Student Information
Studying at the University of Goroka
Life at the University is very pleasant and students enjoy their time whilst in Goroka, experiencing all it has to offer and at the same time gaining a high quality education. Student studies are supported by a range of modern facilities such as the new Steven Eka Library (the biggest in the South Pacific region) and the Mark Solon Auditorium (a new 500-seater lecture theatre/drama theatre and conference facility). Academic staff at the University are highly trained professionals dedicated to doing their best to help and encourage students to learn and grow within their individual fields of study.
Most students take normal semester loads on full-time basis for studies. Only in exceptional cases a student may be allowed to take overloads.
Student Enrolment and Accommodation
The University is a co-educational institution. It currently enrolls more than 1800 students from all parts of PNG and the South Pacific.
Approximately 35% of the full-time students live in the University Halls of Residence. The University has six male dormitories that accommodate 360 students, two female dormitories accommodating 200 students, and 12 units of married students quarters. Those who reside on campus are served three meals a day from the dining hall. Food is prepared and provided by a catering firm out-sourced by the University.
There are a range of private residences at reasonable rates available within 5 to 20 minute walks, or 50 toea bus rides, to the University. The Student Services Office normally assists students by providing them with an up-to- date list of private accommodation available.
Student Assessment
The University is continually upgrading academic standards. Students undergo continuous assessment throughout their program of study through assignments, tests, practical activities, and examinations as specified. Assessment regulations are contained in the Academic Rules & Regulations Handbook 2004. Students are advised to read this Handbook thoroughly.
Student Discipline
Upon enrolling, students sign a declaration that they will observe the Statutes and Rules of the University and the directions of the constituted authorities of the University. Students are expected to observe the terms of this declaration.
A Student Discipline Committee is established under the University Statute to deal with any disciplinary cases. Students found in breach of University regulations may receive a range of punishments up to and including expulsion.
The University, through the Discipline Committee or other authorities, may refuse to admit students to lectures for such periods as it deems fit or exclude any student who commits a serious breach of discipline. Students are required to observe care in the use of University property. Misuse of University property is a disciplinary offence. Students who damage University furniture, fittings or other property will be required to pay for the repair of the damage.
Student Services
Student Services office handles any matter related to the welfare of the students like dormitory, mess, health, counseling, sports and recreation. Students’ welfare is the concern of this Division.
A Division’s Aims and Objectives
Some of the Division’s aims and objectives include:
(a) Assist new students adjust to university life.
(b) Provide counseling to students who may require.
(c) Encourage religious activities for students’ holistic development.
(d) Provide health services easily accessible to students.
(e) Encourage positive and caring social attitudes among students.
(f) Oversee the provision of regular balanced meals in the mess.
(g) Promote cleanliness in the dinning hall and student residences.
(h)Encourage regular recreational activities for students and staff.
(i) Mediate between conflicting parties to resolving conflicts.
B Student Services Staff
The Student Services Division staff comprises of:
Mrs. Monica Pusal Telephone: 731 1842
(Director) Email: pusalm[at]uog.ac.pg
Ms. Emma Mua Telephone: 731 1833
(Female Counselor) Email: muae[at]uog.ac.pg
Mr. Kainaro Kravia Telephone: 731 1832
(Male Counselor) Email: kraviak[at]uog.ac.pg
Dr. Sivagayani Jeyarathan Telephone: 731 1790
(Medical Officer) Email: jeyarathans[at]uog.ac.pg
Mr. Bruce Kaiku Telephone: 731 1765
(Warden) Email: kaikub[at]uog.ac.pg
Mr. Ricky Heve Telephone: 731 1790
(Nursing Officer) Email: hever[at]uog.ac.pg
Mrs. Kith Kerenga Telephone: 731 1857
(Secretary) Email: stdsvsecretary[at]uog.ac.pg
C Student Counselling Service
The Counselling Section has qualified and experienced officers who provide assistance with personal, social and academic problems. The service is available to all students of the University.
You may find that it is helpful to talk things through first with a friend, family member, tutor, chaplain or the medical team. But if you don't feel that these people could help you, you are welcome to see the counselling staff for confidential help. There are times when it may be right to seek help away from the familiar daily environment and the Student Counselling Service is set up to meet such a need.
What happens in counselling?
In counselling, a Counsellor seeks to help you to focus on and understand more clearly the issues that concern you. By respecting your own values, choices and lifestyle, the counsellor can work together with you towards making choices or changes that are right for you. Counselling is not the same as giving advice.
What sort of issues does counselling assist?
Counselling can assist with personal issues such as; relationship or identity problems including anxiety, stress, depression, family and/or relationship difficulties, or sexual problems. It can also involve adjusting to a new culture, dealing with dilemmas or difficult decisions, and more specific problems such as addictions or HIV/AIDS. These problems may interfere with your studies or life at UOG. Specific problems relating to studying or work can also be addressed, often in a more structured approach focusing on improving study skills.
Note: SCS does not provide advice on academic programs or course selection. Students should see their respective faculty office or academic course advisors for such information.
All personal details and the content of all counselling sessions are confidential. Under no circumstance any information will be disclosed to anyone without your permission. In very rare circumstances we reserve the right to break confidentiality. This occurs only where there appears to be a serious risk to your own or to others' safety. Even in these circumstances we would normally speak to you first. Please ask if you have any questions about this policy.
If your study is being affected by personal problems it may be helpful for your counsellor to liaise with your lecturer/ tutor, head of department or other persons within the University. Given our commitment to confidentiality, we would only make such a contact with your agreement.
If you are going through some sort of medical problem and are seeing medical officer(s) it is often helpful if you inform them that you are seeing a counsellor. Often medical officers and counsellors liaise together or make referrals to a variety of psychological or medical problems.
Exam Deferrals/Request Letters
We strongly encourage all students to discuss extensions, deferrals and withdrawals with their Lecturer/tutor/Faculty before requesting documentation from staff at Counselling Services.
Documentation to support a deferral of an exam or assignment or withdrawal due to extenuating personal circumstances or other compelling reason may be issued by a counsellor when students meet the following criteria:
a) You are a current/ongoing client of SCS.
b) You require documentation for semester exams, tests, projects, assignments or classes worth 20% or more of the final mark.
c) SCS staff is familiar with your situation and how it impacted your ability to study/write exams or attend classes.
d) You were a client at the time of difficulty and there is sufficient supporting information in your existing file to validate your request.
Furthermore, you will be required to demonstrate a relevant management plan for the future which can be developed independently or with the assistance of SCS staff.
Your counselor will ONLY assist you if you meet all the above criteria.
In the case of personal illness or injury, students are advised to obtain a University Clinic Medical Form to be completed by your treating physician or recognized health provider.
We encourage you to utilize the Counselling Services. You can solve your problems without ruining your EDUCATION AND CAREER. Remember – Prevention is better than Cure.
D Health and Clinic Section
We wish to welcome you aboard this special section of the Information Bulletin. This section provides information which will direct you to live and enjoy a healthier and happier life while studying here at the University of Goroka.
The Clinic provides services such as:
- general consultation on health issues
- treatment of all kinds of ailments
- dressing of sores
- family planning
- Treatment of sexually transmitted infection
- health education
- referrals of serious cases to Goroka General Hospital
- HIV/AIDS screening. Pre and Post test Counselling
- TB Screening
(1) Treatment is free of charge for all students but not for the student’s family.
(2) HIV/AIDS Screening is on every Thursday from 8 am – 3 pm.
(3) The Clinic is open from 8 am – 12:00 noon and 1 - 3 pm (Mondays – Fridays). Dormitory visits by the Clinic Staff is available on request for very sick patients. After hours only emergency cases will be attended.
(4) All Students should have a clinic book to obtain treatment at the clinic. You can purchase a clinic book by paying fifty toea (50t) to the Cashier at Accounts section & producing the receipt at the clinic.
Students are expected to bring their own clinic books & ID Cards with them, whenever they seek treatment at the clinic.Using another student’s clinic book is not acceptable.
(5) Students who have serious medical illnesses or severe pain are requested to seek medical advice early. This will enable us to do the necessary investigations and to commence treatment immediately.
(6) Students with serious medical conditions are followed up regularly. Students who are advised to come for reviews are requested to do so. It prevents development of complications and shortens the duration of the illness.
(7) For laboratory tests, x-rays and consultation at Goroka Base Hospital, you will need to pay K2.00 or more depending on the nature of consultation. After hours consultation fee at the Base Hospital is K10.00.
(8) Basic discipline & behaviour are expected from students at the clinic. It is important that your general hygiene & cleanliness should be up to the standard expected from the future teachers of this nation.
(9) Betel nut chewing, smoking & drinking alcohol at the clinic is strictly prohibited.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATES (SICK LEAVE FORMS)
Standard Requirements to obtain a Medical Certificate.
(1) Medical Certificate will be issued:
a) If a student has a genuine & reasonably severe medical condition which prevents him/her from attending lectures or assessment.
b) During his/her illness and while still on treatment. The severity of the condition must be assessed by the medical officer or nursing officer.
c) If he/she is treated at UOG Clinic for that particular illness.
(2) Medical certificate will not be normally granted on the basis of:
a) Any illness related to interrupted preparation or loss of study time for an assessment.
b) Any illness exaggerated by the student.
c) Long term illness (eg. Fits, asthma) will only be considered for a medical certificate if there is evidence of a specific attack or ‘flare up’ during or immediately prior to an actual assessment.
d) If a medical condition prevented a student from attending the assessment, an appropriate medical certificate must be obtained before the schedule assessment. You will not be issued a medical certificate for a missed one.
Your clear understanding on this matter will help us to provide a better service
E Chaplaincy Services
Some denominations have chaplains available on Campus to provide pastoral services to students. They are based in the Riverstone Building next to the Security office. Due to lack of office space, many other churches are not present on Campus.
Regular weekly programs are organized by each church on Campus. Consult your respective chaplain or student church member for program details and places of worship in Goroka Town
F Sports & Recreation
Sport is an integral part of human development and promotes unity amongst the staff, students and the community at the same time keeps you fit.
Year 2008 was a good sporting year as the University of Goroka sporting teams were represented by 156 students and officials at the National Union of Students games held at the University of Papua New Guinea in July. Students took part in several sports codes including Netball, Basketball, Volleyball, Touch Footy, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Soccer and athletics.
Both the National Union of Students (NUS) and Staff Intervarsity Games are held bi-annually.
All Associations and Clubs executives are encouraged to manage and run the affairs of their respective associations in a reliable and honest manner.
Associations requesting for assistance from the Student Services and Administration should consult the Director, Student Services well in advance. Late requests will not be entertained.
Enjoy your sporting life on campus during your free times.
Town Services
Banking, postal and other government services are available within the town centre, which is about 15 minutes walking distance from the University. There is a regular town bus (bus number 3) service at a cost of 50 toea a trip.
A variety of extra curricular activities, sporting facilities, and clubs as well as some organized entertainment are available to both staff and students in town.
