The University of the South Pacific emphasizes that its policies and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure their effectiveness, appropriateness and compliance with laws and regulations.

This comment comes in response to a student who came forward to share disturbing accounts of alleged sexual misconduct by a professor.

There are allegations that the professor sexually harassed more than 30 female students over the past three years.

Speaking on behalf of his female peers, the student detailed alleged instances of harassment that allegedly left many students feeling unsafe, intimidated and unwilling to attend tutoring sessions or classes.

In responding to questions from FBC News on the matter, the University says it conducted a thorough investigation in accordance with its policies and procedures, leading to the immediate suspension of the individual in question.

The University has expressed its continued commitment to providing support and advice to those affected by the alleged incident, in line with its sexual harassment policy, which allows victims to seek redress from the police or other agencies responsible for law enforcement.

It further states that to ensure that the University ensures the safety and well-being of students and staff, routine information sessions are scheduled to raise awareness of policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment.

It states that these policies and procedures provide clear definitions of actions that constitute sexual harassment, procedures for handling complaints, available informal and formal complaint mechanisms, and the investigation process.

The university also ensures that all complaints received and investigations undertaken are conducted in the strictest confidence and with due diligence.

It says plaintiffs and other affected students are advised and encouraged to use the on-campus counseling center which provides free and confidential counseling services.

USP says students have the option to choose individual or group counseling sessions led by highly experienced professionals, adding that trained counselors also have a duty of care to report issues that could negatively affect well-being of a person or that of others.

He says this legal requirement is explained to all students during the first advising session.

It also states that the university also operates a toll-free helpline for Fijian students and those who also wish to seek external counseling services are free to do so and will be supported, if necessary, by the university.