The University of the South Pacific’s Virtual Principal and Careers Teachers Consultation, held last week, provided an opportunity for principals and teachers to hear about why the University was the best choice for prospective students.
The Principal and Careers Teachers Consultation from the 23 – 25 November 2021 was hosted by the Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia and his team of School Heads.
The participants included teachers and principals from various educational institutions where they engaged in active discussion and applauded the University’s effort and initiative in holding the consultations.
USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia told teachers and principals the University would assist in every possible way. He added the teachers were the best point of contact to convey the messages and information from the consultation to its students.
“This is a fascinating time for the University because we started this consultation last year and want to make it an annual event,” he said.
“Our objective is to influence Pacific Islanders by delivering excellent education and research that improves the lives of individuals and communities,” Professor Ahluwalia said.
He said the University worked hard to instill a body of knowledge and a set of values to help students succeed.
The VCP mentioned the University’s accomplishments, including its ranking in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2022 and as the 11th best university in the world in the area of crisis management in the World’s Universities with Real Impact (WURI) global ranking for 2021.
He stated that USP remains aspirational, enthusiastic, and committed to change and success.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor Education, Professor Jito Vanualailai said he was glad to have been a previous student of the University and he is now working to making the University the finest in the world.
“I contribute not just to research but also to other departments at the University, and it’s an honour to collaborate with other colleagues to ensure that our name is one of the most well-known in the world,” he added.
“We want our students to receive the best possible training and preparation,” he emphasised.
He further added that as a responsible academic institution, USP was committed to providing and promoting high-quality education despite challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The year 2022 might bring problems for which we must all be prepared for, and this meeting with school leaders is part of that preparation,” Professor Vanualailai said.
Suva Adventist College Principal, Merewalesi Tuiloma said an ‘eye catcher’ for their students were promotional videos that Career Teachers could use in their respective schools.
She feels t the videos will assist students gain a better understanding of the application process and a more balanced viewpoint while applying to USP.
DAV Girls College Vice-Principal, Sunita Prasad said she was honoured to be part of the consultation since it would help her deliver the message to her students more effectively.
She thanked the university for the enlightening session and for educating the teachers about the requirements of different disciplines at USP.
“It was a highly informative and entertaining virtual meeting. We have liked and benefited from this programme,” she continued.
Separate sessions of the Principal and Careers Teachers Consultation were held for the Labasa and Lautoka Campuses.
