UUM WELCOMES STUDENTS’ RETURN TO CAMPUS IN STAGES NEXT OCTOBER

UUM ONLINE: Pursuant to the announcement made yesterday by the Minister of Higher Education, Dato' Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad on the Operations of Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), Universiti Utara Malaysia is ready to open its doors to its students from all states for the physical 2021/2022 Academic Session, regardless of the phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in their respective states, in stages beginning on 15 October.

Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) who is performing the duties of Vice Chancellor, stated that as of 14 September, approximately 3000 old students had registered to return to campus and 5200 new students had been offered admission to UUM, but the confirmation date to return to campus physically remained open until the end of September.

According to him, the implementation of student admission in stages was intended to maintain the sustainability of the country's higher education quality, as well as to prioritise student safety and welfare, as approved by the National Security Council (MKN).

He stated that, in preparation for students' return to campus, UUM had prepared comprehensive guidelines with the participation of all relevant campus departments, including the Department of Student Affairs, the Department of Academic Affairs, the Department of Development and Maintenance, the Security Department, and UUMIT.

"The student admission process will use the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) of the Higher Education Sector: Operation of IHE, therefore stringent SOP will be implemented to regulate the in and out movement that includes not only local students, but also international students in accordance with MOHE categories.

"In order to ensure the smooth flow of the physical admission process, returning students must meet the full conditions of the vaccine and pass the efficacy period following inoculation. I would also like to advise students who have not been vaccinated to do so promptly or contact the COVID-19 Task Force (CITF) to get vaccinated by 'walk-in' at the nearest Vaccination Centre (PPV)," he stated.

He noted that the process of returning students to campus will follow the protocols outlined by MOHE, and that UUM had made thorough planning by identifying students, defining the movement schedule, and ensuring university denizens go through a strict health process as recommended by MOHE.

Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman stated that in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection on campus, UUM would establish an isolation centre to address symptomatic cases or infections, in addition to taking precautions through the University Health Centre.

In terms of teaching and learning methods (T&L), he stated that the process will be conducted in a hybrid manner in accordance with SOPs approved by the NSC, and that the university will also ensure that the facilities and amenities on campus are in the greatest possible form for student use.

He stated that students who choose not to return to campus will still receive attention from UUM namely their welfare while at home, and that students can contact the university for any help or information during their study period.

"Every choice or action performed by this university is aimed at prioritising students in order to provide future generations with hospitable human capital," he explained.

Moreover, Prof. Dr. Haim Hilman expressed gratitude to the Minister of Higher Education for demonstrating compassion for families and students by decreasing fees by 20% for all local students in Semester 1 Session 2021/2022.

He expressed hope that the news will provide comfort and benefit to the students involved. Indeed, the university applauded the move to ensure that teaching and learning sessions run smoothly, in keeping with the MOHE's goal to see the nation's learning process continue even while the country and the world continue to be afflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apart from announcing the physical admission of students to campus beginning 15 October, the Minister of Higher Education also spoke at the press conference about the VACC2Campus: Vaccination Program for IHE Denizens, students’ movement back to campus, international student admission, teaching and learning methods, and student welfare.