Chandra: Quality A Priority For University
The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the South Pacific, Professor Rajesh Chandra, says the findings of a 1966 report on the establishment of the regional institution have been realised.
The Morris Report, which led to the setting up of the USP, found that Pacific people needed a university of esteem and reputation. “Today, it is widely acknowledged that USP has this esteem, this reputation nationally, regionally and very importantly, internationally,” Professor Chandra said.
He was speaking at the opening of the USP Open Day at the Laucala Campus in Suva yesterday.
So far, he said, the university had achieved 27 accreditations and 15 recognitions for its programmes. He said USP expected to obtain more accreditations because this remained a major priority for the university.
Professor Chandra said the most important recent validation of their quality was the fact that USP had now been accredited by the American accrediting agency, WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The accreditation is valid for six years.
“This accreditation is different from the accreditation of particular programmes because it is the accreditation of USP as a whole and with this our programmes will be recognised in the US,” he said. With the 14 campuses in its 12-member countries he said numerous international accreditations, flexibility in mode of study, strong employability of their graduates and affordability, USP was clearly a very good option for students.
“USP gives you a choice of a comprehensive range of relevant academic programmes, many of which can be pursued at all campuses and in a variety of formats-faceto-face, online, flexible learning, or via a mixture of modes,” Professor Chandra said.
In addition, he said, students had access to the Disability Resource Centre, which catered specifically for the needs of students with disabilities.
The university, he said, had some very bright students who had been producing excellent innovations. “We have registered eight innovation patents with the Australian Patent Office,” Professor Chandra said.
Last week, he said, they launched a number of Apps developed by their students and staff.
“If you join, you will get a chance to excel and innovate—and secure your future,” Professor Chandra said.
In 1965, the four-member Higher Education Mission to the South Pacific was appointed and chaired by Sir Charles Morris.
The Morris Report of 1966 is essentially the founding document of USP. Its purpose was to:
Investigate higher education possibilities in the South Pacific region;
Recommend the type of institutions necessary; and
Examine the extent to which the RNZAF base in Suva could be adapted to the needs of such an institution.
This mission was a joint activity of the governments of the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The Australian Government was also invited to nominate a member to it. Edited by Epineri Vula