The Academic Council of Government College University (GCU) Lahore on Tuesday recommended an open merit policy for BS admissions, besides nine new academic programs which included a BFA in Film and Media and an Associate Degree Program (ADP) in Computer Science. The council also recommended comprehensive revisions to BS curricula, including a mandatory course on Artificial Intelligence for all degree programs.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry chaired the 36th Academic Council meeting, which is the third session during his one-year tenure. The meeting was attended by over 70 faculty members, including professors and departmental heads, who discussed more than 30 agenda items.

According to the deliberations on the university's undergraduate admission policy, minor exceptions to the open merit system will only be permitted for specific subject-related prerequisites or to meet requirements mandated by accredited external councils. Additionally, to ensure a secure and regulated campus environment, the Academic Council reviewed and recommended a comprehensive Students' Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Regulations for 2026.

Notably, the council recommended the launch of a university-wide Post-Doctoral Research Program specifically designed to accommodate both foreign and national researchers. Furthermore, the academic body approved several other degree programs across various faculties. These include two new doctoral degrees in the Department of Zoology: a PhD in Genetics and a PhD in Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture. The council also reviewed and approved proposals for an MPhil in Pharmacology, a BFA in Visual Arts, and BS programs in Business Analytics, Computational Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Food Sciences, and Human Nutrition.

In a pioneering move for public sector universities, the Academic Council approved a first-of-its-kind GCU Summer Internship Program, which will be open to BS students from both GCU and other universities. Additionally, the council endorsed the establishment of a Center for Continuing Education and Professional Development. This new center will focus on the capacity building of staff and teachers, offer specialized certifications and micro-credentials for students, and provide executive training programs.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Omer Chaudhry said all academic and administrative recommendations finalized during the meeting will now be placed before the University Syndicate for final approval.