How to ace blended study: be honest, respectful, connected and safe
Who’s excited that our campuses will play a much greater role in the upcoming study period (T2/S2) than we’ve been able to experience in recent months? (Yep, us too!)
Campus-based students will see an increase in physical learning activities – timetabled classes, seminars, and supervised activities like placements, fieldwork, study tours and research activities – as well as more on-campus events, facilities and services. These will be delivered alongside online learning resources and experiences as part of our ‘blended study’ model.
With this in mind, we want T2/S2 to be safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone – both when you’re on campus and online. Here’s some things you can do to look after yourself and others.
Be honest
- Always act in the best interests of the University. The respectful standards of behaviour outlined in the Student Rights and Responsibilities and Student Code of Conduct underpin your enrolment at Deakin, so please take them seriously.
- Avoid the cheating trap. Never use contract cheating services, fail to acknowledge others’ work, or collude with other students on assignments or exams. Learn more about academic integrity.
Be respectful
- Never behave aggressively or abusively in any physical or online space. This constitutes student misconduct and will not be tolerated. Cyberbullying includes things like sending hurtful or abusive text messages/social media posts, spreading rumours via email/SMS or on social networks, setting up fake profiles or posting from someone else’s accounts. Understand privacy settings and remember to respect physical and online boundaries.
- Always be courteous to other students and staff, both in person and when communicating online. This will minimise the chances of being misunderstood or inadvertently offending someone. The eSafety Commissioner has some useful tips for how to both be respected and give respect online.
Be connected
- Attend your timetabled classes – whether they’re on-campus or online. While flexibility is important, if you can join your live class rather than watch a recording you’ll benefit in a number of ways. This includes establishing a routine for your learning, applying what you’ve learned through discussion and other activities with your peers, and asking questions or trying out ideas you’re unsure of.
- Get to know your peers. Some of the easiest ways to connect online are through your unit discussion boards, Teams sites, or Deakin Life Facebook and Instagram. While it may feel intimidating at first, grow your confidence by introducing yourself early in the process and contributing in small ways, such as asking a question in your classes. There’s also plenty of opportunities for you to connect with other students on campus through learning activities, social clubs and events.
Be safe
- Remember to be COVIDSafe. All students coming to campus must follow the guidelines for checking in and other crucial requirements.
- Download the SafeZone app, which connects you directly to Deakin Security and sends them your location if you need help on campus.
- Be vigilant about potential scams, cybercrime and cyberbullies. Students are common targets, so be wary of any unsolicited or unexpected communications you receive, even if they look legitimate. Don’t click on any email/SMS links or attachments you’re unsure about, even if you think it’s University-related. Read more about common types of scams and staying safe online.
There are consequences for poor behaviour
Any student who behaves inappropriately in any face-to-face or online learning space will be directed to stop the behaviour. If it continues, the student will be asked to leave. Staff will report discriminatory or offensive language, bullying or harassment to the Student Conduct Team, which investigates allegations of student misconduct.
Formal penalties from the University may affect your grades and enrolment and, in some cases, hinder your degree or future career.
Support is available
If you have personal issues that are making it hard for you to study effectively, help is available:
- If you ever feel unsafe, contact Victoria Police by calling Triple Zero (000) for emergency help.
- If you’ve witnessed or experienced concerning, inappropriate or threatening behaviour by a fellow student or staff member, contact Safer Community, who can offer support, advice and information to all parties involved.
- You can also report concerning or threatening behaviour to Student Conduct through a simple online form.
- Make a free telehealth appointment to speak with a Deakin counsellor.
- For any issues with CloudDeakin tools and other technologies, access IT Help online or over the phone (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm; weekends, 11am to 5pm).
- Access a range of academic and study support.
- If you think you’ve been targeted by scammers, or you’re unsure about a request to share your personal information, seek free legal advice and advocacy at Deakin before you do anything.