First-year students intending to enroll at The University of the South Pacific are being given the opportunity to experience tertiary education life in a free online orientation program next week. 

The initiative is known as the Semester Zero and will start next Monday 9 January 2023. According to a press statement issued by the U.S.P. the orientation is focused on all first-year students both local and regional joining the university in 2023. 

“This one-of-a-kind initiative that provides a free online orientation for provisional and potential first-year students to learn more about USP and get a “feel” of university life,” reads the statement.

Semester Zero is a timely initiative offered only by U.S.P. for her students and will be hosted on the regional university's Moodle platform.

It is creatively designed to simulate academic tools that students will utilise as part of their studies at the institution. All incoming first year students across the region are encouraged to take advantage of this free initiative and partake from the safety and comfort of their homes. 

Director CFL, Dr. Rajni Chand said as students await their external exam results, they will be able to at least catch a glimpse of the kind of programmes on offer at U.S.P. and the study environment they will have to use. 

“This type of initiative allows young people from receiving the much-needed orientation, nurturing, and support,” she said. 

“It allows them from learning about the University and its learning and teaching environment, as well as its various campuses, services, and facilities, which is why Semester Zero was created.”

U.S.P. Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia stated it was an honour to see Semester Zero continue after its inaugural launch with great feedback from students last year. 

He said it enables students to experience the unique university life from their homes.

“We have created an online learning platform that will not only provide all of the necessary information about USP, but will also provide additional introductory literacy, numeracy, and digital skills through games, quizzes, notes, and study guides,” he added.

“We must think creatively in order to ensure that our people are connected but also to provide meaningful transitions to all of our prospective students, regardless of their location.” 

Prof. Ahluwalia also used the opportunity to thank the entire team for their hard work and dedication.

Semester Zero 2023 will officially start on Monday next week. 

Students can access all information about accessing Semester Zero on www.usp.ac.fj/semesterzero.