Aror University Sukkur: Reviving Art and Architecture

Located in the ancient historical town of Aror, once the capital of Sindh, the Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design & Heritage Sukkur  is a unique higher education institution aiming to revive traditional values while offering a diverse range of disciplines.

Established as the Sindh College of Arts & Design under the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology, it was later upgraded to a full-fledged university through the efforts of the then MPA Syed Awais Qadir Shah and the passing of the University Act by the Sindh Assembly in June 2020. In this blog, Graana.com has prepared a detailed guide on AROR University Sukkur. 

 

History

Initially, AU Sukkur was laid down as the Sindh College of Arts & Design under the Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science & Technology. However, the vision was to transform it into a full-fledged university. In 2018, the bill was moved to upgrade the college, and on 15th June 2020, the Sindh Assembly passed the University Act, leading to the establishment of the Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design and Heritage, Sukkur. 

 

Overcoming Challenges

For a long time, the university remained non-functional and under construction, which posed challenges for art education and limited opportunities for emerging professionals in arts in the region. Recognising the need for change, the Government of Sindh appointed Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain, an esteemed figure in the education sector, as the Acting Vice Chancellor. 

With the appointment of Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain, the university started its journey towards becoming a unique higher education institution, focusing on quality and standards. On 12th August 2022, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Federal Minister for Water Resources, inaugurated AU Sukkur and marked the beginning of the 2022-23 academic session. 

Open Air Museum

The university launched an open-air Museum, featuring exhibits such as landscape models of the “Battle of Aror – King Dahir’s Fort Life” and “Manchar Lake and Life Around.” This museum brings history and natural beauty together, providing visitors with a unique experience. 

 

Arts & Crafts Gallery

Aror University in the city of Sukkur established an Arts & Crafts Gallery, providing a platform for faculty and students to showcase their creations. This gallery not only promotes the work of people within the university but also invites regional people who work in the field of art to exhibit their art, fostering a sense of community and supporting local art. 

 

Aror Boutique

The university’s Faculty of Design launched Aror Boutique, offering a unique collection of apparel, handmade jewellery, accessories, and ceramic ware. This initiative allows students and faculty to merge traditional elements with contemporary fashion trends. 

 

Wax Sculpture Collection

AU Sukkur unveiled its first-ever wax sculpture collection inspired by Madame Tussaud’s wax museum. The collection debuted with the wax sculpture of “Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” paying tribute to her iconic legacy on Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee. 

 

Degrees & Employability

AU Sukkur stands out as one of the first universities to emphasise the employability scope of its degree programs. With offerings in Fine Art, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Fashion/Textile Design, and Archaeology, the university aims to equip students with practical skills and prepare them for successful careers in their chosen fields. 

Admission to Aror University Sukkur

• Admission Policy: Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design, and Heritage Sindh prioritizes merit for student selection, with the right to alter rules as needed.
• Program Structure: All undergraduate programs are full-time morning courses; students cannot work or enroll elsewhere simultaneously, or risk admission cancellation.
• Admission Process: Applicants must apply online using the provided form and pay a non-refundable processing fee of Rs 1,200 through the designated bank.
• Discipline Selection: If eligible for multiple disciplines, applicants must choose a preferred discipline during application submission; admission is granted based on merit.
• The university determines merit by assessing S.S.C/0’Level, H.S.C/A’Level/DAE, Entry Test, and interview performance, with the interview necessitating original documents.
• Document Integrity: Admission with fake or tampered documents leads to admission cancellation, potential legal action, and forfeiture of payments.
• Document Retention: Students cannot withdraw their original HSC mark sheets and certificates until degree completion.

 

Merit List at Aror University Sukkur

This university admission process entails several important steps and regulations:

• Merit List and Aptitude Test Result: The university posts discipline-wise merit lists publicly but can cancel results for misconduct.
• Interview and Documentation: Candidates need original testimonials for interviews, or they’re disqualified.
• Non-Appearance and Disqualification: Missing interviews without notice results in removal from the merit list, with no appeal.
• Admission Committee Decision: The committee decides admissions, candidates can appeal within five days.
• Enrolment Formalities: Candidates must complete various forms for enrolment.
• Choice of Discipline: Discipline choices are final, and cannot be changed later.
• Affidavit for Discipline Acceptance: Candidates accepting a different discipline must submit an affidavit within three days, agreeing not to request further changes.
• Fee Payment and Seat Allocation: Non-payment leads to seat reassignment based on merit; late applicants may be considered if seats remain.

Faculty Of Architecture & Town Planning

FP2A, which stands for the Faculty of Photography, Fine and Performing Arts, offers a unique and dynamic learning environment for students. With a team of highly qualified and motivated professionals, they encourage students to explore various media and disciplines. Their aim is to provide quality education through modern teaching methods, utilising state-of-the-art classrooms and studios. 

They are proud to offer the following program in FP2A: 

• Bachelor’s in Visual Arts

Faculty of Architecture & Town Planning

The Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning is committed to nurturing architects, engineers, and researchers with the skills to think critically and tackle emerging challenges. Their dedicated team of faculty members is available full-time to provide support. They adopt a blended approach to classroom teaching, integrating research and hands-on training to ensure a deep understanding of complex concepts and theories. 

The Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning offers the following degree programs: 

• Bachelor of Architecture (B. Arch) – 5 Years
• B.Sc. Civil Engineering
• BS Environmental Sciences

Faculty of Design

The Faculty of Design (FOD) offers diverse programs that encompass surface design and craftsmanship. These programs cover fashion design, functional clothing, textile design, and ceramics. They explore historical, futuristic, and innovative design approaches. Graduates can pursue opportunities in the national and international design industry, film industry, or start their own businesses.

Degree Programs Available in the FOD are as follows:

• BS Textile Design
• BS Fashion Design

This was all about the Aror University Sukkur. For more information, visit Graana.com.