‘Unitar students compensated’

KUALA LUMPUR: Students affected by the closure of the UNITAR International University Architecture and Design Faculty have been compensated.

Loans taken by the students or fees owed were settled, according to the university in a statement where it confirmed the discontinuation of intake under the faculty as of next month.

The university stressed it will not neglect the wellbeing of its students and the fair compensation was in line with market practice.

It was also looking for a pathway for the affected students to complete their studies.

“We arranged credit transfer to fully accredited programmes at other related institutions, such as Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan University College and UCSI University.

“We have provided cash aid for hardship during the transition,” it said, adding that students and their families were briefed on the plans on May 16.

“Additionally, we continue to engage with each student to finalise their individual transfer arrangements. Coordination with the receiving institutions is also progressing well.”

The faculty was closed due to the low number of students who enrolled for its programmes at its campus in Petaling Jaya.

Students affected had demanded an explanation and compensation.

News on the student’s predicament has caught wide attention on social media.

A Facebook account holder, Firdaus Hanapiah, posted; “Sometimes, culling is necessary to rationalise the number of schools and not to create a glut of graduates in that particular profession…good move…”

Teoh HL commented; “There are just too many colleges and universities in Malaysia. The quality and standards remain a huge question. It’s no surprise that it closed down.”

Another social media user Zamirah Mohamed Zakaria said: “I would say that this is all due to poor money management by the university. All students deserve a refund,”