Keen to return to campus? Here’s how to help get – and keep – Deakin open
One of the hardest things about the COVID-19 pandemic has been the fact that we haven’t been able to physically come to campus as normal for most of the year. Enjoying the campus buzz with other students is a huge part of the university experience – nothing else gives you quite the same sense of belonging to a community of learning, innovation and purpose.
We’re lucky here at Deakin to have four amazing physical campuses. With expansive grounds, state-of-the-art buildings, world-class facilities and engaging social spaces, our Burwood, Waurn Ponds, Waterfront and Warrnambool campuses are the tangible heart of Deakin.
Happily, Trimester 3 should see increasing opportunities for on-campus learning experiences. This could include practicals, labs and some seminars, particularly hands-on, skills-based learning for final-year students. If this applies to you, you’ll see more information in your timetable and unit sites. Other on-campus facilities and services could also start to reopen.
It’s going to take a group effort
Getting, and keeping, Deakin open in a COVIDSafe way is a mammoth undertaking. Our campus reactivation team has been hard at work for months preparing and responding to evolving health and government guidelines. Everything we’re doing is to keep our community safe.
One of the main ways we can get students back to campus is to make sure that our contract tracing systems are working properly. Basically, we need to know who’s been in what space, and when, so we can manage any potential issues quickly and effectively.
And that’s where you can help – by ensuring that you follow the correct procedures every time you come to campus.
Reasons to come to campus
Our campuses are not fully open and there are still limited reasons to be on site. You can attend campus for the following reasons:
- timetabled learning activities
- studying in the library (spaces are limited)
- an appointment at the Deakin Medical Centre
- a booking at a DeakinACTIVE fitness centre (Waurn Ponds is now open; Burwood will reopen on Monday 9 November).
Remember: you should study from home where you can, as there are limited informal study spaces and services available on campus, including in the library.
What you need to do
Check in with your health before you leave home
Are you feeling well and free of symptoms? If yes, then we look forward to seeing you on campus. Please also make sure you bring your Deakin Card with you to campus.
Look out for QR codes across campus
Our simple scanning process for when you arrive at Deakin meets state government contact tracing requirements and will only take you a couple of minutes.
Before entering any campus space where you intend to stay for longer than 15 minutes, you must:
- Connect to Eduroam WiFi or have your phone data enabled.
- Locate the QR Code at the entrance of the space you’re going into.
- Scan the QR code using your smartphone camera.
- Follow the prompts to complete a short online form with your details. It’s really important that you complete the form fully – otherwise, your registration won’t be valid.
There are unique QR codes for different locations on campus, so you’ll need to follow this process from start to finish each time you enter a different space.
While we understand this may become a little tedious, it’s a small price to pay for the reward of being out and about on Deakin’s campuses. Consider the alternative if we don’t comply with the rules – we can’t risk losing these hard-won freedoms!
Learn more about the check-in process.
Where to get more information
- We regularly update our Deakin COVID-19 FAQs, so bookmark them for the latest information, advice and support.
- You’ll receive regular communications from the University and your Unit Chairs about the evolving COVID-19 situation and any changes that affect you.
- Check your unit sites via DeakinSync and monitor your student emails for course updates, information and tips.
If you’re coming to campus for your timetabled activity, we look forward to welcoming you back. Just remember to check in every time and at each space you visit!