University admission to be linked to school attendance

Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — Punctuality and attendance of pupils in schools will be considered as one of the criteria for admission to universities as part of the Ministry of Education’s new move to bring discipline to educational institutions. Mubarak Al-Osaimi, spokesman of the ministry, said absence from school will affect university admission of students. Dr. Omar Al-Sharief, director general of education in Tabuk region, has instructed officials to ensure the full attendance of students ahead of first semester vacation and register the names of students who are absent. “We have to hold meetings with students, teachers and parents to increase the rate of attendance, especially in days before vacation and inform them about the disciplinary measures to be taken against absentees,” Al-Sharief said in a circular. “The Education Department in Tabuk will honor those schools that have achieved a high rate of punctuality and attendance,” the director general said. “We’ll also honor selected students who are punctual,” he added. Majed Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qaeer, assistant director general of education in Tabuk for boys education, said the department has set up a committee to ensure the punctuality of pupils and discipline in schools. School authorities in the Tabuk region have started introducing disciplinary measures against students who are absent from classes just before vacation.