To date, there have been no positive cases of the Covid-19 in Fiji and the Fiji Government has put in place a number of measures to protect the population. These include cancelling events in Fiji with international delegates and requiring international arrivals to self-quarantine for 14 days.
For Fiji National University, it is “business as usual”. All classes and events (with the exception of the CMNHS graduation ceremony – see below) are continuing as normal.
However, the University has made extensive contingency plans so that teaching can continue normally in the event that there is an outbreak of Covid-19 and the Government decides to close schools and universities for a short period as part of a containment strategy. These plans include encouraging staff and students to begin routinely protecting themselves from infection, so that this becomes a healthy habit.
Social distancing
Students are strongly requested NOT to engage in the normal social conventions of shaking hands or hugging during this period, to minimise their risk of infection.
Hand washing
The best way to protect yourself from infection is to wash your hands regularly. The cleaning contractors are installing 200 new soap dispensers in all washrooms this week.
International Gatherings
There is a ban on attending conferences or seminars in Fiji with international delegates or speakers.
All visits by international delegates to the University are suspended with immediate effect.
The CMNHS graduation ceremony scheduled for 27 March is postponed, due to the significant number of regional students and families involved. Graduation certificates will be issued shortly, and students may choose to attend a graduation ceremony later this year.
Note: The Labasa graduation will proceed as scheduled on 19 March.
International Travel
There is a complete ban on all University-funded international travel with immediate effect.
Students are strongly advised not to travel internationally. If you have to travel to countries affected by the Fiji’s current travel restrictions, please note that you will need to self-quarantine for 14 days after your return. This may adversely impact your academic performance. Please note that this will not be admissible as mitigating circumstances if you booked this travel after today’s date.
Students who are currently on academic exchange outside Fiji should liaise closely with FNU’s International Office for guidance and support.
Teaching via Moodle
In the event that the University is required to close its campuses should there be an outbreak of Covid-19 infections, academic staff will deliver their courses by Moodle, supplemented by email, online discussion forums and Zoom.
For courses that cannot be fully delivered through Moodle (eg, clinical and/or practical requirements), students are requested to contact their Head of Department.
Email communication
Please regularly check your official FNU email, as this will be the main way we will communicate with you in the event of a campus closure. If you have not yet activated your official FNY email account, follow the steps in the box below.
| How to activate your FNU student email account
Each FNU student is provided with an individual FNU Student email address The FNU Student email address is username@student.fnu.ac.fj, e.g. Student Email ID s2002001918@student.fnu.ac.fj To get your student email, students need to visit the ICT General Computer Lab on campus with their valid Student ID card. Students with an invalid or no ID cards are referred to the Student Academic Services. The ICT Lab tech will then provide the following information in a piece of paper (see image below) to the student who has a valid Student ID Card. The student is then required upon the first login of their new student account to change their password, and this will activate the student accounts.
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Professor Nigel Healey
Vice-Chancellor
Fiji National University
