As the National University of Samoa (NUS) gears up for an unprecedented surge in foundation student enrolment, Vice-Chancellor Tuifuisa'a Dr Patila Amosa confirmed that the institution was implementing measures to accommodate the unique situation this year. 

Year 13 has been discontinued throughout the country. This means students from Year 12 are also headed to the NUS. 

“As the spike in numbers is expected only for this year due to students in both Year 12 and Year 13 sitting the SSLC exams, we have implemented measures to accommodate the increased enrolment. These measures include, but are not limited to, hiring part-time staff as needed, especially for core and compulsory courses in the Foundation programme,” said Tuifuisa'a.

The university is also actively recruiting for vacant full-time positions within its academic sections to ensure robust support for the new intake. 

“We are furnishing all our class venues to maximum capacity while complying with Occupational Safety and Health requirements, and we are utilising a blended mode to deliver lectures and/or tutorials,” stated Tuifuisa'a. 

This innovative approach allows lectures to be conducted face-to-face while simultaneously on Zoom. To facilitate the enrolment process, specific schedules have been established for new Year 13 students.

“We start with Information Days this week, with enrolment from 27 January for two weeks, followed by a week of late enrolment. Orientation sessions will be held from 3 to 7 February,” stated Tuifuisa'a. 

The timeline for official enrolment is also set, with opportunities for prospective students to gain information. 

“For all new students planning to enrol for the first time in either the Foundation or TVET programmes, we will hold information sessions at the NUS Gym this Friday, 24 January at 9 am. The same sessions will be held for Savai'i students on Saturday, 25 January at 8.30 am,”