The University of Fiji will hold its first ever Parents’ and Friends’ Days from 23 – 27 January at the University's main campus in Saweni (Lautoka), 24 January at the Hotel Takia Carpark (Labasa) and 26 January at the Ivi triangle in Suva.

The events are dedicated to provide students and their families information on the academic programmes offered at UniFiji, and assist in charting out career development options for our graduates.

Prospective students will have the opportunity to complete application forms for admission and have these processed while they wait. Those visiting Saweni will have a chance to see the facilities on campus.

Vice Chancellor Professor Kumar said that the aim of this event is to provide school leavers, parents and the community the convenience to obtain information about the University of Fiji, its programmes, admission regulations, fees, scholarship opportunities etc.

“This is the time when school leavers are looking at opportunities and everyone is anxious to make the right choices for the future,” said Professor Kumar.

Professor Kumar added that the regular counselling week, which is held just before a semester, when this information is always provided maybe late for many. He added that when the examination results come out students want to make early decisions. The time to do so is now for many school leavers. Form 7 results have already been released and the FSLC results would be released soon.

“By taking the information to the people, it avoids all the hassle of travelling to Saweni or waiting to receive information by post, or merely read about it via paid advertisements,” said Professor Kumar. More significantly, individuals’ specific issues can be clarified on a one to one basis. He said that the events in Labasa and Suva will be targeted at the people in the Central and Northern Divisions while the event in Saweni will be open to everyone throughout the week. “This will be a one-stop-shop operation as academic staff will provide top quality advice on programmes and senior members of the student academic services section will process applications and provide immediate response to applications.”

Professor Kumar explained that with this approach, people would not have to wait for a long time to hear whether their applications for admission to particular programmes have been accepted. This also provides people opportunity to look at alternative programmes if their first choice is not available.

“We are relatively small, with small and manageable numbers in class, this ensures a more personal attention to students and more sensitivity to the learning and teaching environment,” said Professor Kumar.

“I should stress that UniFiji, as part of its mandate, is committed to providing AFFORDABLE education with the quality and standard that is comparable to that offered by other institutions,” said Professor Kumar.
           
He concluded that “UniFiji was established to provide an affordable alternative to the people for whom University education remained distant, due to cost, location and other factors. UniFiji located in the peri-urban sector of the West is specially geared to serve the needs of the rural, poor and anyone who aspires for a University education.”