Srinagar, July 22 (KNO): The University of Kashmir on Wednesday held the first meeting of its Students’ Council (Class Representatives) for the 2026 academic session, with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan describing class representatives as key partners in the University's growth and urging them to lead with responsibility, integrity and accountability while strengthening student-administration engagement.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said that, reinforcing its commitment to student-centred governance and participatory leadership, the Department of Students' Welfare (DSW), University of Kashmir, organised the first meeting of the Kashmir University Students' Council (Class Representatives) for the 2026 academic session at Gandhi Bhawan.
He said the meeting was attended by more than 200 Class Representatives from the University's teaching departments and satellite campuses, providing them with a common platform to engage directly with the University's leadership on issues concerning student welfare, academic excellence, leadership and campus development.
The spokesperson said the meeting was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan and attended by Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Pirzada Shariefuddin, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal, Dean Students' Welfare Prof. Seema Singh, Controller of Examinations Prof. Majid Zaman Baba, University Provost (Girls) Prof. Aneesa Jan, University Provost (Boys) Prof. Showkat Ahmad Shah, Coordinator Physical Education & Sports Dr. Surjeet Singh, Coordinator University Health Centre Dr. Khalid Nazir Tarzan, University Cultural Officer Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, besides other university officers.
He said that in her presidential address, Prof. Khan described the Class Representatives as key partners in the University's institutional growth and highlighted their vital role in strengthening the relationship between students and the University administration. She urged them to uphold the values of integrity, inclusiveness, empathy, discipline and accountability while representing the interests of their fellow students. She also encouraged them to become ambassadors of positive change by promoting academic excellence, harmony, innovation and constructive dialogue across the campus.
"Reaffirming the University's commitment to maintaining an open, responsive and student-centric administration, she assured the representatives that their ideas, feedback and aspirations would continue to guide the University's efforts towards academic excellence and institutional development," the spokesperson said.
He said an interactive session followed during which the Class Representatives shared suggestions and raised issues relating to student welfare, academic facilities, infrastructure, hostel facilities, digital services, cultural and literary activities, sports, student support services and overall campus life. The University leadership appreciated the feedback and assured the participants that all genuine suggestions would receive due consideration.
Welcoming the gathering, Dean Students' Welfare Prof. Seema Singh said the department remains committed to creating opportunities that enable students to learn beyond the classroom while nurturing leadership, creativity, innovation and social responsibility. She urged the Class Representatives to serve as an effective bridge between students and the University administration and encourage greater participation in academic, cultural, literary, sports and community engagement activities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Pirzada Shariefuddin emphasised that academic excellence is best achieved when students actively engage in co-curricular and extracurricular activities alongside classroom learning. He said the University provides a wide range of platforms to help students discover their talents, strengthen their leadership abilities and develop essential life skills. Encouraging the Class Representatives to become catalysts for positive change, he urged them to inspire greater student participation in academic, cultural, literary, sports and community engagement activities. He also called upon them to promote a culture of discipline and academic integrity while contributing to the University's pursuit of excellence and holistic student development.
Addressing the meeting, Registrar Prof. Naseer Iqbal highlighted the importance of effective communication, mutual trust and collaboration in strengthening the University's academic and administrative ecosystem. He described the Class Representatives as an essential link between students and the University administration and encouraged them to represent the aspirations and concerns of their peers with sincerity, fairness and responsibility.
Controller of Examinations Prof. Majid Zaman Baba highlighted the significant role of Class Representatives in nurturing a culture of academic responsibility and informed participation. He urged them to serve as dependable channels of communication by ensuring that important academic and examination-related information reaches every student in a timely manner.
The spokesperson said Prof. Baba stressed the importance of discipline, ethical conduct and respect for academic processes, observing that effective student leadership not only promotes academic excellence but also contributes to building a transparent, responsive and progressive university community.
He said the proceedings were moderated by University Cultural Officer Dr. Shahid Ali Khan, who also proposed the vote of thanks. The meeting concluded with the screening of a documentary produced by EMRC, KU, highlighting the initiatives and achievements of the Department of Students' Welfare. The film showcased the department's activities in student welfare, cultural and literary programmes, youth leadership, social outreach, scholarships, student support services, transport facilities for female students and initiatives for students with disabilities.
"It also highlighted the University's achievements at national platforms, including its success in the National Youth Parliament Competition, youth festivals, literary events and several other co-curricular accomplishments," the spokesperson added.—(KNO)