Deakin’s COVID-Normal plans: we’re excited to welcome you to campus in 2021
UPDATE: Following the Friday 12 February announcement by the Victorian Premier, from 11.59pm, Friday 12 February to 11.59pm, Wednesday 17 February, our campuses are closed to staff and students, excluding essential staff and those students living on campus. For more information please read Deakin’s COVIDSafe FAQ’s.
Happy New Year, all! While 2020 was undoubtedly a challenging year, we can now look forward to more on-campus activity at Deakin in 2021.
Along with the gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria, the State Government has recently removed capacity limits across higher education learning spaces. This means we can host more learning experiences and outdoor social activities on campus.
Here we explain what you can expect and look forward to as we continue to reactivate our campuses.
We’re putting your safety first
The COVID-19 situation is continually changing but rest assured your safety, and the safety of our community is Deakin’s utmost priority. We will comply with current and evolving government and health advice, which may require adjustments to our services.
All campus activities will continue to be guided by COVIDSafe requirements including wearing of masks, checking in to spaces, and maintaining hygiene. Make sure you bookmark our COVID-19 FAQs for all the latest information.
So, when can I expect to be back on campus in 2021?
We have already commenced implementing the University’s COVID-Normal teaching and learning model, in which we’ll combine the benefits of online and on-campus modes so you have an integrated and innovative blended learning experience. This integrated model has been developed based on our experiences in 2020 and feedback from students and staff to ensure your learning needs will be met, you will feel connected to your peers and the University community, and you can achieve your vision of success.
Here’s how we’re structuring our integrated learning and delivering teaching and on-campus activities.
For the remainder of T3:
- Learning will continue to be delivered primarily online, including end-of-trimester/semester exams and final assessments.
- If you’ve been attending campus for practical, laboratory and fieldwork/off-campus experiences, you should continue as planned. You should have completed the COVIDSafe Learning Module and follow Deakin’s Plan to Scan requirements when on campus.
- Access to campus spaces remains restricted however you are welcome to attend those facilities that are open, including DeakinACTIVE fitness centres, the Medical Centres and the Library – prior to attending, check their webpage for hours and booking details.
For Trimester 1/Semester 1:
- Classes (lectures) will remain online, as part of our integrated on-campus and online model.
- Practicals and labs will return to campus, where possible, with our COVIDSafe plan in place.
- Seminars (tutorials), studios and workshops will be provided as a combination of on-campus and online as appropriate to unit and course learning design.
- Libraries will extend current opening hours with a return to more normal services backed by our sector-leading online provision.
- Orientation sessions will be delivered primarily online promoting connection and engagement with Deakin staff, mentors, resources, support services and other students. Orientation activities held on campus will include a welcome desk, campus tours and social activities, with COVIDSafe measures in place.
- Support services such as Student Central will be available through a combination of online assistance and face-to-face interaction on campus.
The provisional T1 timetable is expected to be available to students from 8 February and STAR will open on 15 February.
We need your help to stay COVIDSafe
Every person attending campus should be aware of their responsibilities to contribute to a COVIDSafe environment as outlined at deakin.edu.au/covidsafe and in the COVIDSafe Learning Module in the My Learning section of DeakinSync.
Physical Distancing Ambassadors will be on campus to help you understand the requirements.
In 2021, you can look forward to enjoying campus life, meeting new classmates and learning in our world-class facilities – both online and at our physical campuses.