IRNA News Agency
Yazd – Ardakan University President Urges Media to Uphold Transparency and Ethics in Reporting
Yazd – Fatemeh Behjati, President of Ardakan University, called on the media to prioritize transparency and thorough investigation before addressing any issue, emphasizing the importance of media ethics and fairness in the virtual space.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday evening with members of the media, Behjati highlighted Ardakan University’s firm commitment to its scientific and social missions. She stated, “Media ethics require that any subject be carefully examined before being widely disseminated.”
Behjati outlined the university’s vision over two periods: a five-year and a twenty-year horizon. She noted that following the university’s comprehensive accreditation in 2018, the vision document for Ardakan University was developed and is currently being continuously monitored through dedicated oversight committees.
Regarding the university’s policy on introducing new academic programs, she explained that program admissions are aligned with the university’s strategic roadmap. Last year, the university admitted one new master’s program and one bachelor’s program, with plans underway to introduce three additional programs this year. However, she emphasized that the Ministry of Science’s current policy prioritizes enhancing the quality and advancement of existing programs.
Behjati also pointed to the university’s efforts to maintain its status and comprehensive accreditation. “In recent reports submitted to the Ministry of Science officials, we have highlighted the university’s achievements, especially its advancement in several national and international rankings and its unique regional capabilities, particularly in the industry sector,” she remarked, noting the valuable outcomes of these efforts.
She described the establishment of five think tanks at the university, the launch of an Industry Relations Clinic, services provided by the university’s Counseling Center, and the participation of numerous faculty members in specialized county commissions as key initiatives to fulfill the university’s mission in community and urban engagement. “In this regard, Ardakan University is ready to cooperate and provide the necessary scientific content to any institution or organization that requests it,” Behjati affirmed.
Highlighting additional university accomplishments, Behjati mentioned the hosting of national entrance examinations, including the university entrance exam (Konkur), master’s, associate degree, and various executive recruitment tests for the first time in Ardakan. She praised university staff for their efforts in conducting these exams amid the COVID-19 pandemic and assured that this year’s exams are being held under stringent protocols set by the National Organization of Educational Testing. She urged candidates and their families to remain confident and calm.
Responding to a question about the format of classes for the upcoming academic year, Behjati stated that the university will follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Science and the National Coronavirus Task Force. “Based on current information, classes will be held in a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual instruction. Ardakan University is well-prepared for any scenario due to the robust virtual learning infrastructure established since last semester,” she added.
Behjati also provided a report on the university’s infrastructural developments, including the expansion of campus land to 8.10 hectares, completion of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology building, completion of philanthropic workshops and laboratories, construction of a sports field, a new Counseling Center building in the city center, commencement of cold storage facility construction, and landscaping of a large portion of the campus.
The press conference concluded with a tribute to the journalists and media professionals of Ardakan County.
Ardakan University was established in 2009 and currently enrolls approximately 2,600 students with 90 faculty members. The university offers 44 academic programs. The total number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in Ardakan County is 6,239.
Ardakan County, with a population of approximately 98,000, is located 60 kilometers northwest of Yazd city.
