Nasinu Campus students after the Orientation session.
The Fiji National University (FNU) was abuzz with excitement as Orientation Week for newly-enrolled students started today for the College of Business, Hospitality and Tourism Studies (CBHTS) and College of Humanities and Education (CHE) students at Nasinu Campus.
The Valelevu lecture theatre was filled with first-year students eager to learn about the campus and its resources and facilities, meet College and support staff, know their student leaders and visit the Finance and Accommodation offices to complete their hostel living arrangements.
FNU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Toby Wilkinson welcomed the students and congratulated them for beginning their tertiary journey at FNU.
“It is my pleasure to welcome our newest members to the FNU family,” Professor Wilkinson said. “You have worked hard to reach this point and I’m sure you’re excited to be embarking on a new adventure, a new stage of your lives.”
“University brings a whole new set of opportunities, to follow your passion to discover your call, become yourself and to make new friends.”
Professor Toby Wilkinson
“It also means living behind the highly structured fully timetabled world of secondary school and entering the learning environment where you are required to think for yourself, work independently, acquire new knowledge and skills and receive wisdom.”
“At school, you are taught the right answers, at university, we encourage you to ask the right questions.”
Professor Wilkinson highlighted that the students were entering university at a time when global disruptions caused by COVID-19 influenced the delivery of learning and teaching.
“The past 10 months have witnessed 10 years’ worth of innovation in the digital sphere as businesses, individuals and even universities have been forced to move their activities online. The e-economy and e-services have leapt ahead, creating opportunities for young people to shape a new future,” he said.
“There is also much talk about Industry 4.0, the fourth industrial revolution. Big data, artificial intelligence and machine learning, these are all transforming the world of work. Many of today’s jobs, whether in medicine, the professions or even in teaching, will in the future be done by machines.”
“But there will always be a need for intelligent, adaptable and skilled people. With your energy and enthusiasm, you don’t need to fear the future because you will shape it.
“The future may be uncertain but the need for educated, motivated, resilient and agile leaders has never been more certain. That is what we at FNU hope to give you the opportunity to become.”
Presentations were also held on the various learning and teaching services offered on campus. Students were then taken on campus tours to familiarise themselves with the library, academic and support offices, cafeteria, hostels and lecture and tutorial rooms.
Adi Kaveni Tuvou (front) and her sister Sulita.
First-year student Adi Kaveni Tuvou said she chose FNU as it was the ideal place to provide her with the relevant skills and knowledge to begin her career.
“Since high school at Nuku Secondary School, I knew I would study at FNU because I believe it is the place that would launch me into the real world and because I would undergo compulsory practical attachment, I will be ready for work in my field of study,” the 20-year-old said.
Tuvou is enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Industrial Relations and Human Resources.
“I did my own research before deciding on the course and the FNU website was helpful as it contained all the information I needed such as the course entry requirements, fee structure and unit details.”
“I will be staying on campus and am excited that I have friends from school who are also studying at FNU.”
“My parents and siblings are my motivation to succeed at FNU and I live by the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11.”
Interested students can still apply for Semester 1 studies at FNU. Those who have received their Offer Letter can complete their enrolment process online or visit the nearest FNU campus.