Tehran Universities Shift to Virtual Classes in Response to Air Pollution Crisis
In a decisive move prompted by severe air pollution, major academic institutions in Tehran have announced a temporary transition to virtual learning. The directive, following an emergency air pollution task force ruling on the operation of educational centers and offices, affects key universities in the province.
Islamic Azad University Announces Remote Operations
The Islamic Azad University has confirmed that all educational activities at its Tehran province branches will be conducted non-attended (remotely) on Tuesday and Wednesday. This measure is a direct response to the official mandate aimed at safeguarding public health. Furthermore, administrative staff will adopt remote work protocols, with their physical presence minimized and subject to the discretion of relevant managers.
Sharif University Follows Suit
Echoing this public health-focused approach, the Sharif University of Technology has also suspended in-person classes for the same two-day period. The university’s educational deputy released a statement clarifying that this shift to online learning aligns with both the Tehran Governorate’s decision and the university’s own prior regulations for such environmental circumstances.
The university did specify important exceptions to the remote ruling. Scheduled examinations are, by default, to be held in person unless the course instructor decides otherwise. Similarly, planned thesis defense sessions for graduate students will proceed in person, unless the academic supervisor, in consultation with the faculty’s postgraduate deputy, opts for a different format. Instructors at Sharif University are responsible for informing their students directly about the specific arrangements for their virtual classes.