Dear Students,

The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) Malaysia, in a press statement dated 27^th May 2020, has announced the phased opening of higher education institutions nationally, beginning with the 1^st phase for the following categories of students, who are given the priority to return to campus for selected teaching and learning activities.

1. Post-graduate students under research mode who require specific laboratory facilities or equipment to conduct research are allowed to resume their research on campus starting 1^st June 2020. Students will be informed by 29^th May 2020,  procedures they need to follow  in order to return to campus to conduct their research.  
   
   
2. Subject to the lifting of the conditional movement control order (CMCO), final semester or final year students in certificate, foundation, diploma, and bachelor degree programmes will be able to attend laboratory, clinical, workshop, and studio sessions on campus starting 1^st July 2020. These students will be informed of the arrangements and schedules of their sessions on campus by the respective Heads of School. We understand that some students, particularly those who are presently overseas, may not be able to travel back to the campus by this time. Such students who are unable to join the on-campus sessions will have an opportunity to view the recorded practical sessions. Rest assured that the assessment for practical sessions this semester is conducted online and will not be impacted by students’ participation in the on-campus practical sessions for this semester.
   
   
3. In addition, final semester or final year students who experience difficulty in accessing online classes from home may request to use the facilities on campus for online learning starting 1^st July 2020. Such requests can be made to the lecturers or programme directors for consideration.

The success of the above 1^st phase in ensuring that students can safely study on campus, will likely encourage the government to open the campus to our remaining students in the not too distant future. Until then, MOHE has notified that all teaching and learning activities for remaining students must be conducted online until 31^st December 2020.

In this regard, we wish to reassure you that your respective Heads of School and Programme Directors will be making the necessary changes to module delivery and assessments in accordance with MOHE’s directive. This includes the reshuffle of some practical activities requiring specific equipment on campus to a later semester, where possible. In doing so, we have ensured that the learning outcomes are fulfilled as per the guidelines issued by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and professional bodies.

As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts operations in almost every sector and industry across the globe, our objectives at Taylor’s have been to ensure learning continuity and the safety of our students and staff. Since the commencement of our April 2020 semester, we are very encouraged by the positive responses received from our students who have started their classes online till now. We are also very encouraged to know that many of our international students have chosen to continue their learning online from the safety of their own homes overseas.

We know and understand that our staff and students cannot wait to return to campus to resume face-to-face learning. The worst may be over soon, even as we must maintain measures introduced during the MCO such as no large gatherings, social distancing, disinfectant of premises and equipment, and improved personal hygiene. Taylor’s will continue to monitor the latest developments of the situation and make the necessary adjustments based on instructions from the relevant authorities, as we receive them.

These are unprecedented and extraordinary times for all of us and I am grateful for your patience and understanding as we strive to ride through this challenging period. Meanwhile, I would like to urge you to stay safe, making the best out of this online learning opportunity, so that learning continues for you. We will get through this together.

Professor Michael Driscoll
Vice-Chancellor & President