In light of rapidly changing developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, the University’s Senior Management Group (SMG) met this morning, and the following plans have  been outlined for Campuses outside the greater Lautoka area (which remains closed to all staff and students):

Extension of Mid Semester Break

The University has decided to extend the mid-semester break for another week (30 March – 4 April). This applies to all teaching terms (semester, trimester, quarter, penster). No teaching, examinations, assessments and practicals etc. will take place during this period. All in-house workshops and training conducted by NTPC are postponed until further notice. The third and fifth-year Veterinary Science students are completing the final two weeks of the trimester, via online mode.

Local hostel students are requested to liaise with the hostel supervisors and make arrangements to return to their usual place of residence during this mid-semester break. If you are unable to do so, please speak to your Hostel Warden so that arrangements for your stay at the hostel can be made.

Regional students and students within the Lautoka red zone may be exempted from the above.

The University will remain open to staff (academic and support); however, Deans, Directors and Campus Heads may decide which staff can work from home.

CMNHS Students

All clinical attachments, theories and practical for undergraduate students at CMNHS is suspended for the next two weeks. This applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across the five schools. Regional clinical postgraduate students may liaise with their country representatives and the school on the continuation of studies if requested by their Government to work in their respective home countries. The school will, as much as possible, ensure the continuation of PG online support where possible.  Local postgraduate students will need to liaise with their sponsors and officially inform the University of their Training Plans. However, the College is more than willing to offer online support for all Postgraduate programmes during this challenging period. All schools have developed contingency strategies for academic continuity of students for the remainder of Semester 1 depending on how this pandemic evolves. The College will re-assess its plan before the end of the two weeks.

Hostel students at Natabua Residential Hall and McGregor House

The University would like to assure all stakeholders that Hostel Supervisors, Housekeepers and Kitchen Staff are still stationed at the Campus and are working diligently to keep the cafeteria running so that students can have access to food and water. The University is also well-stocked on soaps, disinfectants and other hygiene materials at these residential halls and we are also thankful to Punjas and the Indian Cultural and Religious Association for their kind donation of soap supply etc. which is an addition to our stocks. In the event of an emergency, please rest assured that the University has enough food stock to feed the students staying in these residential facilities. If a student is facing any difficulty, they may contact our Campus Coordinator at Natabua, Professor Unaisi Baba on unaisi.baba@fnu.ac.fj or mobile: 866 0460.

All residential students are reminded to liaise with Hostel supervisors for any assistance or any emergency. You may contact the Manager Accommodation on mobile: 9920736 or email: accommodationenquiries@fnu.ac.fj

Graduation – CMNHS

The graduation ceremony planned for CMNHS for 27^th March is cancelled, as announced earlier.  Students will be able to collect certificates from 27^th March from 9 am to 4 pm using social distance protocols to avoid overcrowding.  Students might face delays in receiving certificates as only 20 students will be allowed in waiting areas, and we request your kind understanding on this. Students may also make an appointment for gown collection next week with the Graduation Coordinator via email: gc@fnu.ac.fj if they wish. Graduates will be split by Schools and served from different venues/Campus to enable us to work safely and efficiently.

Please visit the following venues to collect your certificates. Kindly bring your student Identity card or a photo ID such as FNPF joint card or Driver’s License.

1. School of Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences and School of Dentistry & Oral Health Graduates –Hoodless House, Academic Office
2. School of Public Health Graduates – Tamavua Public Health Campus
3. School of Nursing Graduates- Nasinu Campus, Main Hall.

For Regional/International students who are out of Fiji – you may nominate someone to pick the certificates on your behalf by writing to gc@fnu.ac.fj, and the person will be requested to provide an ID upon collection. If posting is requested, note that a secure means should be used, such as through EMS Courier (Express Mail Service) which allows mails to be tracked.  Students are requested to liaise with the Graduation Coordinator on this and any other graduation related matters.

Gown Return – All gowns can be returned at Nasinu Campus Academic Office only. All gowns must be returned by 3 April 2020.

Library opening hours revised

The Library has changed its opening hours, and this can be accessed on the following link: https://www.fnu.ac.fj/new/article/4526-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

This situation is under constant review, and we request that staff and students frequently check their FNUPR emails, official FNU social media pages and the website for updates.