If you have arrived at USP straight from school one of the biggest surprises you will find is the academic freedom you have at the University. At school your teachers probably closely supervised your attendance, your class work and your homework. At University it is expected that you are here because you want to be here and that you are enthusiastic about learning. If you don’t turn up to lecturers or tutorials, or if you fail to hand   in assignments , nobody is going to punish you. Whether you are a private student or you have been awarded a scholarship to attend USP, the only person who is ultimately responsible for whether you succeed for fail at University is you. This means you need to take a responsible approach to  learning. Find out all you can about the academic rules and regulations, turn up to your lectures regularly (whether in person or virtually) ensure you understand the structure and content of your academic programme, submit your assignments on time and make sure you prepare well for examinations. If you put in your best effort you will not only be personally satisfied but you will also probably perform well academically.

There are several facilities available for you as a student of USP! Check out the orientation booklet above to find out more.

Library

We have our very own campus library. This is opened Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm with the exceptions of satutory holidays. All current registered students are library members and allowed the following provisions:

• Undergraduate students: 10 items for 14 days
• Postgraduate students: 20 items for 30 days

Yes, our library is also accessible online.

Archives

Across from the campus library are the archives. This is very much a work in progress. We currently have Jennie Hood, courtesy of Volunteer Services Abroad, working on the digitisation of our archives, in particular the works of Hon D.Litt Marjorie Crocombe and Emeritus Professor Ron Crocombe. We very much look forward to having these materials made accessible to all our students in the near future!

Te Puna Vai Mārama (Cook Islands Centre for Research) is a joint venture between the Cook Islands Government and the University. Te Puna Vai Mārama aims to be the premier place of research in the Cook Islands. If you are thinking about doing postgraduate studies or have an idea for a thesis or research project Te Puna Vai Mārama can help.

This year courtesy of Volunteer Service Abroad we are lucky to be welcoming on board Lyndsey Bartlett as our Academic and Research Assistant. Keep an eye out for the workshops that Lyndsey will be running throughout the semester centred around academic skills, moodle navigation, note-taking, referencing techniques, academic vocabulary and creating effective presentations. Lyndsey will also be able to speak to you one-on-one to provide you with the support you need to successfully navigate your studies.

Haven’t received your invoice? Email Jhaco on inoke.ravouvou@usp.ac.fj