Phased re-opening of FNU campuses

Press Release Posted On: September 27, 2021

Professor Toby Wilkinson.

The Fiji National University (FNU) will be implementing a phased re-opening of its campuses starting on Monday 4 October. The decision was made by the University’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) after consultations with the Fiji Higher Education Commission, following the announcement by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

FNU Vice-Chancellor Professor Toby Wilkinson said to manage the reopening of campuses in a safe and controlled manner, to protect the health and wellbeing of staff and students, most learning, teaching and assessment are expected to remain online for the rest of this Semester. The VC added that all Senate approved teaching and assessment plans and deadlines will be maintained.

“A return to campus will be phased with students who need to complete practical assignments that cannot be done online. If students fall into one of these groups they will be contacted by their departments, schools or colleges,” said Wilkinson.

Similar arrangements are being made for staff whereby a return to campus will be phased and only for staff who are fully vaccinated and who are required to provide learning and teaching services and selected student-facing support services mainly related to ITS, Division of Estates and Facilities, Office of Registrar and Division of Finance.

All students and staff must have prior approval from the respective Deans and Division heads and their names to be included in the security list at the respective campuses.

Those who visit any FNU campus will be required to maintain COVID safe measures in accordance with the directive from the Fiji Higher Education Commission:

  • Only students and staff 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 and students will be required to show proof of vaccination status and their FNU Identification Cards to security at the campus entrance. Failure to show both documents will result in refusal of entry. This is to protect all students and staff.
  • All students and staff must adhere strictly to all the COVID-19 safety protocols while on campus:
  • A face covering must be worn at all times
  • 2-metre social distancing must be observed at all times (teaching spaces have been reconfigured, and room capacities reduced, to maintain social distancing)
  • The CareFiji app must be installed and activated on your device
  • 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 hope to be able to re-open campuses to wider groups of staff and students later in the Semester,” VC Wilkinson commented.

The University will keep staff and students regularly updated by email, our website, and social media channels.