The enrollment of the National University of Samoa’s Foundation Studies students this week had to be done at other venues as the N.U.S. Gym is undergoing renovation.

This is the response of the university’s new Vice Chancellor, Professor Alec Aiono Ekeroma, in response to frustrations expressed by both parents and students at the venues that the university used this week.

"The current venue for enrollments at the lecture theaters and foyer was chosen last year as the gymnasium had to have renovations," he said.

Parents and students this week complained of inadequate sitting arrangements and undergoing the registration process outdoors, unlike in the gym which was more enclosed. 

Professor Ekeroma, in an email response to the Samoa Observer, acknowledged that the university administration could have done better and provided more seats.

"It was deemed by the majority of the Deans as more suitable for the number of support staff needed and the flow of students between the relevant stations. Clearly more seating should have been arranged at that venue for the large number of students and parents anticipated," he said, while emphasising that the NUS will look at the feedback and improve on that. 

"As with our usual process, we will look at the feedback received and consider the next enrollment be conducted at a larger venue such as the gym with provisos for support staff required," he added.

Course registration at the NUS including for the Foundation Studies program ends on Friday.