The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) has deferred the starting date for lectures.

The Joint Committee of the University Senate and the Senior Management Committee met on 22nd April 2020 and made the following decisions.

1. That the resumption date for SINU will be in line with the State of Emergency (SoE) timeframe which is 3rd August 2020;

2. That should SIG lift the SoE timeframe before 3rd August 2020, that SINU will give Seven [7] clear days’ notice to staff and students to return to work and study;

3. That staff who are currently on annual leave to continue their leave until May 3rd, 2020. Staff will continue on special leave from May 4th to August 2nd, 2020, or until such time the SoE is lifted by SIG. SINU will advise staff on the nature of the special leave.

SINU says that the decision it has taken is based on the SIG Extension of the “State of Emergency” and is following advice from the SMC Special Sub-Committee on the Coronavirus pandemic.

It also says that the financial impact of continuing closure and its likely implications on staff and students was also considered.