Press Release
28 August 2026
The Faculty of Education and Humanities (FEH) at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) conducted its Semester 2, 2026 Student Orientation today at the Panatina Campus, welcoming students to the new semester and reaffirming its commitment to quality teaching, meaningful learning and student wellbeing.
The programme brought together first-, second- and final-year students from FEH’s education and humanities programmes. It commenced with prayer and spiritual reflection, followed by official remarks from the Dean of FEH, Dr Patricia Rodie.
In her remarks, Dr Rodie reminded staff and students that teaching and learning remain the core business of the University and require a shared commitment from the entire Faculty community.
“Our staff have a professional and ethical responsibility to provide quality teaching, appropriate academic advice, fair assessment, timely feedback and pastoral support. Likewise, our students must attend classes, participate actively, complete their assessments honestly and on time, and take responsibility for their academic progress,” Dr Rodie said.
She encouraged students across Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor’s, Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s programmes to pursue genuine understanding rather than simply aiming to pass their courses. Students were also reminded to uphold academic integrity and use emerging technologies, including generative artificial intelligence, responsibly and ethically.
The Dean welcomed two new staff members to the Faculty: Ms Raynier Tutuo, who has joined the Mathematics Department, and Ms Hane Rinata Joi, a Teaching Experience Specialist engaged through the Australian Government-supported Stronger Education Together (SET) Project.
Through the SET Project, the Australian Government has also provided 200 laptops for loan to final-year students during their teaching practicum. The laptops are expected to be available for the first teaching practicum in 2027.
Dr Rodie also highlighted the ongoing review of the Bachelor of Teaching Primary programme and the proposed Teaching and Learning Demonstration Centre. These initiatives aim to strengthen teacher preparation by providing students with greater opportunities to observe, practise and reflect on effective teaching approaches.
Student wellbeing and pastoral care were also emphasised during the orientation. Dr Rodie encouraged students experiencing academic, personal or financial difficulties to seek assistance early from lecturers, programme coordinators, Heads of Departments and Schools, Faculty leaders, or appropriate University support services.
The orientation featured three rotating information sessions covering academic success and programme requirements; administrative and academic procedures; and student support, wellbeing and conduct.
Presentations addressed programme structures, teaching practicum, assessment, academic integrity, responsible use of generative AI, registration, semester dates, health and counselling services, disability support, library and ICT services, campus safety, and the Student Code of Conduct.
The Dean also called on staff and students to take collective responsibility for maintaining a clean, safe and respectful learning environment. She urged everyone to dispose of rubbish properly, respect the No Smoking and No Betel Nut Chewing signs around the FEH Complex, and support the University’s Clean-Up Campaign held every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
This responsibility is particularly important as FEH prepares to host the 54th Conference of the Oceania Comparative and International Education Society (OCIES) in November 2026. The conference will bring regional and international academics, researchers and education professionals to the Panatina Campus.
“We are the hosts, and our visitors will form impressions of SINU not only from the conference programme but also from what they see around our Campus and through their interactions with our staff and students,” Dr Rodie said. “A clean and welcoming Campus demonstrates pride in our Faculty and pride in our University.”
Dr Rodie also congratulated FEH staff and students for their teamwork and creativity, which resulted in the Faculty winning the Best Booth Award at the recent SINU Open Day.
In concluding her remarks, Dr Rodie encouraged students to set clear goals, manage their time carefully, maintain their integrity, seek assistance when needed, and support one another throughout the semester.
“Let us work together to make the Faculty of Education and Humanities a community of learning characterised by academic excellence, integrity, respect, responsibility, service and pride in our environment,” she said.
ENDS//