Safe Education and Safeguarding Students’ Well-Being Are Among the Primary Priorities of the University Management

The President of the University of Kashan stated that providing safe education and safeguarding students’ well-being are among the principal priorities of the university’s management.

Speaking at the first meeting of the University of Kashan Student Affairs Specialized Council, Dr. Behzad Soltani noted that the university is inclined toward holding classes in person and emphasized that the necessary conditions must be ensured to facilitate on-campus education so that students do not encounter difficulties.

He stressed that the university acts in a manner that serves the best interests of both the institution and its students, adding that under such circumstances, decisions must be made in a way that guarantees purposeful education and the protection of students, ensuring that they are not exposed to crises or harm.

Dr. Soltani described the Student Affairs Specialized Council as highly significant, stating that the council can engage in both decision-making and policy formulation on certain matters. He emphasized that all stakeholders in student affairs should be present at these meetings. Individuals who are not formal members may attend without voting rights. He further underlined that the presence of the Vice President for Cultural Affairs is essential, and that other individuals relevant to the session or to the university should also participate.

He highlighted that issues related to the university, dormitories, and supplementary dining facilities are inherently connected to academic affairs, and that active student participation in these decision-making processes is of considerable importance.

The President of the University of Kashan also underscored the importance of preserving students’ psychological and emotional security. He stated that in the current special and critical circumstances, all members of the university community—including faculty, staff, and students—must stand together and, avoiding factional and political disputes, collaboratively address and resolve the university’s challenges.

Noting that a significant percentage of students may participate in or be influenced by political, social, or security-related events, he emphasized that under such conditions, the responsibility of the university and student organizations—including Basij and other associations—to maintain security, provide appropriate education, and support students becomes even greater.

He further observed that the university hosts various organizations—including cultural, staff, and faculty Basij groups—and that at times some organizations may be guided from outside the university. He stressed the importance of coordination between these organizations and the university to prevent any disorder or violence and to safeguard both students and the institution.

The President of the University of Kashan also emphasized the importance of holding free-thinking forums, political debates, and dialogue sessions with students. He stated that creating a space for fair and calm discussions within university halls, encouraging reasoned political discourse without slogans, should be placed on the agenda.

Dr. Soltani concluded by noting that if students proceed in this direction and engage in fair discussions, the atmosphere will become calmer and conflicts can be prevented.

Finally, the President of the University of Kashan called upon the Vice President for Cultural Affairs to organize virtual meetings with faculty members, doctoral and master’s students, and staff in order to enhance tolerance and foster a receptive environment. He stressed that political issues should be discussed in a persuasive and calm manner, and that providing a constructive, non-violent space for intellectual and political dialogue will help ensure that both social and academic life proceed in a peaceful and orderly manner.