The University of the South Pacific Serving the needs of the Pacific States Building a culture of Excellence 2013 Annual Report serving: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu ABOUT THE COVER The Pacific Island Countries are home to some of the most diverse cultures and peoples in the world, and it is through this rich group of traditions that we lay the ideas that form the theme of this report. The cover features a group of University graduates representing the region looking up to the USP logo together. This image symbolises their hope and it is an act of solidarity as the University continues on its way to excellence. From the diverse traditions and cultures that shape multiple Pacific Island identities, to the shared histories and triumphs that strengthen the Pacific Island Countries as one region, comes the inspiration for the theme of USP 2013 Annual Report. Graphic shapes portraying ocean waves signify how the University is like a unifying force of nature that brings Pacific Island peoples together. It is a place where regional ties, collaborations and unity are nurtured infinitely by all who have come through the University since its beginning in 1968. USP’s journey to excellence also began then, and it continues to be the destination in which the University is headed. Ideas of excellence are represented throughout the report by using stylised illustrations inspired by garlands in the Pacific which are traditionally bestowed upon not only graduates but to all who are being celebrated. Pacific Island cultures and traditions enrich the culture of excellence USP has embarked upon, a path that is not easy, but one which the University has chosen to take. TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission & Purpose 2 Pro-Chancellor’s Foreword 5 Vice-Chancellor & President’s Report 8 University Governance 14 University Committee Governance Structure 16 Principal Officers 17 Organisational Structure 18 Our Students, Staff & Region (Key data) 19 Highlights of 2013 26 Learning and Teaching 42 Student Support 47 Research and Internationalisation 53 Information and Communication Technologies 59 Regional and Community Engagement 63 Our People 69 Governance, Management, Leadership and Continuous Improvement 73 Quality Matters 79 Corporate Social Responsibility 84 Financial Statements 88 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 1 MISSION & PURPOSE 2013 2 ANNUAL REPORT Our Vision Ultimately, both the Vision and Mission of this Achieving excellence and innovation for sustainable Strategic Plan will be realised through the contribution development of the Pacific Island Countries. and attributes of USP’s graduates and staff. These are the key drivers of the Strategic Plan. Our Mission • To provide Pacific people with a USP Graduate Attributes comprehensive range of excellent and The University of the South Pacific’s academic relevant tertiary qualifications; programmes will promote the development of the • To deliver the benefits of advanced research following attributes in all graduates: and its applications; • To provide communities and countries Academic Excellence in the Pacific region with relevant, cost • Extensive knowledge of a particular discipline effective and sustainable solutions, or professional area, including relevant including entrepreneurship, to their main knowledge and skills; challenges; and • Capacity for independent critical thinking and • To be an exemplar of tertiary education for self-directed, life-long learning; the Pacific Islands in quality, governance, • Advanced information and communication application of technology and collaboration technology knowledge and skills; and with national tertiary institutions. • Research skills. Our Values Intellectual curiosity and • Commitment and loyalty of staff and students integrity to the institution and the region; • Deep respect for truth and intellectual • Highest standards of governance, leadership, integrity, and for the ethics of scholarship; academic freedom, integrity and transparency; • Intellectual curiosity and creativity, openness • Highest standards of creativity, innovation, to new ideas; teamwork and flexibility in the pursuit of • Commitment to inter-disciplinary excellence; understanding and skills; and • Investments in staff, rewarding staff • Respect for the principles, values and ethics of excellence, and empowerment of all USP a chosen profession. teams; • Respect for distinctiveness and diversity in Capacity for leadership and our Pacific heritage and its development, working for others preservation and dissemination; • Effective interpersonal communication skills; • Commitment to regional cooperation and • Leadership, organisational, teamwork and integration; time management abilities; and • Positive and inclusive learning and living • Personal maturity and self-confidence. environments for student excellence; • Support for flexible learners in all locations for Appreciation of the cultures of success in work, life and citizenship; the Pacific Islands • Protection and nurturing of the environment; • Knowledge and appreciation of both the unity • Strong relationships to guide engagement and diversity of Pacific Island cultures; with national governments, Pacific • Understanding of the diverse economies and communities, and development partners; and environments of the Pacific Islands; and • Humility in performance, learn from others, • Commitment to the maintenance and value the trust given, and honour Pacific strengthening of the societies of the Pacific. knowledge, contexts and aspirations. 2013 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Cross-cultural competencies From Good to Excellent • An understanding and appreciation of social, In order to bring about a transformative change from cultural and linguistic diversity; good to excellent, the University will focus on the • Respect for human rights and dignity in a following: global context; • Commitment to accountability, ethical People practice and social responsibility; and Investment in people, leadership and change • Demonstrated oral and written proficiency in management; the English language. Quality Staff Attributes An enhanced quality of teaching, learning, research The commitment of USP’s staff to the Vision, and services, as measured through international Mission, and Values of the University is embedded in accreditation of programmes; the following attributes: Regional Campuses • Commitment and loyalty to the institution A comprehensive and time-lined development of and its mission; regional campuses with improved governance and • Honesty and integrity in personal and management to bring about equitable and sustainable professional interactions in the work growth; environment, including the highest standards of academic conduct; Postgraduate Studies • A strong student-centred approach to learning Significantly increased postgraduate enrolment, and teaching; including PhD and Masters research, student success • Highest standards of creativity, innovation, and supporting faculty; teamwork, cooperation and flexibility in the pursuit of excellence; Research • Respect for the distinctiveness and diversity of A greater impact of research, to place USP amongst our Pacific heritage and dedication towards its the leaders in selected priority areas, including Pacific development, preservation and dissemination; societies and cultures, oceans and marine resources; • A responsible attitude towards a healthy work- life balance; Global leadership • A positive and proactive stance towards • The lead institution in Pacific Studies/Arts and customer service; Culture; and • Respectful and ethical behaviour; and • Amongst the leading universities in the world in • A collegial and cooperative attitude that * ICT leveraged flexible learning and new contributes towards building a more cohesive pedagogies; and university community. * Pacific Ocean and Marine Resources; An Enterprising University A university that produces students with entrepreneurial skills, as job creators, not just job seekers; and Regional Exemplar In tertiary education and assisting national institutions where needed and appropriate. 2013 4 ANNUAL REPORT PRO-Chancellor’s FOREWORD am pleased to report that USP made rapid progress towards excellence in the first year of Strategic Plan 2013-2018 implementation. A number of significant achievements, relating to enrolment growth, financial outcomes, regional campus development, academic quality recognition, and rising profile indicate that USP is well on its way to achieving an institutional transformation that will have a lasting impact on our region. USP’s identity and mission are shaped by the fact that it is both a public university serving twelve Pacific Island Countries and an important regional agency with obligations and responsibilities. The “public” character inspires USP to keep service at the centre of its operations. The University aims to increase access to its education, and to ensure that the training it offers is relevant, and of the highest possible quality. By all accounts, USP is already a good university. “As USP grows, continuing strong This fact, together with the potential of the region’s governance and robust structures are people and resources, inspires the University to aim more important than ever. USP today is for excellence, and to provide an education that not a bigger and more complex institution. only meets but also exceeds the standards of our It is building new sites, enrolling global competitors. During 2013, USP promoted that vision of globally