N.U.S. searches for new V.C., President

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 02 September 2019, 12:00PM

The National University of Samoa (N.U.S.) has advertised for a new vice chancellor and president following a troubled year at the campus.

The advertisement comes five months since the former N.U.S. Vice Chancellor, Professor Fui Asofou So’o, was placed on suspension and eventually asked to resign. 

According to the N.U.S. notice, the vice chancellor is responsible to the N.U.S. Council for the effective leadership, management and development of the University in accordance with the mission of the University. 

“Our mission is to produce quality from across all disciplines to meet the nations human resource needs” is the mission of the N.U.S. 

Earlier this month the N.U.S. Council Chairman, Aeau Chris Hazelman, announced the Council was making amendments the job description for the university's vice-chancellor, which amongst other changes would see his or her powers to “hire and fire” staff limited.

He explained that vice-chancellors were meant only to make recommendations on hiring and firing faculty staff but there are concerns that, in practice, this process was being bypassed with the University head effectively making appointments. 

According to the notice, the vice chancellor will have specific delegated authority to exercise a range of management functions and responsibilities for the efficient and effective management and development of the University.

The contract is for three years with a salary determined by Cabinet. There is a six month probation period.

“The successful applicant will lead the N.U.S. and will ensure that the expected outcomes for the institution are achieved. 

“The appointee will be a graduate with a higher qualification with senior administrative and academic experience at tertiary level or proven senior management experience in the public or private sector and a sound knowledge of the structure and operations of a University.” 

The latest changes in the management of the N.U.S. was the dissolving the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor for Corporate Services, that was held by Maugaoali'i Faamanu Mualia.

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pesetā Dr. Desmond Lee Hang has been reinstated. 

The Minister of Education Sports and Culture, Loau Keneti Sio, confirmed the changes in senior university personnel in an earlier interview with the Samoa Observer. 

By Joyetter Feagaimaali'i 02 September 2019, 12:00PM

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