We’re thrilled to welcome new and returning students for the start of Trimester 2 study
We’re thrilled to welcome students to our vibrant campuses for the start of Trimester 2 study. This week we welcomed more than 3000 commencing students through OWeek, and we look forward to new and returning students experiencing our vibrant campus and online spaces.
Students enrolled in campus-based study can look forward to a significant increase in face-to-face timetabled classes, seminars and other learning activities. These will be delivered alongside online learning resources and experiences as part of your integrated learning. Students who are studying wholly online will continue to enjoy our premium online learning model.
There is still a range of COVIDSafe measures in place, so here’s what you need to know:
When you’re on campus
As always, the safety of our community remains Deakin’s priority. To help, our Physical Distancing Ambassadors will be back on campus in T2/S2.
New information has been provided by the Victorian Government, which clarifies face mask requirements for higher education COVIDSafe settings, effective immediately.
- Face masks remain mandatory indoors (unless you are in a workspace not generally accessed by the public).
- Masks should continue to be worn in our food outlets, the library, foyers, informal learning spaces and other indoor common areas.
- Face masks remain recommended outdoors where you cannot maintain 1.5 metres from others.
- All Victorian students can continue learning onsite. However, indoor learning spaces are now considered to be public-facing areas where face masks continue to be mandatory for students and staff. Academics and education support staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching, but those who wish to do so can.
- Many of Deakin’s buildings are a blend of publicly accessible and secure spaces; when moving through publicly accessible spaces such as foyers or common areas, your mask must be worn.
- Staff and students who work in public-facing roles are required to continue wearing a face mask. Examples of this include staff working in Student Central, the library, at service desks and other student and public-facing areas.
In addition to the face mask requirements, if you attend a campus, you must:
- Adhere to all COVIDSafe practices, including using the Service Victoria QR code to check-in across campus.
- Self-check and stay home if you’re unwell – use the Symptom Checker testing and quarantine guidance.
- Complete Deakin’s COVIDSafe module before attending a campus for the first time.
- Maintain good hand hygiene and use the hand sanitiser available.
What this means for study
- As part of the integrated learning model, most campus-based students will have significantly more on-campus activities like face-to-face classes, seminars and other learning. This will be in conjunction with online learning resources and experiences. Check your STAR timetable and Unit Sites for details.
- Planned placements will continue where partner institutions remain open, and communication will be managed directly by your teaching area.
- If you have scheduled work-integrated learning, you’ll be contacted through your unit site or by a Work Integrated Learning Coordinator if there are any changes.
When you’re in the community
- Masks are still required indoors, in public spaces (except at home) and are recommended outdoors where 1.5 metres of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Private gatherings in the home are limited to 15 visitors per day to your home, including dependants.
- Public gatherings permitted for up to 50 people.
- Hospitality venues can serve more patrons with seated service.
- If you’re planning to travel outside Victoria, check interstate travel requirements and restrictions.
Where to get more information
- Please read our blog series Integrated study in T2/S2 for helpful tips on succeeding at your study.
- Stay up to date with the latest Deakin information by visiting our COVIDSafe FAQs.
- Read the full table of the latest restrictions and Premier’s statement.
Where to get help and support
Our services are ramping up in line with increased activity on campus. You can continue to access a range of Deakin support services:
- Student Central: If you have a question about your enrolment or course, finances or other issues, contact Student Central by phone, submit an online enquiry or visit a Student Central Hub.
- Deakin Library: All libraries are open. You can also contact the library via Library Chat, email or phone. Access is restricted to students and staff, so please carry your Deakin ID card when attending. Hours are reduced on some campuses, so please check the website for the latest information.
- Study support: Access a range of academic and study support online, including help from Language and Learning Advisers, Writing and Maths Mentors, and Smarthinking.
- IT Help: For any issues with CloudDeakin tools and other technologies, access IT Help online or over the phone, Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm, and weekends, 11am–5pm.
- Deakin Medical Centres: Remain open for free and confidential face-to-face or telehealth consultations. By appointment only – book online or by phone.
- Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS): Telehealth appointments only. Students located in Australia can talk to one of our highly skilled social workers and psychologists – book online or by phone.
- Safer Community: If you feel unsafe or need to report sexual harm or family violence, contact the Safer Community team online, by phone or by email.
- Disability Resource Centre (DRC): The DRC is available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm via phone or email.
- Multifaith Prayer Rooms: open for students, staff and the community.