Deakin’s response to COVID-19
Deakin’s COVID-19 FAQs
Deakin’s response to COVID-19 – 23 April 2020
What is Deakin doing to support students and staff?
Deakin has a dedicated team actively monitoring the advice from the recognised international, national and local authorities and any developments at Deakin. Through this team we are:
- regularly updating advice to staff and students
- monitoring and offering support to staff or students in self-isolation
- working one-to-one with students unable to leave their home countries, to implement individualised study plans or options
- developing resources to support students transitioning to online learning
- developing resources to assist teaching teams to deliver online teaching
- increasing online student support, including academic study support, IT help and health and wellbeing support
- responsibly planning in case the situation worsens in Australia.
We are following the advice from the Department of Health (Federal), Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria) and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), which are updating the information regularly via the following websites:
- Department of Health and Human Services (State)
- Department of Health (Federal)
- Department of Home Affairs
As always, the safety of our people and community is our top priority, and we stand ready to support our students and staff, both in Australia and overseas.
What steps can I take to ensure that Deakin’s value of Inclusion is upheld?
At Deakin, we are working together to build a strong culture of safety, mutual respect and inclusion to ensure all members of our community can study and work in a safe and supported environment. If you are made aware of discriminatory behaviours or think you may have experienced these behaviours please contact a member of the HDCO Network for advice and support. Harassment and discrimination contact officers (HDCOs) are staff who are trained to assist staff and students with any enquiries about discrimination, sexual harm or bullying. You may also report this behaviour to either the Student Complaints or Appeals Team ([email protected]) or to the Diversity and Inclusion Team ([email protected]) if you are a member of staff.
How is Deakin financially supporting students? [updated 23 April]
We know the months ahead will be difficult, so we are providing targeted financial hardship support to help domestic and international students. The assistance, which includes up to $25 million to address the desperate situation faced by many of our international students, is available through our existing support services. Once you apply, we will work one-on-one with you to identify what we can do so you can continue your studies. We have kept the application process simple to allow quick responses and will draw on a range of actions and support. If COVID-19 has made it hard for you to continue your studies at Deakin, click here to learn about the support available.
What privacy protections apply if a member of the Deakin community is confirmed as having COVID-19? [updated 7 April]
If the University is advised that a member of the Deakin community has tested positive for COVID-19, the University will notify staff, students and anyone else that the individual may have been in contact with. The University will maintain the infected person’s privacy and confidentiality and will not distribute their name or other identifying details.
What is Deakin’s course of action if a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19? [updated 7 April]
In the event that a student or staff member is diagnosed with COVID-19 Deakin will work under the direction of the Department of Health and Human Services to enact the recommended public health measures to protect those directly impacted and the wider community.
What privacy protections apply if a member of the Deakin community is confirmed as having COVID-19? [updated 7 April]
The University will maintain the infected person’s privacy and confidentiality and will not distribute their name or other identifying details.
The University will work under the instruction of the Department of Health and Human Services both with respect to any need to notify any staff, students or anyone else based on DHHS’s contact tracing activities and also will undertake any instructed deep cleaning of facilities.
What should I do if I am directly advised by a staff or student that they have tested positive to COVID-19? [updated 7 April]
Please advise [email protected] so that we can ensure that appropriate support and wellbeing arrangement can be made for any affected person. You will be advised if you are required to take any addition actions as part of Deakin’s response.