DWU News (31)
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St. Mary's School of Nursing 2022 New Intake List and Information
Third DWU Alumni Fundraising Dinner
President of the DWU Alumni Association Madang Chapter Elayne Albaniel Bahin with Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare
during the 2017 inaugural Alumni Corporate Fundraising Dinner.
The Divine Word University’s Alumni Association is hosting a Corporate Dinner in Madang Resort Hotel tonight Saturday, 24 August.
This is the third Alumni Corporate Dinner since its inauguration in Madang at the same venue in 2017. The second Corporate Dinner was held in Port Moresby last year (2018).
Funds raised from the dinner will go to the DWU Endowment Fund to assist the University with future projects, such infrastructure meant to enhance its standards to deliver quality higher education. The dinner will see live-paintings by the renowned contemporary PNG artist, Jeffrey Feeger with Madang music icon Demas Saul providing live music entertainment throughout the evening.
The tickets were going for K500 a person, or K5000 for a table of 10 people.
If you are a DWU Alumni and in Madang around this time or are parent and a relative of an alumni or current student, this is the perfect opportunity for you to come along and mingle with the alumni to support our University for a worthy cause to continue to build our university for the future generations. Report by Rachel Shisei, Communications Officer, DWU Marketing
Photos in the gallery below are from the inaugural Alumni Corporate Fundraising Dinner in 2017.
DWU hosts Vice Chancellors meeting today
DWU President and Vice Chancellor Professor Cecilia Nembou at the VCs meeting this morning. Photo: Dr Kevin Pamba
A WARM WELCOME TO THE VICE CHANCELLORS OF PNG UNIVERSITIES TO DWU
DWU is proud to host the Vice Chancellors of our universities Papua New Guinea at the Madang campus today for the Vice PNG Chancellors Committee meeting.
Professor Musawe Sinebare, VC of the University of Goroka is the chair of the VCs Committee.
DWU is represented by our President & VC Professor Cecilia Nembou and our incoming Deputy President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs SVD.
Photos in the gallery below courtesy of Dr Kevin Pamba
DW alumna is first female dean of FMHS
Associate Professor Susanna Andrias Khobu PhD is the new Dean for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS) in Divine Word University. She is an alumna of DWU and the first female to assume the position since the faculty came into existence in the mid-2000s.
Associate Professor Khobu replaces veteran health education professional Mr Kari Totona who returns to the Department of Environment Health within the Faculty.
The FMHS is one of four faculties in Divine Word University (DWU) and it is the largest with seven departments. The departments are Environmental Health, Health Extension (Rural Health), Health Management, Rehabilitation Sciences, Public Health Leadership and Training, Medicine and Nursing, the latter located at two nursing schools in DWU’s Vunapope, Rabaul campus and the St Benedict’s campus at Kaindi, Wewak.
“The offer to be a Faculty Dean was a surprise because I only expressed interest to teach when I learnt that Divine Word University required lecturers for the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program,” Dr Khobu said.
She commenced teaching at the beginning of this academic year on an Associate Professor of Medicine position in the Department of Medicine in FMHS.
She has over 12 years of experience in academic teaching at the previous Medical Faculty of University of Papua New Guinea, and has involved in the problem based learning (PBL) curriculum for graduate medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia.
Associate Professor Khobu is a practicing medical doctor and a physiologist by profession. She is also an entrepreneur who managed her own health consultancy company before joining DWU. She is a Divine Word University Alumna, being a student of the Divine Word High School in the mid-1970s with Father Kenneth Feehan SVD being the pioneer headmaster of the school.
She has qualifications ranging from an MBBS from the University of PNG, a Master of Science in Physiology from the University of London, United Kingdom, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine from the University of Sydney, Australia, plus several certificates in Emergency Response, Occupational Health & Safety, Certificate IV in Training & Assessments, Accounting & Business and certificates in various other fields..
“Knowing that there are challenges with this role, I feel a sense of responsibility to be able to move a huge ship along but with the priority to students and staff members’ academic excellence and personal welfare, I gratefully accepted.
“I am confident that my experiences in the fields of my profession will help me add value to the faculty and DWU as I work with all my colleagues and the management of this University,” said Dr Khobu.
Along with the role of Dean, Associate Professor Khobu lectures her class of 125 first year students in Rural Health, Rehabilitation Sciences and Medicine programs, which she believes is important.
She lectures on the fundamental basic medical science concepts in Physiology and Anatomy, which form the basis of the students’ clinical practice.
“As for the MBBS program, it is the second in the country.
“We target at producing highly competent graduates who will contribute to the University’s reputation, good standing in academic excellence and who will competently and effectively handle the country’s health issues and disease burdens,” Dr Khobu stated.
“We also want these graduates to know that they can work equally competently in any international arena of engagement.”
Dr Khobu’s quote to get by in life is: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all thy might” and her encouragement to other women (and men alike) is in three words, “Believe in yourself”. Ends/
- Report by Rachel Shisei is a Communications Officer in the DWU Marketing Division.
Catholic health managers learn about DWU programs
Written by Super User
A team from the Divine Word University’s Flexible Learning Centre (FLC) participated at the Mamose regional Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) Conference in Madang. The
The FLC team from the main campus in Madang led by Mrs Cathy Pamba was invited to talk to participants about programs offered under the flexible learning mode that the Catholic Church Health Services managers and officers in the provinces could take up.
The DWU team was at the conference on Thursday 18 July 2019. The conference was held at the Alexishafen Conference Centre of the Catholic Archdiocese of Madang.
Mrs Pamba presented an overview of DWU and the flexible learning programs that were offered for working professionals.
She highlighted the FL programs available for health professionals and they are the Master of Public Health (Health Service Management), Bachelor Rural Health (for HEOs in-service) and Diploma in Health Services Management.
Mrs Pamba also spoke about other DWU programs offered through the flexible mode and the support services available for FL students. Those interested for the details of the programs can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or they can go online on the DWU Website at www.dwu.ac.pg
Members of the FL team Wapu Urisip and Eunice Sange were on hand at the conference and distributed program information and application forms much to the appreciation of the participants.
The Catholic health managers and officers were very pleased to hear about the programs offered at DWU.
Conference organizer and Madang Archdiocese Health Service Manager Ms Nola Marita said they were grateful that Mrs Pamba and her team from DWU attended the meeting and talked about the programs.
Ms Marita said the conference was the first for the CCHS in Mamose and they were pleased that the managers and officers attended.
On Tuesday July 18, the Head of the Health Management Department Dr Tabian Ambang spoke at the conference on Visions 2050.
The week-long Mamose regional Catholic Church Health Services (CCHS) Conference ended on Friday 19 July with a closing dinner and presentation by Archbishop Stephen Reichert OFM Cap from the Archdiocese of Madang.
Report and pictures by Dr Kevin Pamba
DWU attends career expo
Divine Word University (DWU) participated at the 2019 Career Exposition hosted at the University of Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province from 5 June to 6 June.
A team from DWU was at the two-day exposition and took the opportunity to inform prospective students about the programs the University offers in its main campus in Madang and other campuses around the country.
The two-day event brought many tertiary institutions like DWU to set up program display booths and talk to students and teachers from high schools and secondary schools in this part of the Highlands.
The students were informed about the entry requirements of Grade 12 students for each tertiary institution for further studies.
Non-school leavers and working professionals including prisoners also attended and received information about the study programs.
The higher learning institutions also highlighted different policies for students to follow once they were selected and enrolled to study.
Mr Ted Alau Vice President (Student Affairs) of DWU told the students gathered that it was crucial they scored good grades to have better Grade Point Average (GPA) scores to be considered for university studies.
Mr Alau also reminded the students about good behavior that plays a part in their pursuits for further education.
Students from the various high schools, secondary schools, technical institutions and universities, who attended were pleased with the two-day expo, which assisted the students to make their choices for further education.
Most students and teachers were delighted about the event, which gave the appropriate information for further education. They thanked the University of Goroka for hosting the event adding that they looked for to the next one.
Marina Waita from the DWU Office of the Registrar said so many students flocked to the DWU booth and the University team was kept busy with questions and requests for information for studies.
Ms Waita said students mostly asked for entry requirements of the different programs and especially the GPA requirements. She said non-school leavers were there too and received information about enrolment in DWU.
Ms Waita said working professionals also turned up at the DWU booth and received information about the University’ popular flexible learning programs for adult learners. DWU participated in the Career Exposition last year and would participate in future events. The DWU was represented at the 2019 Expo by a three-member team comprising Mr Alau, Ms Waita and Mackenzie Mistera from the DWU Marketing Division.
Story by Mackenzie Mistera of the DWU Marketing Division
Nomination for 2019 Distinguished Alumnae Award open
Divine Word University is once again calling for nominations for the annual Distinguished Alumnae Award. Graduates and members of the public who know outstanding DWU graduates who are doing great things are encouraged to nominate such a person.
Divine Word University established the annual Distinguished Alumnae Award to recognize outstanding individuals (its graduates) and to celebrate their achievements. The Award will be given to those who have attained extraordinary distinction in their chosen professional fields, in service to society, or by support to Divine Word University and serve as an example to all members of the DWU Community. This Award not only serves to bestow recognition and appreciation on individuals, but also honors the legacy of the University and instills pride in the DWU community-at-large.
All members of the public who know an exceptional DWU graduate doing greats in the community out there are asked fill in the alumni form online and email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Deadline for nominations is Friday 14 June 2019.
Access the nomination form in the link below.
More...
General Notice for 2019 Registration
This notice serves to inform all 2019 New Intakes (School Leavers & Non School Leavers) and Progressing (Continuing and Readmission) students. Please take note of the following to ensure your registration for this academic year is without problem;
1. On –Registration Fee
As a condition for registration, the On – Registration Fee MUST be paid in full including any other outstanding to allowed student to register and attend lectures. No part payment and guarantee letters will be accepted.
2. Fees
Must be paid by the 31st of January 2019. Please ensure payment is made direct to the DWU Bank Account; DWU, Account Number 1000 433806, Bank of South Pacific, Madang Branch for you to attend Registration Week. Bring a copy of the Bank Deposit Slip with you to the Registration.
3. Placement Acceptance Form
All new intakes must confirm respective placement by 31st January 2019. Email your placement acceptance to DWU Registrar on this email address; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call DWU on 422 2937 and ask to speak to the Student Administration Office to confirm your placement.
4. Medical Examination
Year 1 and Year 3 student are strictly advised to do medical checkup before registration. If medical check is not done by a medical officer, you will not be allowed to register and attend lectures.
5. Travel
New and Continuing Students under the DHERST Sponsorship through TESAS must contact Global Travel Centre (GTC) for travel arrangements on the following phone number; 424 1859, 4241749, 4241745 and 4241748. Kindly advise Global Travel Centre the quickest and safest way of receiving your ticket. Contact Student Services on 4241825, 4241839, 4241853 or 4221856 on your arrival date and time to arrange transport pickup at the Airport or Wharf.
6. Registration and Orientation
Student Registration and Orientation Week commences on Monday 4th February 2019. The first and second year students will commence their Registration process on Monday 4th of February 2019. The third and fourth year students will commence Registration on Tuesday 5th of February 2019. Registration will be at St. John Paul II Hall. Thus, all student must be on campus by February 3rd, 2019.
Thank you
DWU Registrar
Mrs Cecilia N’Drower
DWU students prepare for online exams
The fulltime undergraduate students of Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang are gearing up for their Semester One examinations online over the next two weeks starting on Monday 4th June, 2018.
This is the fourth consecutive year that the students in the Madang campus would be doing their semester examinations online via the Moodle teaching and learning management platform.
DWU inaugurated the online examinations for its students in the second semester of 2015 and has been successful and the university is not going back to the traditional paper (hardcopy) method. See separate news report about the inauguration of the online exams in 2015 as reported on the DWU Website at this link: http://www.dwu.ac.pg/en/index.php/news/dwu-news/847-dwu-makes-history-with-online-exams
The online examination enables efficiency and cuts out challenges associated with the traditional paper mode.
Tests within a semester are also conducted online while the students are required to submit soft copies of assignments to their lecturers online. Lecturers and tutors also make available soft copies of their lectures and tutorials to students online via Moodle and they interact with the students on the same platform.
The online examinations are part of the overall digitization of teaching, learning and research activities in DWU under its Third Decade Strategic Master Plan 2016-2026 for the university to achieve international competitiveness.
President of DWU Professor Cecilia Nembou PhD highlighted the importance of DWU keeping pace with learning and teaching in the digital age in her welcome address to the students and staff in February this year.
“In 2018, DWU moves into the second year of implementation of the Third Decade Strategic Master Plan (2016 – 2026), in which we aspire to offer to each category of learners an appropriate learning mode be it face-to-face, online or blended by the application of the latest technology,” said Prof Nembou.
She added: “DWU can achieve transformative learning in the digital age by working together as a community of learners with tolerance of each other’s multiple perspectives connected by a set of shared strategic objectives that motivate each and every member of the community to achieve the desired outcome. “Transformative learning does not apply only to students but also to staff both academic and administrative”.
The President gave the address under the university’s theme for the year: “Transformative learning with core values for the digital age”.
The Madang campus has a 100 percent computer (laptop) access by its students and staff (academic and administration) and 24-hour wireless Internet connectivity. The university issues laptops to all undergraduate students who complete their full registration fees in the first year.
This enables students and staff to work anywhere and anytime on campus after official lectures or office hours. To prepare students for learning online, it is mandatory for all first year students to study a computer end-user unit (subject) in the first semester of the year they enroll in DWU.
Meanwhile, DWU opened the Centre for Learning and Teaching (CfLT) in January this year to assist staff and students achieve their full potential in teaching and learning using the online, blended and face-to-face modes. The Centre is headed by Associate Professor Iwona Kolodziejczyk PhD. Report by KEVIN PAMBA.
DWU Administration staff upgrade computer skills
Divine Word University administration staff upgraded their computing skills to assist students better at the Madang campus recently.
The 21 staff participated in the “End User Computing and Basics” on Moodle - a centrally supported learning management system used at DWU as a learning platform to deliver course content in blended and fully online modes.
Moodle Administrator and Staff Training Facilitator of DWU, Ms Kimberly Kobal said the training targeted administration staff whose line of duty involves providing support for students.
She said participants had some prior computer experiences and were looking to enhance their skills.
“They know the technology before them.
“They know how to login to the Internet and they know how to use the computer.
Ms Kobal said the training enhances the computer usage and Internet savvy the staff already possess.
“I have just introduced them to some options that they have not known before,” said Ms Kobal.
She said one example was of using formulas on Excel Spreadsheet instead of calculators.
Ms Kobal said participants have said through an evaluation after the training that using formulas has increased their response rate to student queries.
Ms Irene Wrakuale, Executive Officer to Dean of the Faculty of Education was one of the participant. Ms Wrakuale said that the training “is an eye opener” for her to assist students regarding queries on Moodle.
She said that in the past, she was not able to assist better because she did not know much about how to use Moodle.
Miss Salote Kaumu, Office Manageress for the Flexible Learning Centre said that the training has enabled her to assist Flexible Learning students better regarding Moodle queries.
Director for Learning and Teaching (CfLT) in DWU, Associate Professor Iwona Kolodziejczyk PhD was excited to witness participants receive certificates after the training that ran from 7th of May to11th of May as it was the first time since the establishment of the center to issue certificates to a training completed.
A similar training was carried out for staff at the Rabaul campus of DWU.
Meanwhile participants have been urged look out for intermediate and advance levels of the trainings to be offered by the Center for Learning and Teaching in the near future.
DWU Center for Learning and Teaching was established early this year to assist the university in enhancing standards of excellence in learning and teaching while “harnessing the power of ICT for knowledge creation”.
Since its establishment, CfLT has been offering in-house training for academic staff and students to enhance their skills. Report by RHONDA CLEMENT
Alumni participate in campus events
The Divine Word University (DWU) community is always pleased to see its graduates return to the university during its calendar events and on other occasions.
DWU is also grateful to the many graduates who have joined the staff ranks in the academic and administration divisions, at different times.
Many members of the DWU alumni participated during two recent calendar events in the main campus in Madang.
The events were the 2018 World Press Freedom Day commemoration on Friday 4th May and the 2018 Open Day on Sunday 6th May.
Two high profile journalists and alumni members Mr Neville Choi and Mr Scott Waide were at the Madang campus and participated in the World Press Freedom Day celebration. The celebration was led by students from their former department, Communication Arts (Journalism), which is now part of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. (See separate news reports on this site).
Mr Choi and Mr Waide work for PNG’s pioneer national television network, EMTV. They completed their communication arts (journalism) studies in the mid-1990s and have carved niche careers in the media.
Mr Choi is the Director for News and Current Affairs for EMTV and was recently appointed the President of the Media Council of Papua New Guinea, the peak body of the media industry. He previously worked for the Church-owned Word Publishing Group as a reporter and editor for many years before moving to EMTV six years ago.
Mr Waide is the Lae Bureau Chief of News and Current Affairs and has been with the pioneer national TV station for many years.
In their respective speeches, Mr Choi and Mr Waide spoke well of the university and reminisced about their times as students in the campus over 20 years ago going hunting for news stories as aspiring journalists.
They gave useful insights and tips about the media industry and the journalism profession to the young students in the Communication Arts (Journalism) program and their compatriots in other departments in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.
On Open Day two days later, a healthy contingent of alumni members was on hand representing the organisations the graduates work in. These organisations included businesses, government agencies and non-government organisations (NGOs). They took part as partners of the various academic departments and faculties.
Mr Eddie Tanago was among the alumni who participated on Open Day. Mr Tanago works for good governance advocacy group, Act Now PNG.
Mr Tanago and his team were hard at work talking to students, staff and visitors about the various work they do in terms of advocacy for good governance in PNG. Their signature campaign is the protection of indigenous ownership of land and its resources.
High profile DWU alumni and Member of Parliament (MP) for Madang Honbourable Mr Bryan Kramer was another former student who was at the Open Day.
It was the second DWU calendar event that Mr Kramer attended after his election in the 2017 National Election.
The first event Mr Kramer attended was the annual Cultural Day on August 2017, which was few weeks after his election into office in the National Parliament. (See separate report on this site here: http://www.dwu.ac.pg/en/index.php/news/dwu-news/992-alumni-and-mp-warns-of-poor-role-modeling ). Report from KEVIN PAMBA.
