UMP students advised to comply with SOP to return to campus

KUANTAN, 23 February 2021 - Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP) advised the students to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) after obtaining permission to return to the campus. 

They will undergo practical activities involving work, laboratories, practical training, workshops and special equipment involving six categories following the announcement of the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) recently. 

This group includes all students from Technology Programmes including new February intakes for Semester II, Academic Session 2020/2021; all students from UMP-Germany Collaboration Programmes including new February intakes for Semester II, Academic Session 2020/2021; Year 3 students from Engineering Technology Programmes; Year 3 students from Industrial Technology Management Programmes; and Year 3 students from the Faculty of Industrial Sciences and Technology.

Also allowed to return to campus are Final Year students from the College of Engineering, Final Year students (Year 2, Academic Session 2020/2021) from Diploma programmes; and new international students for Academic Session 2020/2021 (except for the United Kingdom).

According to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs & Alumni), Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie Zainuddin, who is also the Chairman of the Student Management Task Force Committee (New Norm) said, it is expected that 4,028 students will return to the campus on a scheduled basis from 6 to 21 March 2021 including students from Borneo.

“UMP has also identified students who do not have internet access and a conducive learning environment for the online teaching and learning (T&L) activities to be considered to return to the campus. 

“The return of these students requires us to be vigilant to ensure that campuses are free from COVID-19 threat. 

“However, the T&L activities will still be carried out via an online platform,” he said. 

He further explained that this challenge must also be borne by the UMP Management together with student residents and the Student Representative Council (MPP) in facilitating matters related to campus well-being, student welfare, SOP compliance and others.

He said, numerous discussions were held at the committee level, and UMP offers residential facilities to all students including off-campus students for students’ welfare.

“This includes off-campus students with a rental contract commitment or other commitments. UMP will help provide residential facilities for free during the isolation period. 

Students are allowed to apply to return to their respective rental houses and consent is subject to UMP approval.

“All students must undergo health screening at the University Health Centre (PKU) and students will wear wristbands according to health categories for monitoring purpose throughout the 10-day isolation period at the designated residences. 

Professor Dato’ Dr. Yuserrie said they also established an Isolation Monitoring Committee to ensure compliance with the SOPs during the isolation period. 

They also identified bus service for students including all students from Borneo and international students from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to UMP in collaboration with Yayasan UMP. 

The Student Management Task Force Committee (New Norm) also published the Student Admission Guidelines Book as a reference for students and various related parties.

He appreciated the commitment of the staff especially the health and safety personnel from the UMP Health Centre, Security Division, Student Affairs and Alumni Department, Academic & International Affairs Department, the Office of the Vice-Chancellor and Yayasan UMP that have worked together to ensure a smooth operation and to make sure the campus is safe and free from COVID-19 spread.

Students can obtain the cross-state authorisation letter through the Back to Campus System in e-Community starting from 8 until 26 February 2021 to be submitted to the authorities.

By: Mimi Rabita Abdul Wahit, Corporate Communications Unit, The Office of The Vice-Chancellor
Translation by: Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah, Engineering College/Faculty of  Chemical and Process Engineering Technology