Staff-Students Liaison Committee

SSLC

Staff-Students Liaison Committee

The SSLC has set up to provide our students with the support they require while studying at the USP.  This comes in the form of addressing issues faced by the students and working with the students in making them feel that they belong to this School.  The committee is Chaired by the Head of School and has staff and students representative fill all the Disciplines.  The students are also represented from each level of the programme.

Objectives:

  1. Encourage students to feel that they are part of the School and have a role to play in matters of the School;
  1. Provide an avenue for students to raise issues and give ideas relating to academic matters;
  1. Facilitate and mediate students’ grievances/complaints and try to resolve them in the best way possible in the strictest confidentiality;
  1. Inform students of the activities we undertake in order to improve our service to them;
  1. Keep the students informed of the developments in the school;
  1. Any documentation that may arise will be strictly confined to the committee and the staff member (if needed);
  1. The procedure for dealing with issues should follow a proper channel of going through student representatives except with emergency issues which can be conveyed directly to staff committee members;
  1. A timetable for committee meetings is scheduled for at least two times per semester or any other time as the need arises;
  1. Provide a vehicle for communication of important academic matters between students and staff of the school.

SAGEONS STAFF/STUDENTS LIAISON COMMITTEE (SSLC)

The SAGEONS Staff/Students Liaison Committee (SSLC) at the University of the South Pacific is chaired by the Head of School and includes both staff and student representatives from all disciplines within the School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS). Each academic level of the program is represented by students, ensuring broad and inclusive participation

The SSLC has set up to provide our students with the support they require while studying at the USP.  This comes in the form of addressing issues faced by the students and working with the students in making them feel that they belong to this School.  The committee is chaired by the Head of School and has staff and student representatives fill all the Disciplines.  The students are also represented from each level of the programme.

The terms of reference are as follows:

  1. Encourage students to feel that they are part of the School and have a role to play in matters of the School;
  1. Provide an avenue for students to raise issues and give ideas relating to academic matters;
  1. Facilitate and mediate students’ grievances/complaints and try to resolve them in the best way possible in the strictest confidentiality.
  1. Inform students of the activities we undertake to improve our service to them;
  1. Keep the students informed of the developments in the school.
  1. Any documentation that may arise will be strictly confined to the committee and the staff member (if needed);
  1. The procedure for dealing with issues should follow a proper channel of going through student representatives, except for emergency issues, which can be conveyed directly to staff committee members.
  2. A timetable for committee meetings is scheduled for at least two times per semester or any other time as the need arises;
  1. Provide a vehicle for communication of important academic matters between students and staff of the school.

The Student/Staff Liaison Committee shall normally meet at least once a year and may convene other meetings as necessary.

Some of the key events hosted by SAGEONS SSLC in 2025 are:

  • Student Orientation (July 2025) SAGEONS hosted a vibrant orientation for first-year students at the AusAID Lecture Theatre, Laucala Campus. The event introduced students to academic programs, campus facilities, and support services. Faculty from each discipline highlighted research initiatives and community engagement opportunities.
  • Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Launch (July 2025) While not SSLC-specific, this major event involved SAGEONS and STEMP schools. Held at the N111 Lecture Theatre, it celebrated innovation in STEM education and encouraged students to tackle real-world challenges. The SSLC likely played a role in promoting student participation and feedback.
  • SSLC Meetings & Student Engagement The committee continues to meet at least twice per semester, providing a platform for students to raise academic concerns, share ideas, and stay informed about school developments. These meetings are designed to foster a sense of belonging and ensure student voices are heard.