FNU clarifies weekend, public holiday campus access

Fiji National University (FNU) staff must obtain prior approval before accessing university campuses for work during weekends and public holidays.

The requirement applies to staff using teaching, training or other university facilities outside normal operating hours.

FNU Director of Estates and Facilities, Apisai Tuiloma, said the requirement was not new and was already provided for under the university’s Council-approved Security Policy.

“The University’s Security Policy provides that teaching and training buildings are generally closed after hours on weekends and public holidays. Where there is a legitimate requirement to use these facilities outside normal operating hours, prior approval is required,” Mr Tuiloma said.

However, an FNU staff member who wished to remain anonymous said the requirement had not been enforced in the past.

“Since its inception in 2010, staff have always been free to come to work after hours and on weekends. The only time restrictions on campus entry were enforced was during the COVID-19 period.

“FNU has been through several vice-chancellors and, under all of them, staff were free to enter campus and work after hours and on weekends without restrictions or requiring permission.”

The staff member said no reason had been given for the restriction.

“This requirement does affect staff because, during normal working hours, there is normally not enough time to complete all the necessary tasks.

“University staff work on weekends and after hours to prepare for classes, mark papers, upload Moodle shells and conduct research.”

Mr Tuiloma said the restriction did not prohibit staff from accessing FNU campuses on weekends or public holidays and that controlled after-hours access ensured work could continue while access remained authorised and security support was available.

He said the approval process also supported FNU’s risk management and occupational health and safety responsibilities.

Mr Tuiloma said the requirement was not prompted by a specific security incident, safety concern or misuse of facilities. Utility costs and facility maintenance were also not the primary reasons for the requirement.