The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has directed higher education institutions to uphold academic standards in order to ensure quality education and fulfillment of all requisite criteria in quantitative and qualitative terms. In a letter issued to the vice chancellors, rectors and directors of all public and private universities, the HEC has expressed its serious concern that certain universities announce admissions and admit students three-to-four times a year and even enroll fresh students in summer programmes which are meant only for improvement of courses and fulfillment of deficiency. The letter reads, “As per policy, any educational institute can admit maximum students twice in one academic year ie spring and fall sessions.” “It is neither allowed as per policy nor administratively and physically viable to run more than two academic sessions in one year,” the letter explains. It advises all the universities to refrain from enrolling students more than twice in an academic year, rather advertise and enroll students in spring and fall sessions as per HEC semester system guidelines. Referring to financial regulations, the HEC has further advised universities to maintain proper and dedicated bank accounts for fee transactions of students. Universities have been urged to ensure all fee transactions through official bank accounts instead of collecting fee in cash or through any other method. Many universities have been issuing academic transcripts to students from its principal seat without mentioning the actual place of study from where the students have completed their educational progress in actual. The letter emphasises that due diligence must be exercised in issuance of degrees and transcripts and HEC-prescribed semester guidelines be complied with in letter and spirit before issuing any transcript or Detailed Marks Certificate to students. “All transcripts must reflect the actual place of study of the students accurately to save the students from inconvenience during their degree verification process,” the letter underlines. Published in Daily Times, July 4th 2018.