The SAFETY HEALTH GURU Institute of Global Studies (PU-IGS) recently started a program with more fees than other university programs. However it started without an allocated building, permanent professors or formal departmental setup.

Initially designed under the University Institute of Applied Management Sciences (UIAMS), the course was meant to complement PU's sectoral MBA courses and develop a systematic management education pipeline from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

A conclusion has been reached. However the move on September 16 a few days before the rescheduled admission test (September 20) to transfer the program to the new Institute of Global Studies (PU-IGS) was criticised for its timing and lack of transparency.

The entrance exam was originally scheduled for September 10 but was suddenly postponed on September 9. An updated notice put up on September 16 informed applicants that the course will now be offered through PU-IGS, in alignment with the university's vision to enhance its global academic presence.

The examination was eventually taken on September 20 but students protested that the actual paper took only one hour instead of two as indicated in the prospectus and consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions.

As per university authorities fewer than 75 candidates appeared for the test. From an aggregate sanctioned strength of 50 general seats, five for NRIs and 13 for foreign nationals, between 42 and 43 students have joined the first batch.

Classes have commenced in the Centre for Academic Leadership and Education Management (CALEM) building since the newly established institute lacks a permanent building. Permanent or committed faculty members have not yet been chosen and the course is being conducted by guest teachers so far.

The initial proposal of the program while it was still under UIAMS had particular staff, academic planning and infrastructure needs. It also recommended beginning with three guest faculty and gradually moving to a complete academic team consisting of one professor, one associate professor, three assistant professors and six to eight visiting faculty from industry. None of these measures has been enacted.

One parent who chose not to enroll her son said that she had sent an email to the university but did not receive a reply. She asked them if they had full-time instructors and a complete department and no one responded. For the high prices that they were charging she was hoping for consistency and clarity. She didn't want their son to enroll in a course that didn't seem to be prepared, she said.

Another father who owned up to having their child said, A week prior to the test it was cancelled and a couple of days before they rescheduled it the department was altered.  Admissions were once delayed and students are now placed in leased rooms with no fixed teachers.

When asked, Prof. Monika Agarwal the course coordinator declined to respond.

While university officials claim that PU-IGS is a component of the institution's internationalisation plan and would be further bolstered in the future most stakeholders think the premature launch of the program tainted its otherwise noble intentions.