Volume 8 No.05 04 February 2016

Director NTPC is Ambassador to UAE - Pg 1

FNU anticipates Agro-Tourism - Pg 1

Radison Blu Donates Wealth of Knowledge to FNU Library - Pg 2

Adapting to University - Pg 3

Student Profiles - Meeting the many new faces - Pg 4

Staff Profile - Pg 4

FOR CURRENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES

PLEASE VISIT PAGE 4

The Fiji National University Newsletter tracks media coverage of FNU events on a weekly basis. The following news can be found on the website which shows how FNU was featured in the media in the past week.• Too Much Of A Good Thing! • English school for Asians open• Impact Of The Continuing China

Crisis

• Jack Strives to be the Best• 48,868 looking for jobs• $6m proof• Bridgetobenefitcommuters

• The role of education institutions in conservation

• Usamate: State to recruit 200 nurses, 150 doctors annually

April GraduationGraduation Date: Friday 22nd April, 2016

Venue: Vodafone ArenaLaucala Bay, Suva

Plans are underway to commence work on the agro-tourism project in Lautoka.

Fiji National University Assistant Professor Doctor Mohammed Asif Iqubal said the Agro-tourism Lautoka was Fiji’s pilot project initiated by FNU and Fiji Agro Tourism Committee - Fiji.

He said agro-tourism was one of the fastest growing sectors in the eco-tourism industry and was an alternative farming enterprise.

Doctor Iqubal explained that the site was an 18 Acres of agricultural land that would be developed into the site for Agro-tourism was in Lovu which was three minutes’ drive from Lautoka City center.

He said the proposed project once completed would predominantly become a tourist attraction site.

“This will be a unique market as an organic farmwithfunfilledactivities.Activitieswillbein various forms.

Dr Iqubal made the comments while presenting this project paper at the Lautoka Chamber of Commerce Business Forum held at the Lautoka Campus Lecture Theatre.

He said once completed, the farm would include native trees and fruit trees, traditional Indo-Fijian and iTaukei style thatched dwellings, unfinished homes, open sheds,section for livestock feeding and rearing

Director of the National Training and Productivity Centre, Mr Kamlesh Prakash has officially left office with

the Fiji National University to take up his new diplomatic posting as Fiji Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The formerNTPCDirector, leftofficeonJanuary 11, 2016 after spending more than fiveyearswiththeinstitution.

Mr Prakash joined FNU as Director NTPC in September 2011 taking over from

Ambassador Yogesh Karan after he was appointed High Commissioner to India.

Prior to this, Ambassador Prakash worked for 10 years with Asian Productivity Organisation headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. From 1991 – 2000, he was the Manager for Productivity and Quality Training Board for the Former Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF).

While speaking at his farewell function,

His Excellency, The President of Fiji, Lt. Col. Jioji Konrote (centre) with Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mr Kamlesh Prakash (left) with Mrs Mala Prakash

during his comissioning at the Government House.

The Lautoka Campus library services recently received a boost to its collection of books.

Five star resort Radisson Blu through its Responsible Business Committee ‘Adopt a School’ handed over some text books suitable for students studying Teacher Training.

Responsible Business Ambassador Trish Knight said they were interested to hear of the University library services’ future plans.

“FNU clearly has another group of passionate and dedicated staff committed to improving the futures of our young Fijians,” she said.

In receiving the books on behalf of the University, Deputy University Librarian and Adjunct Assistant Professor Dr Tanveer Haider Naqvi, thanked Ms Knight and her team for the gifts of knowledge in the form of books and periodicals.

He said the library was pleased to accept such a generous books donation from Ms. Knight.

The collection of donated books focuses on education and covers the different branches of teacher training.

Dr. Naqvi said that these donated books would decorate FNU library collection as well asplayavitalroleindrawingmaximumbenefitby the students and staff, and the FNU Library always welcomes donations if the donated booksfitforitscollections.

He said students and staff at FNU would have access to these books and the location of all these donated books could be accessed through online public access catalogue of FNU library from anywhere.

Dr. Naqvi said the donation has created a better understanding and a long-term relationship with Ms Knight and the Radisson Blu “Adopt a School” team to receive more support to the library in future.

The Deputy librarian hoped that the donated resources would play a significantrole not only in enriching the Library collection, help the students in completing their projects, in assisting the staff in curriculum development and research, but also in supporting the teaching, learning and research activities and in lifting the image of the library at Fiji National University.

H.E. Mr Prakash wished the NTPC staff all the very best.

“I wish you all the very best and hope that you continue the hard work and maintain NTPC’s image,” he said.

“I believe that we have a very good team of deputy directors and they are

capable of guiding their respective divisions in providing the high class service to our customers” said H.E. Mr Prakash.

Deputy Director for Technical Training, Mr Peni Taoi has been appointed Acting Director of National Training and Productivity Centre.

This week we introduce to you our new student columnfromtheUniversityAcademicOffice.

This column will offer advice, tips and little grabs students can take advantage of during their time of study.

Noting this is just the beginning of a new Trimester, we will therefore highlight some tips for student to get organised

for academic success. HereisafewtipsfromourCounselorsOfficefornew

students trying to familiarise themselves to the new tertiary lifestyle. .

1. Adapt quicklyJoining a tertiary education institute

like FNU comes with a lot of excitement and pride. However, there is nervousness and anxiety as well when one faces a new environment. The trick is to adapt quickly and effectively. The new surroundings are quite different from the previous second-ary schools. Students must accept the only ‘change is constant’ and quickly learn how to function in this new learning envi-ronment. Reduce the anxiety and stress by making sure that the enrollment was done properly. Check the units are correct and the timetable is organised and with-out clashes. Survey where the new class-rooms are located and which pathways to be taken. Make the necessary arrange-ments for the payment of fees. These sit-uations can create stress and combined with your other stressors can make this new experience overwhelming. Organise well and seek assistance when needed.

2. Set goalsStudents must set short term and long

term goals from the beginning. While the famous Chinese proverb states, “the journey of thousands miles starts with a single step” students must set the des-tination of this journey before taking the necessary steps. Each individual must set precise, attainable and realistic goals in life. Aiming for abstract, unrealistic and unattainable goals sets individuals for a certain failure. Short term goals provide positive feedback and boost self-esteem and intrinsic motivation empowering one to strive harder towards realising the long term goals. Students must make a list and keep it safely and review it daily to guide their actions, words and thoughts.

3. Manage time Time management requires planning,

organisation and commitment. Students make the best plans however do not commit to it. As a result the precious time is wasted or devoted to something else. There is a need to balance the study time with personal time.

Create a schedule which is workable rather than a rigid structure which certain-ly will not be followed. Allow room for ma-neuvering in order to accommodate for something urgent. Clearly mark important dates such as due dates for assignments and exams. Allocate enough time to pre-pare for these important assessments as

this will ease the stress towards the due dates.

4. Read Actively & Make NotesPreview the material in the chapter.

Read any introductions or chapter sum-maries with a purpose. Focus on the main idea and any supporting information. Organise it and make an outline taking notes as you read in your own words then summarise or, draw a diagram illustrating the relationships between the main ideas.

5. Maximise Your Memory PotentialLearn to enhance concentration and

focus.Useflashcards,Createacronyms.Study to the point of recall, not simply rec-ognition.Thismeansthatyoucandefineand explain material in your own words.

6. Make new friendsA new educational setting as a FNU

provides a great opportunity to make new friends. Expand your interaction and meet people in person rather than just online. Share different culture and celebrate the diversity. Strengthen old friendships while expanding your support network. The support is necessary to assist one emo-tionally and in the many tasks and de-mands of your study.

7. Take care of yourselfEat well and sleep well. Do not over

indulge. Control your behavior. Avoid sub-stance abuse such as too much drinking and smoking. Maintain a healthy, hygienic and fresh outlook. Take all precautions to avoid illnesses as this will impact your studies. Watch what you eat and eat well. Dress well and be presentable. Practice Deep Breathing to remain calm–10 deep, abdominal breaths will help release ten-sion and enhance your focus.

8. Realise your StressorsSome anxiety or stress is normal and

can actually enhance your performance. Assess your stress level before you be-gin studying. If you are experiencing a high degree of stress you won’t be able to study as effectively. Recognise how you typically respond to stress (physically, emotionally and cognitively). Try to en-gageinphysicalactivity,findingsomeonetotalkto,andfindinghealthywaystoplay(e.g., listening to music, reading, play-ing sports, etc.) in case of severity, Seek Counselors’ help!!!

Dr Dharmendra SharmaCounselor CMNHS Office: UniClinic, 361, Waimanu Rd., Suva Email:dharmendra.sharma@fnu.ac.fj Ext: 3404

Bosky SharmaCounselor,Nasinu CampusOffice: AcademicOfficeEmail: bosky.sharma@fnu.ac.fjExt: 2974

Dharnesh RamanCounselor,Labasa CampusOffice: Labasa Campus, Naiyaca SubdivisionEmail: dharnesh.raman@fnu.ac.fjExt: 8475

areas.He added that

the site would attract more tourist visitation as they would be able to partake in different activities which would be organised at the farm.

“The proposed project once completed will predominantly become a tourist attraction site with activities which would include planting and harvesting of vegetables, animal feeding, old aged transportation mediums, education trip around the farm, entertainment and live demonstrations.”

Activities include:• Planting and harvesting of vegetables,• Animal feeding,• Old aged transportation mediums,• Education trip around the farm,• Lunch/Dinner- 90% of produce should be

from the farm,• Entertainment, • Live demonstrations,• Learning about traditional living patterns of

the two major races in Fiji, and Many other activities.

The FNU newsletter is prepared by University Communications. Send your articles to SPRO@fnu.ac.fj

• Lecturer II in Information System• Head of Training – Executive

Management

• Coordinator Language Hub• Graphic Designer• CustomerServiceOfficer

• OfficeAdministrator• Lecturer II in Safety & Survival• Lecturer II in Ship Building

• TrainingOfficerinElectronics• Workshop Engineer / Instructor• Driver

For job vacancies and career opportunities at Fiji National University, go to http://waf.fnu.ac.fj/eoi/ New posts are logged each week for academic and non-academic vacancies, so check regularly for the opportunity that could lead you to a new life. Some of the positions currently available online:

Vacancies

Student Profiles - Meeting the many new facesEnrolment for Trimester 1 was extended for another week until Friday, February 5th and with it we continue to welcome and meet

more new faces across all campuses nation-wide.

This week, we introduce to you two of our new students from the College of Engineering, Science & Technology on Nabua Campus.

Name: Daksha Sharma Programme of Study: Foundation Science

As a first year student in FNU, how do you feel to be part of a ter-tiary institution now?“I feel very good and happy to be in a new and very different environment of study. I am meeting different kinds

of people and it’s a great feeling to know we will all be studying together. I am looking forward to sharing this great year with them.”

What do you look forward to most about studying here at FNU?“I expect a lot from myself as I study here this year. I hope to get into medicine so that is something I look forward and will be working towards.”

What is you dream career? “I hope to be a nurse, so this is the beginning of me achieving my dream.”

Name: Miriama TukanaProgramme of Study: Foundation Science

As a first year student in FNU, how do you feel to be part of a tertiary institution now?“For one, I am really excited not to be wearing uniforms anymore and, I am

also very happy to be part of FNU. It’s a great feeling to know I am advancing with study and I will cherish all the little moments as a university student.”

What do you look forward to most about studying here at FNU?“I look forward to meeting my lecturers – it sounds good not having to say teacher anymore. And meeting the other new stu-dents in our class and having to go for lectures and tutorials.”

What is you dream career? “I want to be a nurse.”

What do you do at FNU?“I am an Academic Assistant at the Academic OfficeonNasinuCampus.”

What do you like best about your job?“I enjoy the customer service representation aspectofmywork.Ilovethatwehavethefirst

contact with students when they come in for enrolment and I love seeing their faces lit up when we tell them – ‘you’re enrolled.’ My work gives me the chance to utilise my communications and customer service skills and I love interacting with clients and being able to solve their problem.”

Briefly describes your work life?“My role involves a lot of dealings with stu-dents on a daily basis. We deal with student mattersbe itenrolment,updateofprofiles inour system, sorting of admissions and many more student related. We look after student services so day in and day out we are student focus.”

What motivates you every day at work?“Achieving results has always been my one motivator. I also am motivated with the desire to meet deadlines. Most times, fear and inse-curity keeps me on my toes to do the best I can do thus motivates me to go out of my way to achieve what is expected from me.”

What stresses you the most at work?“While we enjoy most things, other things also

disappoint us. There are few opportunities for growth and development and sometimes lack of social support.”

What is your biggest challenge in life?“Staying focus.I believe that one is able to achieve anything if they make the right decisions and focus on their end goal.”

What are you most passionate about?“Health & Fitness! When you feel great physi-cally, it will undoubtedly help you feel better mentally and emotionally.”

What are the three things for which you are most thankful?“My loving family, perfect health and travelling during holidays.”

What is your favourite saying that you be-lieve in?“I believe that everything happens for a rea-son!”

Advice for staff and students?“Never doubt yourself!”