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 | Acting Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Glenn Miles delivers his speech at the formal welcome of new students. Also in picture (front row): Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra and the Pro Chancellor and Chair of Council, Mr Ikbal Jannif (far right). |
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New students enrolled at the University of the South Pacific for the 2013 academic year were accorded a welcome ceremony at the University’s Laucala Campus in Suva on 15 February.
The formal welcome marked the end of the week-long Orientation program, which is held annually, to ensure new students have a smooth transition to university life by providing them with appropriate advice and support as they embark on an exciting journey to study at USP.
The Orientation Week, facilitated by USP’s Campus Life, is a platform for new students to get comfortable with the University’s staff, familiarise themselves with its location and facilities, as well as get to know other local, regional and international students.
The new students were welcomed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration & Regional Campuses), Dr Esther Williams, and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Learning, Teaching & Student Services), Professor Susan Kelly.
Dr Williams and Professor Kelly applauded the students for choosing USP to further their tertiary education.
Both Deputy Vice-Chancellors reminded students that at USP, they were part of a unique university, where they will get to meet other students from all over the region and from the different countries in the world.
“There is a new world of possibilities, friendships, and educational opportunities and extra-curricular activities. You have the chance to engage in many of these on-campus and off-campus activities to enrich your experience at USP,” said Dr Williams.
Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Glenn Miles commended new students for overcoming the challenges to make it to USP.
He elaborated that Australia’s long-time support of USP is to ensure that students from around the Pacific have access to quality and internationally recognised tertiary education.
“And it is so that you can take all that you gain from your education - the knowledge, the networks, the experiences - and use them to contribute to the development of your countries and your region,” he told students.
Recently Australia and USP celebrated a one-year partnership extension. The extension will run through 2013. Australia has also sponsored a total of 121 students to study at the University this semester.
For 2013, Australia has committed an additional A$14million to assist USP work towards the goals of its new Strategic Plan 2013-2018.
The extension, according to the Acting Australian High Commissioner, signals the confidence Australia has in USP’s ability to produce graduates who are ready to join the Pacific workforce.
To the students commencing study at USP, H.E. Mr Miles said, “you are all at the beginning of what will surely be one of the most important experiences in your life. I encourage you to make the most of your opportunities.”
He advised students to commit to prioritising their studies and to manage their time well. He wished them a successful start and - and an even stronger finish - to their studies at USP.
Thanking the Chief Guest, H.E. Mr Miles, the Vice-Chancellor and President of USP, Professor Rajesh Chandra acknowledged that Australia has been a very important development partner to USP.
In addressing the new students, Professor Chandra reiterated that they made the right choice by coming to USP, the premier university of the region. He added that USP offers internationally recognised and relevant education.
“What you get at USP is beyond just your qualifications. You will get an educational experience that is intellectual, cultural, spiritual and social. All of this will equip you for lifelong success,” he stated.
The Vice-Chancellor emphasized to new students that they must have the ambition to succeed.
“You need to work hard because there is no substitute for hard work.”
Professor Chandra told students that they join USP at an exciting time, as the University embarks on the first year of its new strategic Plan. He spoke briefly on two essential elements of the new Plan which focus on achieving excellence and enhancing the regionality of the University.
Throughout the day, students got to enjoy live entertainment and music by Dragon Music, student cultural dancers, Oceania Dance Theatre, as well as the chance to win prizes. Among other activities, the first USP Blood Drive for 2013 was also held at the Laucala Campus.
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