It is a collective exercise to transform The University of the South Pacific from a good to an excellent University and Campus Directors have a huge role to play in it, says USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Rajesh Chandra.
Professor Chandra made the comment during the Regional Campus Directors meeting at Suva’s Southern Cross Hotel on Monday 18 August.
“A lot of things have changed to the extent that our campuses are looking much better, perhaps not as much as we would like it to but they have improved significantly,” he noted.
“As the Vice-Chancellor, I provide strong support for regional campuses and this will be further enhanced. We must all go forward from that commitment,” he said.
Professor Chandra emphasised that a major part of capital expenditure for USP’s Strategic Plan is for regional campuses.
He said the other strong and underlying fact is that Governments are looking to USP to be more cost-effective while delivering excellence.
“USP Council is strongly looking at everything in terms of costs and benefits, so we have to measure these and be able to explain why we need to do things and justify everything that we do,” he noted.
Professor Chandra encouraged the Campus Directors to devote time to the study of the cost of courses adding that a consolidated regional campuses development plan and individual plans are vital.
“The review of the administration, governance and management of regional campuses will inform our future and our engagement with Governments are equally vital,” he said.
He also advised the Campus Directors to take more accountability and reminded them of the need for speedy action.
Professor Chandra also acknowledged Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Esther Williams for being one of the longest serving members of the Senior Management Team (SMT) at USP and commended her for her loyalty and commitment.
Dr. Williams completes her term at the University at the end of this month.
He also acknowledged the inclusion of Dr Giulio Masasso Paunga, the new Vice-President Regional Campuses and Properties and Facilities into the SMT.
