COVID-19: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Current Students

• Apart from info@apu.edu.my, where can the students refer to, if they have any further queries?

If they require any urgent assistance, students may reach out to us at:

• E-mail: covid-response@staffemail.apu.edu.my
• Microsoft Teams: https://bit.ly/3d3UoQb
• Emergency Hotline: +6 017-379 1700 (7am - 7pm) | +6 017-2381300 (7pm - 7am)
• International Students' Arrival & SOP: arrivals-control@apu.edu.my​

• Is there a case of COVID-19 in APU / APIIT?

No. We do not have any COVID-19 cases.

• What should I do if I am not feeling well? 

Don't panic! Reach out to Oceana Clinic @ APU or your nearest private clinic / hospital for early treatment - it might just be a common cold or flu.

If you in need of urgent assistance, reach out to us via our Emergency Hotlines or contact covid-response@staffemail.apu.edu.my.
 

Please click here to view the guidelines. 

• The Klang Valley is under MCO. What does this mean?

We are currently under the Movement Control Order (MCO) until 4th March 2021. Physical classes have been suspended and APU/APIIT Campuses will be closed during this period. Teaching & learning activities will take place via Online Digital Learning (ODL) / Hybrid mode.

Based on the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), universities are allowed to restart operations on-campus. Some students will be allowed to return to the campus for academic activities - these will be reflected in the latests announcements & timetables.

• Is this a lock-down? Where can I get my daily essentials? Can I still order delivery for food?

This is not a lock-down. Daily essentials and food and beverages delivery services are still operational during MCO. However, you are advised to adhere to social distancing and other Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that are in place.

• Can I visit my friend who is living in Cheras / other areas of Klang Valley when the Movement Control Order is in place?

Under the MCO, inter-district travelling for social & leisure purposes are restricted. You are advised to stay at home and avoid crowded locations. You are also advised to adhere to social distancing and other Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that are in place.

• My family/friends would like to come and visit me. Can I bring them around for sightseeing?

No. Under the MCO, inter-district travelling for social & leisure purposes are restricted. You are advised to stay at home during the Movement Control Order and only travel minimally for basic necessities. Please also avoid crowded locations.

• What measures are in place for safety of our children’s if they are staying in KL?

We are currently under the Movement Control Order (MCO) until 4th March 2021. Essential services are operational and students staying in accommodations are still provided with necessary support whenever required.

Students are advised to stay at their accommodation units, practice good personal hygiene and maintain a social distance, and avoid visiting crowded places.

In APIIT & APU, fully comprehensive sanitization activities are taking place and we are taking precautionary measures at our best level to prevent any occurrences of the COVID-19 infection on our campuses. Face masks & hand sanitizers are available at both APU & APIIT campuses. Students are also provided with regular health advisories to remind them to avoid mass gatherings, outdoor activities and to maintain strong personal hygiene at all times.

• What is the advice for students staying in APU accommodations?

During the MCO, you are advised to stay in your accommodation units and limit your travels for essentials only. You may be questioned by the authorities on the purpose of your travels. Kindly be cautious and take good precautions at all times.

As per our previous health advisories, we advise all students on the below:

1. Practice strong personal hygiene by washing your hands and sanitizing them regularly.
2. Avoid unnecessary personal contact with other persons - we suggest placing your hand to your chest as an alternative to customary forms of greetings such as handshakes and hugging.
3. Avoid attending any mass events.
4. Should you display any symptoms commonly identified with COVID-19, please seek immediate medical attention.

• What happens if there is a case of COVID-19 at APU?

We already have an Emergency Response Team & procedures to handle such a situation. This has been in place for COVID-19 since end of Jan 2020. We continue to practice strict sanitization procedures across the campus facilities to contain infection and to ensure that our student & staff community are adequately protected.

• Is the class suspended / university closed due to a positive COVID-19 case at APU among students / staff?

No. The suspension of face-to-face classes is in line with the MCO in Klang Valley as announced by the government.

• Is the university closed? Can I still use the study lounge / library?

In line with the MCO, APU & APIIT Campuses will be closed. Entry into the campus is restricted to essential services only. If it is essential for you to come to the campus for visa services, administrative services or bursary services, please make an appointment via this form at least 48 hours before your visit: http://www.apu.edu.my/explore-apu/contact-us

• What will happen to the books borrowed from the library?

Library items will be given an extension. Please refer to your APSpace portal to view the latest updates.

• Can I come to the campus to collect my parcel from the POPBOX?

No. As the campus is closed, entry to the campus will be restricted for essential services only.

• I'm staying on-campus. How about my daily food supply & services?

The Oceana Clinic, Modesto's and Picante cafe will remain operational during the MCO period. If you require any welfare support, you may also liaise with your on-campus accommodation warden or e-mail us at covid-response@apu.edu.my.

• When will the suspension of the face-to-face classes end?

The face-to-face classes, lectures & tutorials at APU will be suspended from Tuesday, 13th October 2020 until further notice.

Based on the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), universities are allowed to restart operations on-campus. Some students will be allowed to return to the campus for academic activities - these will be reflected in the latests announcements & timetables.

• How will Digital Learning be conducted? Which applications will be used?

We are using Microsoft Teams for Digital Learning. 

Please click here to view the guidelines.

• How should I setup my devices to be able to use Digital Learning?

Please click here to view the guidelines.

• I prefer not to attend the Digital Learning activities. Since I'm living nearby, can I come to campus to attend classes?

The face-to-face classes, lectures & tutorials at APU will be suspended from Tuesday, 13th October 2020 until further notice. As the campus will be closed, you are advised to stay at home, and undergo your learning activities via Online Digital Learning (ODL).

Based on the latest guidelines from the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), universities are allowed to restart operations on-campus. Some students will be allowed to return to the campus for academic activities - these will be reflected in the latests announcements & timetables.

• I am in my home country, which is currently X hours behind Malaysian time. How do I attend the Digital Learning session?

Classes will be carried out as per Malaysian time zone (GMT +8). You are required to attend the sessions based on the above time zone and in line with your timetable. If you are unable to login during Malaysian time, you may also view the Stream as a recording which your module Lecturer will upload in due course in your Microsoft Teams Group or inside y our Class folder in Moodle. You can also consult your lecturer via Teams on any lesson clarifications.

Please click here to view the guidelines on Digital Learning.

• I am a part-time Masters student. Will my classes also be conducted on the Digital Learning platform?

Yes.

Please click here to view the guidelines on Digital Learning.

• I have outstanding fees. Will I still be able to login to APSpace?

It is advisable for you to clear your outstanding fees to ensure you have uninterrupted access to all learning materials without any issues. You can arrange for Telegraphic Transfer or online payment to the bank account below:

Please send us the scanned copy for your transfer details for verification at bursary@apu.edu.my.

• I am facing some issues with my APSpace and Digital Learning. Who should I contact?

You may contact our Virtual Help Centre at 03-8992 5050 (Mondays to Fridays, 8:00am to 9:30pm) or e-mail assist@apu.edu.my.

• What if my internet connection is slow, how do I access to Digital Learning?

If the internet connection is slow or intermittent, please do communicate directly with your lecturer. All lesson materials are available on Moodle. The lecturer can be consulted on any lesson clarifications.

• How would my attendance be taken if I did not login using Malaysian time?

Your attendance for the Class may be taken after the Stream via Moodle when you open the Class Folder and watch the Stream.

• I was online during the lecture / tutorial, but my lecturer had marked my as absent. What should I do?

Please communicate with your lecturer on this via e-mail / Microsoft Teams. To help you with attendance, it would be good to engage during the online session by posting on the chat box.

• I'm taking 6 modules this semester, should I wait for the lecturers to contact me?

Always check if there are any communications on Moodle and Microsoft Teams. It is essential that you reach out to your lecturers if you are not added onto any platforms. Reaching them by e-mail or on Microsoft Teams would be sufficient in finding out where communications are currently taking place.

• Is this Digital Learning a temporary measure during this period only? What if the Movement Control period is over and APU had resumed face-to-face learning and I am still in overseas and not able to travel out. Will this Digital Learning continue for us?

The Online Remote or Digital Learning is a temporary mode of delivery during this period. If you are unable to return to APU, the lecturer will still continue to upload all teaching materials on to Moodle and you may consult your lecturer on any lesson clarifications. The Digital Learning will continue until the face-to-face starts when most international students return to Malaysia.

• At the end of the Semester, how would the Exam be conducted? Through online?

Assessments and exams will be conducted online. You will be advised by your lecturers.

• If I am having classes through Digital Learning, what will happen to my class test and exams?

For existing cohorts that has started remote teaching and learning, all assessments (final exam, class test, quiz) will be conducted ONLINE.

• How do we do our group assignment since my classmates are not with me?

You are encouraged to carry out the discussions via Microsoft Teams and to refer to your lecturers on how to complete the group assignment.

• As an international student, can I still travel back to my home country during this period?

Yes, you can still travel back to your home country. However, due to the MCO that is in place, you are required to request for a Reference Letter and obtain Police Permit before travelling to the airport. Kindly email us at covid-response@apu.edu.my for further guidance.

• Can I travel back to my hometown at East Malaysia?

Yes, you can travel back to your hometown. However, both Sabah & Sarawak state governments have imposed SOPs upon entry.

Sarawak:

You're required to obtain a Reference Letter from APU and obtain police permit for travelling to the airport. Within 12 hours before your flight, you'll be required to fill in the e-Declaration form at this link: https://sarawakdisastermc.com 

Sabah:

You're required to obtain a Reference Letter from APU and obtain police permit for travelling to the airport. In addition, as required by the state government, you are required to undergo a COVID-19 swab test at least 3 days before travelling.

Please note that the guidelines above are as of 9th December 2020, and is subjected to any updates or revision as per the policy issued by the State Government. Should you require any further guidance, please contact us at covid-response@apu.edu.my.

• What advice do you have for travelling students? Should we postpone our travel plans or still return to Malaysia?

International students may now return to Malaysia, subjected to the Arrival and Quarantine Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), approval from EMGS and Travel Authorization. If you wish to return to Malaysia, do get in touch with us via arrivals-control@apu.edu.my for our team to assist you.

• Is it safe to stay in Malaysia or should I ask my child to return?

It is better for your child to return to your families where they will be cared more.

However, they may still remain in Malaysia at your accommodation. If you require any assistance, please contact us at covid-response@apu.edu.my.

• I am an existing international student. Can I return to Malaysia?

Yes. Students with existing student visa will be allowed to return to Malaysia. However, it will subject to the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that are in place. Please click here to read the latest SOP.

• Will the semester duration still remain the same? Is it going to be extended for 1 more week due to the suspension of classes?

The semester will not need to be extended as there is sufficient buffer within the semester to enable lecturers to catch up.

• I've returned to my home country. My parents don't want me to travel to Malaysia due to safety concerns. I can attend online classes but I'm concerned of my exams. Can I do the exams in my home country and avoid travelling to Malaysia?

Should the situation arise where students are prevented from returning in time for your final examination, we may consider allowing students to sit for the next examination as a first attempt without penalty or payment. This and other options will be examined when the situation becomes more definite.

• What about the scheduled FYP presentation in next few weeks? Will it be proceeded as usual or will be delayed?

All physical teaching & learning activities will be suspended until further notice. Presentations will be postponed. Your lecturers may opt for online presentation as part of Digital Learning. Please refer to your lecturers for detailed arrangements.

• Will the exams continue or it will be postponed?

We will be implementing alternative and online assessment methods. We will keep all candidates informed on the assessment methods and details.

• My assignment / FYP submission due dates are on this week / next week / next 2 weeks. What should I do?

Based on the advise by your Lecturer / Supervisor, you may submit your Assignment/Final year Project through online submission: Moodle/Microsoft Teams/Email. Please liaise with your lecturer / supervisor on the submission.

• I am worried about the current situation in Malaysia. Can I defer my intake / semester and complete my programme on a later date?

You have an option to defer to next intake. However, if you are under the Dual Award programme, it may affect your eligibility for the Staffordshire University degree due to the extended time in completion of the programme. If you are an International student, you may need to renew your visa due to extended duration of the programme. We will support your visa renewal application, however you need prepare supporting evidence – the success of the renewal will still be subjected to the approval by Educational Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

Please email to admin@apu.edu.my to inform us your decision and please submit deferment form online at https://erp.apiit.edu.my/easymoo/web/en/auth/security/login.

You are highly encouraged to continue your learning activities via Online Digital Learning (ODL).

• I am unable to return to Malaysia to continue my studies due to travel ban imposed by my country / due to restrictions on arrival by the Malaysian government. What should I do?

You have an option to defer to next intake. However, if you are under the Dual Award programme, it may affect your eligibility for the Staffordshire University degree due to the extended time in completion of the programme. If you are an International student, you may need to renew your visa due to extended duration of the programme. We will support your visa renewal application, however you need prepare supporting evidence – the success of the renewal will still be subjected to the approval by Educational Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

Please email to admin@apu.edu.my to inform us your decision and please submit deferment form online at https://erp.apiit.edu.my/easymoo/web/en/auth/security/login.

You are highly encouraged to continue your learning activities via Online Digital Learning (ODL).

• I am worried about the situation in Malaysia. My semester is starting soon and I am planning to attend classes maybe 2-3 weeks later. Is this allowed?

Yes. You may undergo the academic activities via Online Digital Learning (ODL).

• My semester has already started last week / recently but I had not started attending classes as I was still in my country due to travel bans. What will happen to the missed attendance over the past few weeks?

You are highly encouraged to continue your learning activities via Online Digital Learning (ODL). Please submit a copy of your passport with exit/entry stamp to admin@apu.edu.my for us to update your attendance records.

• Do I still need to go to work?

Kindly refer to your employers on the latest Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as practiced by the company.

• What if my company has decided to discontinue / suspend my internship?

Please request a letter of "Internship Discontinuation" from the company and keep your internship supervisor informed. Take the necessary steps to stay at home; the university will advise you on the next course of action.

• What happens if I am not well / develop symptoms of COVID-19 during internship?

Please keep your company and your internship supervisor informed. Seek immediate medical attention. If a self-quarantine/isolation is required, kindly follow the instructions of medical personnel and keep us informed.

• I don't feel safe doing my internship now. Can I postpone my internship?

Postponing your internship may result in postponement of completion of your programme of study and delaying your graduation. However, should this be unavoidable, please communicate with your Head of School and Internship Coordinator for guidance.

• I am currently overseas and my visa is expiring in next few weeks. What should I do?

Kindly email us at visa@apu.edu.my with your Full Name, Passport No. and Visa Expiry Date so that our team can advise you on the next course of action. There may be a need for you to submit the visa renewal application online. Below are the documents needed:

• Scanned copy of every page of your passport (including blank pages)
• Passport size photo (white background)
• Payment of visa renewal fees (this will be advised by our Visa team)

• Who can I contact if I have an urgent query pertaining to my visa issues?

Please email to visa@apu.edu.my or you can call directly to our office telephone no at:  603-89925237/5238/5239 during office hours, between 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.

• I received notification from University that EMGS has requested my passport for endorsement.  However, I am not in Malaysia.  Can I courier my passport to my friend in Malaysia?

No. Passport cannot be couriered as it is against the law to do so.

• I have cancelled my student visa or applied for a Special Pass, but unable to go back to my home country as there is no flight available due to COVID-19 situation.  What should I do?

If you can provide an evidence supporting document (i.e: letter from embassy (flight cancellation details), we can check with Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and revert to you.

• I have applied for a Dependent Pass for my family.  I was advised to apply for a Special Pass if their application is still in process and their social visa is expiring soon.  Can I apply for a Special Pass for them to stay in Malaysia?

If you can provide an evidence supporting document (i.e: letter from Embassy), we can check with Immigration Department of Malaysia (JIM) and revert to you.