Welcome to T2/S2! Here’s six things you should do before classes begin
We’re excited to welcome you all to Trimester 2/Semester 2 online! We have 52,000 new and continuing students joining us at Deakin this study period and we can’t wait to help you get settled in and make the most of your online studies.
Here’s a handy guide of essential things you should do now to get well-prepared for your off-campus learning. Let’s begin!
1. First of all, there is limited access to campus
While we continue to deliver classes and seminars online in T2/S2, please remember you should not attend Deakin’s campuses unless you’ve been instructed to do so as part of your learning activities or you need to use the limited study spaces.
- If you’ve been granted permission to attend campus for specified learning activities, you must be COVIDSafe.
- You will continue to be supported by Deakin if you live in a Victorian suburb identified by the State Government as being subject to the return of Stage 3 lockdown, in that you will be permitted to leave home to attend campus for a legitimate study reason (for example, if you are unable to study from home, have placements and/or other practical course components of your course). See the most up-to-date information about the current Victorian restrictions on the State Government site.
Please refer to Deakin’s official FAQs relating to COVID-19 safety for more information. We’ve also compiled some handy information about your travel options to Deakin so you can plan your trip to campus ahead of time.
2. If you’re a new student, attend your online orientation sessions
Off-campus learning requires you to effectively communicate with others and complete assessments in digital learning spaces, all with limited face-to-face contact. That’s why we’ve designed a range of interactive online sessions to support your general study skills so you can get the best outcomes in your units.
- Study Support is hosting a range Study Support sessions to help you build your study skills and show you where to go for help if you ever get stuck on an assignment.
- The Library is holding sessions to show you how to best use the Library’s facilities and find resources online, including course materials and subject-specific guides.
We also highly recommend our Student Association’s (DUSA) Social Chats online events for you to meet your peers and make new friends!
Returning students can access recordings of Study Support sessions via the UniStart site from Week 1.
3. Keep checking your Deakin communications
We will be sending you important information for this study period via your digital communication tools, so please check these regularly.
- Make sure you log in to DeakinSync during OWeek when your unit sites will become available, so you can check your unit outline and plan your trimester based on your assessments.
- We regularly communicate essential Deakin information to you via your Deakin email. You can forward your Deakin email to your personal email if you wish, but it’s important to know that failing to read your emails isn’t an excuse for not knowing something!
4. Explore options to stay connected with your peers
We encourage you to develop and maintain social connections with other students while we’re learning online – you’ll be studying your units alongside others who share similar interests and it’s a great way to pick up plenty of study hints and tips!
- Make sure you follow Deakin Life on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on what’s happening across Deakin, and you are also welcome to join any of our Facebook groups that are relevant to you.
- Once your lectures and seminars begin, visit your unit discussion boards in DeakinSync to stay in touch with your classmates. If you’re feeling a little shy about introducing yourself in a virtual setting, posting a question or replying to others is a great way to get started.
5. Remember there are online ‘dos and don’ts’
Just as you have the right to feel safe while you’re studying at Deakin, in return you’re also expected to abide by our Student Code of Conduct and interact courteously and responsibly with others in our online spaces.
You must not behave in a way that constitutes student misconduct when you’re online. For example, if you knowingly behave in an aggressive manner online to upset others, Deakin considers this online abuse, and it will not be tolerated.
See our guide to online dos and don’ts to make sure you are contributing to our online learning environment in a way that remains inclusive and enjoyable for all.
6. Set up your study space
Take some time to set up a comfortable and dedicated study space now. This will mean you’re comfortable and ready to study at all times, and will minimise your stress once you have deadlines looming.
- Need to stock up on textbooks or stationery? You’ll find everything you need at the DUSA Bookshop online (and they’ll deliver everything straight to your door).
- Study in style! We’ve got comfy and warm signature-branded gear at the Deakin University Shop and you’ll receive 20% off a range of merchandise when you buy online during OWeek!
Want to know more? See our information about accessing Deakin services and support from home. See you online soon!