USP

USP gives one week grace period to allow students to clear dues

A statement says students with outstanding fees now have until Thursday, October 27 to pay in order to be allowed to sit their exams.

The deadline applies to students, both in Fiji and the region.

The regional tertiary institute came under heavy criticism last week for deregistering students and blocking their accounts because they owed tuition fees.

     

USP V-C defends deregistration threat, but will review process

This week an opposition MP called for Professor Richard Coll's resignation, after he told students last Friday they'd be deregistered by Monday if debts were not paid.

RNZ reports some students said they were locked out of the university's online portal before they could pay, with exams coming up.

Professor Coll said warnings were given all semester, but the university will review this year's decision to extend the week six payment deadline.

USP explains deregistration move

This follows a call by a Fiji opposition MP for the Vice Chancellor Dr Rajesh Chandra and the acting Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Coll to resign.

RNZ reports Mikaele Leawere said the USP decision was cruel and badly timed.

But the USP said student debt was very high and the University sees it as a critical issue to be addressed.

     

USP receives patent for Wave Solar Energy Harvesting Device

Lecturers Dr F M Rabiul Islam and Dr Kabir Mamun, and student Shaneel Prakash of the School of Engineering and Physics invented the portable device, which presents the concept of a low cost wave-solar generation for Pacific Island Countries.

The ‘Portable Wave-Solar Energy Harvesting Device’ is a simple self-contained system, which can be deployed off-shore and useful in situations where there is no supply of electricity within the coastal area.

USP hands over Samoa appeal for Post Winston SCF Fundraiser

Dr Paunga made the comment while officially handing over the Samoa appeal for Post Winston Save the Children’s Fundraiser to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Save the Children’s Fund (SCF), Iris Low-McKenzie, at Laucala on 5 August.

USP Savaii Centre Expo 2016, a success

The general response from students and members of the public was excitement and satisfaction when during presentations, they learnt that Savaii now has access to University studies and students need not leave their homes to travel to the main island of Upolu.

Chief Guest was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Ministry of Women, Community and Social Development, Afioga Fuimapoao Naea Beth Onesemo-Tuilaepa, who encouraged youths to use the opportunity offered by USP to carry out their studies.

USP to participate in International Robot Contest

The Robot Contest, which is known as “Game of ABU Robocon 2016” is an international showdown of ideas in order to create the awareness of efficient energy consumption and clean and renewable energy use.

Robocon team at USP comprises Senior Lecturer from the School of Engineering and Physics (SEP), Dr Utkal Mehta, Assistant Lecturer Mr Sumesh Narayan, Lab Technician Mr Sanjay Singh and five students studying in the Bachelor of Engineering programme - Ram Singh, Peni Jitoko, Sumeet Kumar, Shyamendra Prasad and Asneet Sagar.

USP, Massey University renews MOU

The MOU is a fruition of the efforts made by USP’s Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE) under the leadership of the Dean, Dr Akanisi Kedrayate and initiated by the School of Social Sciences under the Social Work Programme.

USP Open Day highlights university growth and expansion in Samoa

 “The University of the South Pacific is also Samoa’s university. I wouldn’t say its second, but its another university because Samoa has a share in it along with 11 other Pacific islands,” said Campus Director, Ruby Va’a.

The open day will also be a celebration of the mixed cultures within the university and that is something the board of directors as well as the organizers of the event are proud to display.

“We’re all hoping that this is something new this year and next week we will take our open day at USP to Savai’i center,” added Va’a.

Samoan Prime Minister reaffirms quality education at USP

He made the comment when he officially opened the 82nd meeting of the USP Council in Samoa today.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa said that even with the sprouting of national institutions, USP has become the first choice for those seeking higher education for better opportunities.

“Many of the Pacific countries including Samoa are benefitting from the returning graduates of USP who have assumed roles of leadership and are helping towards shaping the future of our countries,” he added.