By Wahida Fitriah
GOMBAK, 3 October 2020: Taking into account the current COVID-19 situation and the recommendation of the Ministry of Higher Education regarding the conduct of academic activities in campus for Semester 1, 2020/2021 session during the recovery movement control order (RMCO) period, IIUM has announced precautionary measures providing guidelines for students arriving on or returning to campus.
According to official guidelines issued by the university’s Sejahtera Council on Friday (2 October), all IIUM students who are currently in campus may remain in campus, and they can also choose to return home. But if they choose to return home, IIUM will not be held responsible for any expenses or consequences incurred by the students due to the movement control order.
Semester 1, 2020/2021 session at IIUM begins on 12 October 2020.
Students who have planned to return to campus (for example those who have purchased travelling ticket) or are already on their way to the university campus will not be barred from entering the campus. However, they have to follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) while entering and staying in campus.
Students from Sabah and Kota Setar and other high risk and red zone areas who are not yet on campus, will not be allowed to enter the campus.
Students who have yet to plan their return to campus or are not yet in campus, may conduct their Semester 1, 2020/2021 registration online.
All classes in Semester 1, 2020/2021 will be conducted in hybrid mode consisting of remote teaching and learning (RTL) and face-to-face. Classes will begin in RTL mode.
Students are advised to be alert on when the face-to-face classes will begin. All academic information can be referred on iMaalum. Regardless they are on campus or off campus, students will follow RTL sessions.
International students who are unable to enter Malaysia will follow their courses by full RTL. They are advised to contact their lecturers for details of the course conducted.
Students are required to follow Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) Telegram or website for updates on the latest COVID-19 Green, Yellow and Red Zones.
Students from Sabah, Kota Setar and other high-risk areas are required to be aware of the official announcements from IIUM with regard to the date which they will be allowed to be back on campus.
Symptomatic students are not allowed to return to campus, even if they are not from Sabah, Kota Setar or other high-risk or red zone areas. They are advised to seek treatment at the nearest health facilities near their homes. And they have to show evidence of such treatment when they return to campus.
All staff and students must abide by the following procedures: practice physical distancing of 1 metre apart at all times; avoid the 3 Cs (Crowded, Confined and Closed Conversation); practice the 3 Ws (Wash hands, Wear masks and Warn); observe appropriate coughing and sneezing etiquette. Those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms must immediately report themselves to the IIUM Health and Wellness Clinic (IHWC) or other IIUM health facilities.
The announcement also says that all staff and students have been urged to put their safety and the safety of their families and fellow colleagues as the main priority at all times. This is necessary in order to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infections among staff and students, and their family members, as well as to ensure safe operation of the university.
They are reminded to practice cleanliness, ensure obedience to all instructions, and always be vigilance of their whereabouts, Istiqamah/Integrity in translating instructions into practice, and discipline themselves at all times. ***