Phased re-opening of FNU campuses – Advisory for Staff

Posted On: September 27, 2021

Dear colleagues,

Following the recent announcement by the Prime Minister, FNU will be implementing a phased re-opening of its campuses starting on Monday 4 October. In order to manage the reopening of campuses in a safe and controlled manner, most learning, teaching, assessment and support services are expected to remain online for the rest of this Semester. All Senate approved teaching and assessment plans and deadlines will be maintained.

A return to campus will be prioritised at this time ONLY for students who need to complete practical assignments that cannot be done online, and staff in essential student-facing roles (nominated teaching staff, plus some staff from Estates & Facilities, ITS, Office of Registrar and Division of Finance). If you are required to work on campus, you will be contacted by your manager. All other staff should continue to work from home.

All staff accessing campus must have prior approval from their Dean or Division head, and their name must be sent to the Division of Estates and Facilities to be included in the security list at the respective campus. Please do not come to campus unless you have been asked to do so by your manager; you will not be allowed entry.

In order to maintain the health and safety of all staff and students, the following measures will be operational, in accordance with the directive from the Fiji Higher Education Commission:
• Only staff and students who have been fully vaccinated (or who have proof that they have been granted exemption from vaccination) will be permitted to enter FNU premises. Staff will be required to show their proof of vaccination status and FNU staff card to security at the campus entrance. Failure to show both these documents will result in refusal of entry. This is to protect all students and staff.
• All staff and students must adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 safety protocols while on campus:
o A face covering must be worn at all times
o 2-metre social distancing must be observed at all times (teaching spaces have been reconfigured, and room capacities reduced, to maintain social distancing)
o The CareFiji app must be installed and activated on your device
o Please wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser (sanitiser stations will
be installed throughout campuses)
• Clear signage will be installed across campuses to remind everyone of the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Depending on the progress of the national vaccination campaign and Government advice, we may be able to re-open campuses to wider groups of students and staff later in the Semester. The University will keep you regularly updated by email, FNU PR, our website, and social media channels.

If you have any questions, please contact your manager or the Division of Human Resources.

With best wishes,
Professor Toby Wilkinson
Vice-Chancellor