USM PENANG, 15 October 2021 -- The opening of the First Semester of the 2021/2022 Academic Session marks the successful enrolment of first-year students and the return of seniors to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) campuses in stages amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  

Some 400 first-year students have registered at the main campus here today while another 80 at the Engineering Campus in Nibong Tebal. Tomorrow will see another 200 students enrolling in person at the main campus and about 100 students at the Engineering Campus.

Current students of USM who are required to return to campus, totalling about 4,500, are expected to be back on campus in phases between 17 October and 24 October, while others would still follow online classes from their homes when the new academic year begins on 25 October 2021.

All the students on-campus will be housed in the seven (7) Desasiswa in the main campus and one in the Engineering Campus.  

A visit to the Padang Kawad and Dewan Utama Pelajar here, it was observed that the whole registration process from the moment the students entered the campus gate until the swab test [COVID-19 rapid test kit (RTK)] was fast and hassle-free.

Students would need to submit their digital health declaration form, display their MySejahtera fully vaccinated status and get their temperatures checked too, all these being part of the precautionary measures undertaken by the university to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and campus community to curb the COVID-19 contagion.

Campuses across the country reopen today in stages only for fully vaccinated students to allow students to experience first-hand social varsity life on campus in the new norm, while complying with the standard operating procedures (SOP) put in place by the government to ensure their safety.

Higher Education Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad announced this on 14 September 2021, where she said the admission of fully vaccinated students into IPT involves all categories of students in all National Recovery Plan (NRP) phases with priority given to students in need.

Students in need include those who are required to use the lab or studio, to do clinical or practical training, or must have access to facilities available only on campus.

The numbers allowed depend on the campus’ capacity and on the curriculum requirements as determined by the respective Schools.

USM has adopted the blended learning approach, a style of education in which students learn via electronic and online media alongside traditional face-to-face teaching, for the students on campus.

The rest of the students will continue their lessons 100% online but those who need to come back because of poor Internet connectivity and whose homes do not provide a conducive learning environment can apply to the Division of Student Development Affairs and Alumni (BHEPA).

Text: Tan Ewe Hoe/Photo: Ebrahim Abdul Manan