make it safe for the students, staff, and faculty. Regular disinfection spray is performed each week. Cleaning staff has been equipped with and trained in the use of disinfectant liquids and appropriate method of sanitization of surfaces, floors, items etc.
  • Multiple hand washing facilities with the availability of soap/hand wash have been ensured in the campus.
  • Hand sanitizers have been placed in various prominent locations near entrances of all schools and in classrooms and staff offices.
  • Distancing marks have been placed in all public areas including classrooms, auditorium, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, sitting areas, reception area, mosque and common rooms to ensure safe social/physical distancing.
  • Thermal screening with temperature guns is performed at all entry points of the University including within buses at the time of staff/student boarding.
  • The campus has a 24/7 Medical Center managed in collaboration with Chughtai Lab. It is staffed with a medical officer from 9am to 4pm 6 days a week with paramedical staff available in 2 shifts in a day for 7 days a week. The center also has an on-campus ambulance service available. Dr. Furqan Umar Khan is the Medical Officer available on campus at the BNU Chughtai Health Centre on campus. Employees and students can walk-in for a routine checkup and/or screening anytime by Dr.Furqan between 09:00 am – 4:00 pm from Mondays-Thursdays (lunch break from 1:30pm-2:00pm). Emergency resource persons have been nominated for contact in case of any question about safety or in emergency.(Annex-IX)
  • COVID-19 prevention awareness messages are posted and updated regularly on designated notice boards, standees, posters, and University's website to reinforce social distancing, wearing of masks, and hand washing.
  • Guidance and contact options facilities have been provided for those who continue to work remotely.
  • Orientation sessions for COVID-19 prevention, safety protocols and procedures as well as penalties for violating any of the protocols along with details of contacts in case of emergency have been discussed online with the faculty and staff and reinforced face to face on Tuesday September 01,2020 when they returned to campus. All this information has also been communicated to students via email and face to face orientation sessions have been planned before each class when they return to campus on October 05, 2020. Moreover, the faculty before each face to face teaching session will repeat all these points to reinforce and remind.

  
  

  Dr. Furqan Umar Khan is the Medical Officer available on campus at the BNU Chughtai Health Centre on campus. Employees and students can walk-in for a routine checkup and/or screening by Dr. Furqan anytime between 09:00am – 4:00pm from Mondays-Thursdays (lunch break from 1:30pm-2:00pm). University offers medical insurance cover to employees and students. All in-patient treatment with related tests, consultancies and pharmacies for Covid19 are covered under the insurance policy at hospitals providing treatment for Corona.

• Useful Contact Information

  Annex VIII

  1. Mr. Nadeem Asghar Baig, The Registrar, Contact Number: 042-38100156 (Ext.481)(Email:nadeem.baig@bnu.edu.pk)
  
  
  2. Mr. Zaeem Yaqoob Khan, Executive Director for Student Affairs & External Relations. Contact Number: 042-38100156 (Ext.431) (Email: zaeem@bnu.edu.pk)
  
  
  3. BNU Chugtai Health Centre, Contact Number: 042-38100156 (Ext.494) (Email: waqas.zaki@bnu.edu.pk)
  
  
  4. Mr. Riaz Ahmad Tarar, BNU Security In-charge, Cell Number: 0321-4118569

  
  

  NOTE: Please contact the above in case of any emergency or concerns that you need to discuss

• Penalties on Non-Compliance

  Annex IX

  Penalties on Non-compliance with Mandatory Wearing of Face Masks inside Campus Buildings

  In accordance with the SOPs issued by the Government of Pakistan, all students are strongly advised to adhere to the policy of mandatory requirement of wearing of face masks in all indoor spaces while on the campus.

  Non-compliance shall result in penalties as follows:

  • First-time Violation: Rs. 100
  • Repeated Violation (s): Rs. 500 (upon each violation)
  
  

  The penalties shall be applicable from Monday, October 12, 2020.

• BNU SOPs - For Hostel

  Annex X

  Boys and Girls Hostels will begin operation from Saturday, September 26, 2020. To ensure health and safety of all inmates, the following SOPs will have to be observed by all residents:

  1. Submit the result of a lab report of their Corona Virus test carried out 72 hours prior to their admission to the university hostel;
  
  
  2. No one will be allowed to leave the Campus, except in the event of an emergency;
  
  
  3. Wearing of face-masks will be mandatory in all shared spaces of the hostel and the university campus;
  
  
  4. Hostel residents will be expected to observe social distancing and best hygiene practices including washing/sanitizing their hands frequently.
  
  

• BNU SOPs - For Transportation

  Annex Xi

  University transport will be available as per requirement on payment of requisite transport fee to the outsourced contractor. The transporter will ensure implementation of sanitation and social distancing SOPs.

  • Bus vehicle shall strictly abide with 50% occupancy of the seating capacity.
  • Disinfection of the employee and student pick and drop vehicle shall be ensured after every trip.
  • Proper ventilation will be ensured by opening windows.
  • COVID-19 test of all driving staff will be carried out before the start of transportation service.
  • Drivers shall practice all safety actions and protocols as indicated for other staff (e.g., hand hygiene, face mask).
  • Thermal screening/temperature check will be performed at pickup points.
  • No passenger shall be allowed to travel in the vehicles without face mask and shall be made to sanitize his/her hands before entering the vehicle.
  • Commuters shall be advised and expected to cover face with arm fold, tissue or handkerchief while sneezing or coughing while travelling communally.
  • Crowding shall be avoided while entering or leaving the vehicle.
  • Commuters shall be advised not to touch surfaces like curtains, windows of the vehicle etc.
  • Commuters would be advised and expected to wash or sanitize their hands after using the transport.