Dear Editor – I write on behalf of concerned students at the University of the South Pacific Solomon Islands Campus (USPSI) in a appeal to the USPSI Campus Senior Management Team in expressing our growing frustration regarding the continued closure of study night sessions.
It has been nearly two weeks since the Students’ Association formally requested the reopening of the campus for night study, yet there has been no positive response or action taken.
We are now in Week 11 of Semester 1, 2025 — a period filled with critical academic responsibilities, including assignments, quizzes, tutorials, group work, and final exam preparations.
Students are under immense pressure, and the current 8am to 8pm campus access is simply not enough.
Many students face serious challenges at home:
1.No reliable electricity or lighting
2.No access to laptops or internet
3.Limited or no space for study
4.Internship and work commitments during day- time.
As such, we strongly urge the management to immediately reopen the campus for study night sessions and ensure that at least one computer lab is open during study night for students who do not have laptops or devices.
This is essential for providing equal access to all students, especially those already disadvantaged by personal or financial limitations.
USP’s vision of “Shaping Pacific Futures” should be reflected in how it supports its students during their most crucial academic moments.
If we are truly shaping the future of the Pacific, we must ensure that no student is left behind because of lack of access to the basic tools for success.
We also note that other regional campuses such as USP Laucala, Emalus- Vanuatu continue to provide extended or 24-hour access to their students, while USPSI remains limited. This creates an unfair disadvantage for Solomon Islands students.
We respectfully call on the USPSI Senior Management Team to:
1.Reinstate Study Night access immediately;
2. Ensure at least one computer lab remains open during Study Night;
3. Actively communicate with the student body regarding decisions that affect our learning.
It must also be made clear: if students fail their courses due to lack of access to essential study time and resources, no USPSI staff or administrator will be held accountable for the financial or academic consequences — these fall back on the students and their families or sponsors.
This is a burden that many already struggling households cannot afford. The emotional and financial toll of failure due to preventable obstacles is unjust and unacceptable
Students are the heart of USP — our tuition supports the staff, services, and daily operations. Without students, the institution does not function. It is only right that the needs of students are prioritized.
We trust that our concerns will be addressed with the urgency and seriousness students deserve. However, if no immediate action is taken, we wish to make it clear that students will be left with no choice but to explore alternative actions to ensure our voices are heard.
We hope it will not come to that, and that management will act promptly to restore access and support student success.
Sincerely,
Concerned student
University of the South Pacific – Solomon Islands Campus.
