The University of Goroka’s Student Representative Council on Tuesday handed over a signed petition to the university’s Top Management Team on behalf of the 2020 graduating class for the academic senate to reconsider their decision to graduate students in absentia this year.
This decision was made due to COVID19 cases having been recorded recently at the UOG’s Humilaveka campus upon consultation with directives from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology.
UOG SRC President Mr Jim Harold said students now want the TMT and the academic senate to review their initial decision and to defer the graduation to a later date when COVID19 has been managed on the campus rather than them graduating in absentia.
“This decision did not go well with the students as the 2019 pass outs also graduated in absentia and they do not want the same to happen this year.”
“The SRC will be representing the students to channel their concern to the academic senate for their decision.”
According to the SRC President there are tense debates surrounding this issue.
“We the SRC are also concerned about the safety of the students on campus so we are trying to petition them to defer the graduation.”
PNG Hausbung understands that TMT are yet to respond to the student’s petition.