IBA Karachi welcomes new students at the Orientation Gala 2024

August 16-18, 2024: The Office of Student Affairs (OSA), Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi organized the ‘IBA Orientation Gala 2024 (O-Gala ‘24)’ to welcome the new incoming batch of 2024. The three-day orientation event was attended by around 2,500 people, including new students, their parents, faculty, and staff.

Welcoming the new students, Dean Student Affairs IBA, Ms. Maheen Ghauri, said, "Your hard work and dedication have brought you here, and I am thrilled to see you become a part of our vibrant IBA community. We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and acceptance at the IBA.”

She briefly introduced the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and its various domains, including the IBA Student Government, clubs and societies; International Resource Centre (IRC); Office of Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusivity (DAI); Health & Wellness Centre; student employment and volunteering; as well as leadership coaching and peer programs. She expressed that the IBA is a happening place, both academically and in co-curricular activities, encouraging students to participate in these opportunities while maintaining focus on their studies.

Registrar IBA, Dr. Mohammad Asad Ilyas, introduced the three IBA schools, student support services units, and resources. He highlighted the expanding hostel facilities, especially for female students. He further emphasized the importance of key services such as the program office, hostels, and transport services for the students. Dr. Ilyas also underscored the importance of discipline and upholding the Institute’s values. Furthermore, he shared essential emergency details, including the helpline and medical touch points for student safety.

Orientation sessions were conducted by the School of Business Studies (SBS) on Day 1, and the School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS), and School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS) on Day 2. The deans of all three schools: Dr. Abdullah Z. Sheikh (SBS), Dr. Shakeel Khoja (SMCS), and Dr. Asma Hyder (SESS), along with their respective chairpersons, briefed the students about their academic programs and courses.

A meet and greet session was organized by OSA on Day 3, where deans, chairpersons, program directors and faculty interacted with new students and parents.

The IBA Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) collaborated with the OSA to organize the IBAzaar at O-Gala ’24, where around 60 exhibits including eco-friendly initiatives, tech, fashion, health, beauty, and food start-ups were showcased. Students participated in various games and activities over the three days, providing them with opportunities to learn more about themselves and form lasting friendships for the years ahead.

The vibrant success of this event was achieved through the relentless efforts of the Student Affairs team, student volunteers (Orientation Captains), the Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) team, and the student support and administration offices.

The O-Gala '24 concluded with a movie screening, leaving IBA students, staff, and faculty with an engaging and diverse experience as they look forward to their future at IBA.