The University of the South Pacific says they will consider re-looking at their fee structure, however the current measures which includes online classes are temporary and they will resume face to face teaching as soon as government relaxes the social distancing requirements.
The USP has made this comment after Fijivillage asked whether the University will re-look at the fee structure as students are no longer provided with face to face lectures, and students are no longer using any USP facilities like labs, lecture rooms and library as they are studying from home.
We have raised that private students definitely have been affected and asked whether there will be some relief for them in regards to their fees.
Vice-Chancellor and President Professor, Pal Ahluwalia says they are confident that given the excellent control over COVID-19 by all their member governments, they will return to normal classes in Semester 2.
He says they have also ensured that students can access materials as their computer labs and library are open and assisting their students with access.
Professor, Pal Ahluwalia adds that they are also flexible about the due date for tuition fees and have extended the deadline for Semester 1 and Trimester 1, 2020, up to the end of exams.
Meanwhile, the USP’s Students’ Association says it has been liaising with the University on fees and other costs that would need to be re-looked at from next semester should the current situation continue where students are now studying online.
President, Joseph Sua says some private students have also requested for fees refund due to hardships faced.
He says their students have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and and the recent TC Harold.
Sua says they have received requests from USP students in Fiji Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga and Kiribati with regards to food rations and educational materials and this has been looked at.
