University of Papua New Guinea

No need for new universities: Prof

But there is a greater need to improve the already existing tertiary institutions.

This is the view of UPNG’s pro vice chancellor academic, Professor Mange Matui.

Professor Matui pointed out the rundown infrastructure at the University of Papua New Guinea.

“When you walk around you will see that our infrastructure, the classrooms that were built by the Australian Government in the 1960s, 1970s, are now going down. We need to have new buildings.”

Professor Matui stressed that we (PNG) now have 7 universities.

New GBV awareness approach

Led by the Theatre Arts students, the creative group is raising awareness on GBV through arts.

Body Art Spectacle is their latest project and the biggest production the students will be staging in November 23.

It will be a night of art featuring painting and art, music and dance, but with a bigger statement on GBV.

This is a first-of-its-kind event for the strand, according to talent coordinator, Ellen Mesibere.

​It starts with you

So a young woman has taken it on herself to share the spirit of peace and harmony where she goes.

It started with her decision to attend a camp for self-discovery.

Nadia Marai, a recent graduate of the University of Papua New Guinea’s journalism strand, sees herself as fortunate to be a participant to the 2nd Pacific Self-Discovery Camp early this year in March.

UPNG to host career expo tomorrow

In a statement, UPNG said: “The expo is targeted at 4th year students who will be completing their studies and searching their way into joining the workforce.

“The aim of the event is to assist students identify prospective organisations for future employment.

“The expo is necessary because it allows students to reach out to companies at the tip of their finger. In other words, we bring the employers closer to them.”

NCD polls: Polling extended!

Today, McGregor Barracks in the Moresby North-East electorate, Works compound (MNE) and the University of Papua New Guinea in the Moresby North-West electorate will poll.

Provincial Returning Officer and NCD Election Manager, Alwyn Jimmy, says he has been given approval by the Electoral Commissioner to proceed with the exercise.

“Under the Organic Law on Provincial Governments and Local Level Governments, we are still within the 14 days,” he tells Loop PNG.

“Just because you have been given one day to poll doesn’t mean you have missed out.”

Academic: Radio preferred medium

With the demand for information and also changes seen with the introduction of the internet and social media, radio remains the medium of communication that reaches the majority says an academic from the University of Papua New Guinea.

Senior Law Lecturer Signe Dalsgaard said the media has a challenge in creating debate because 75 percent of Papua New Guineans do not understand written English.

She made these comments while speaking during a media gathering in Port Moresby last night that was hosted by the European Union and United Nations.

​UPNG takes lead on gender equality

A gender workshop was held at the university recently for the school of business staff to ensure gender issues become a part of student learning. The workshop was funded by the Association of Commonwealth Universities and facilitated through the Pacific Leadership and Governance Precinct.

University vice-chancellor, Professor Albert Mellam, said the institution had an important role to play in creating change.

UPNG Council refuses to back down

The Council refused to meet with the graduating students today. Instead, the head of Uniforce security, Matthew Kipott, was advised to relay their message to the waiting students.

“The decision of K600 still stands. The Council has made the decision and no meeting will change that,” Kipott told the students this afternoon.

“The graduation date of July 28 also remains.”

The students were further informed that their outstanding payments will be reimbursed.

This was the response to points raised in their petition yesterday.

UPNG starts orientation for 1st year students

The new students, who started arriving during the weekend, have been introduced to the university officials as well as made aware of UPNG's expectations.

In his welcome message, vice-chancellor Professor Albert Mellam informed the first years of the Student Charter.

"The university takes student discipline very seriously," said Professor Mellam.

"I want to make it very clear that you must conduct yourself with an attitude that does not come into conflict with the established guidelines of the Students' Code of Conduct.

UPNG students question graduation fee

They claim the university did not advise them of the graduation fee.

“It just came on the media, which shocked the students as there was no (official) circular before that,” Loop PNG was told.

Phylma Timea, a graduating student from the Journalism and Public Relations strand, says it’s unfair on them and their parents.

“We have already paid the school fee, outstanding fees, we were rushed out of our dorms and they didn’t give us a long time to do our clearance.”