Message from Commandant: COVID-19 Response & Academic Plan of MIST
MIST Statement
As it was before, the CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) Pandemic continues and MIST remains committed to supporting our faculties, staffs and students.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the world in many ways. However, significant impact appears to be in our education sector and students’ life. We are all eager to return to normal as soon as possible. But we must keep in mind that this may be longer or may not be the same.
Our prayers for the good health remain for you and your families. Thank you all for your positive response till now to the unprecedented challenges posed by the Pandemic.
Academic Plan (Teaching and Learning)
At MIST, we didn’t want our students to lose a Term or a year of study if we could help it. As such, since the official closure of all academic institutions from 17 Mar 2020, MIST has endeavored to keep pacing with the global academic shift to online till reopening with normalcy. Just before the closure, MIST could complete nearly 50% of the syllabus of Term 1 (Jan-Jun 2020) and continued with the left-over syllabus that supports online learning. Students’ positive response and outstanding commitment helped minimize the academic loss of Term 1 at least by 25% of the total study load.
Meanwhile, with the decision of Academic Council of MIST, we are now continuing the academic curriculum of Term 2 (Jul-Dec 2020) as scheduled from 28 Jun 2020. MIST intends to complete Term 2 following UGC and BAETE guidelines for online academic curriculum. Upon completion of Term 2, Term 1 will be completed with all required formalities with reasonable time plan. We deeply appreciate the efforts of our faculties and students to shift to remote learning in such a short time. Hope you would enjoy the online academic ride in Term 2 as faculties are quite experienced by now and MIST is more equipped with tabs, digital boards and accessories to support online classes.
Student Support and Tuition Fees
Term 2 enrollment has already been completed. However, considering the COVID-19 situation MIST authority has rescheduled the submission of tuition fees by 15 September 2020. In this regard, we have decided to refund your full ‘Dress Fees’ for Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 and 50% of ‘Transportation Fees’ for all students (received in Term 1 payment) and be adjusted with the tuition fees of Term 2. Moreover, MIST is providing scholarships and stipend to as many as 319 students at present. As you all know, MIST is partly financed by the Government and a lion share of the revenue needed for paying the contractual faculty, staffs and employees comes from the tuition fees. Students’ payment of Term 2 in time is positively expected from you within the given timeline.
Support for Mental Health
Besides online academic activities, MIST continues to organize online extra and co-curricular activities to help refresh your minds amid this pandemic. Following activities are so far organized/to be organized where your spontaneity is highly appreciated:
• Online Counselling (Continues).
• Online Photo Exhibition and Orientation of MIST.
• Online Gaming Competition.
• Online Essay Competition.
• Online Inter Department Cultural Program 2020 - “SHONNIBESH”.
• Online Photography Contest and Exhibition - “AMBIENCE -2”.
Return to Campus
With the easing of COVID-19 situation, we will be planning for a staged return to campus or whatever mode is safer for all of us. However, as we navigate the challenges ahead, we will continue to remain safe and focused to learn. Hope, we will emerge from this ordeal with our hope intact, and soon we will be reunited in MIST.