New policy to bring about transparency, says UniFiji

'This policy is not meant to and does not in any way compromise the academic freedom, but for administrative needs and purposes, the policy induces accountability from those employed by the University of Fiji.'

The University of Fiji says it has introduced the clock in and clock out policy for staff to bring about transparency.

It was responding to a Fiji Sun report that some senior academics had protested against the policy saying it limited academic freedom.

But UniFiji said in a statement issued by the Office of the Registrar that at the moment “most junior and middle level personnel are already required to clock in and out”. “Since the policy was implemented many academics are already adhering to the requirement without any fuss,” the statement said.

“As a tertiary institution, UniFiji is heavily funded by Government grants and there has to be uniformity and transparency by all those who are getting paid.

“Any employer has the right to know when their employees come and go. However, this policy is not set in concrete and individuals can present their case as to why they shouldn’t be strictly required to adhere to this.

“In a such a situation due consideration will be given on a case by case basis. The university, for insurance purposes, needs to be aware of where its personnel are at any given time.

“This policy is not meant to and does not in any way compromise the academic freedom, but for administrative needs and purposes, the policy induces accountability from those employed by the University of Fiji.”

The full statement is in a paid advertisement on page 34.

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra