Kampar, October 29 (J-on) - The university is always open to all students and the notion that the university closes after 9pm is a misconception, said newly appointed UTAR Vice President for Student Development and Alumni Relations, Dr Teh Chee Seng.
UTAR VP for Student Development and Alumni Relations, Dr Teh Chee Seng, addressing the students.
"This is something I'd like to change and we will be looking into amending the night rules (in the university), he said.
Teh was speaking at this month's Student Representative Committee (SRC) dialogue which was held back to back with a Department of Student Affairs (DSA) briefing of clubs and socieities.
For starters, clubs and societies that have night activities and require to bring their equipments into the campus may apply for a special night pass from the DSA, to be implement immediately.
The dialogue in session
Touching on the constant complaints of unrepaired gymnasium facilities, Teh clarified that it was not a financial issue but rather difficulty in getting the right people to fix it.
"We have already opened the tender for repairs twice but no one responded, furthermore we also need to find people with the matching equipments for the repairs," he said.
Despite the age old but ever contentious issues raised, the discussion was largely light-hearted.
An instant was Teh's statement that the management discussed about about a monthly UTAR bus pass system punctuated by moments of reflective silence, giving participants glimmers of hope but was later punctured with a curt "but they decided no".
Ryan Lee Chan Chean, a second year IT student said that he is hopeful that student concerns will be addressed.
He also explained on the bus tickets, stating that the cost to subsidise the busses was high and that it had to be offset by paying passengers.
On the constant issue of inadequate parking spaces, Teh asked if students wanted a multi-storey parking building, inviting a roar of applause.
However, adopting a serious note, he explained that the university's commitments are in developing academic faclities instead of parking facilities and limited land is always a problem.
To a suggestion for shuttle bus services within the university, Teh stated that it may be considered when future blocks are completed in a few years.
Teh also shot down claims that UTAR staffs who's vehicles were clamped for illegal parking were exempted from payment.
"That is not true, even staff that had illegal removed the clamps, disciplinary action was taken," he said.
Teh had also promised that the university will try to have a vegetarian food stall in upcoming cafetaria tenders to meet the needs of vegans.
Wong Chye Huat, relating his experience of almost being runover by bicycles due to poor street lightings in the university.
Among other issues discussed were class facilities as well as student safety due to poor street lighting along Block G and training grounds for a growing martial arts community.
Commenting on the dialogue, Wong Chye Huat a year two Financial Economics student said that it was good that the management could directly provide information to the students.
"Some of us talk to the management and we know about the rules, but not everyone do, so this can actually help everyone to know what is going on," he shared.
