Students in their third year of civil engineering at the Akli Mohand Oulhadj University of Bouira have begun an indefinite strike. They blocked access to the Faculty of Sciences and Applied Sciences, where their department is located. The students are demanding a general revision of the final deliberations for the 2018/2019 academic year, which were posted during the first week of summer break. They claim the deliberations contain several anomalies that significantly changed access averages for students.
According to students met on site, the problems include unposted exam grades for certain modules and unaccounted retake exam grades. Out of 220 students enrolled in the third year, only 85 were admitted this year. The students blame the "errors and anomalies" in the deliberations for these disappointing results. They had previously raised their concerns with the head of the civil engineering department but received no response.
One student expressed frustration that the administration has not addressed their legitimate concerns. The students are also demanding a revision of the averages required for "rachat" - a process allowing students to retake courses. They claim that other universities in Algeria use a 9.30 average for rachat, while their faculty requires a 9.80 average. The students feel that the administration has not considered basic pedagogical criteria, such as displaying grades and accounting for retake exam grades.
The students have tried to get a response from the administration, including writing to the communications cell and a vice-rector of the university, but to no avail. They feel they have no choice but to take action due to the administration's inaction. The students' concerns include the delay in holding exams and posting deliberations, as well as the failure to consider basic pedagogical criteria.
The blocked access to the Faculty of Sciences and Applied Sciences has disrupted academic activities. The students are determined to continue their strike until their demands are met. They are seeking a revision of the deliberations and a more transparent and fair academic process.
The situation at the University of Bouira highlights the challenges faced by students and administrations in Algerian universities. The students' demands for transparency and fairness in academic processes are legitimate, but the administration's inaction has led to this form of protest. The outcome of the strike remains uncertain.
The university's administration has yet to comment on the situation. The students' protest has brought attention to the need for improved communication and transparency in academic processes. The students are hopeful that their concerns will be addressed, and a resolution will be reached soon.
Key points
- Algerian university students block access to science faculty in protest over academic deliberations.
