Restrictions are easing in regional Victoria, but continue to study from home if you can
Restrictions in regional Victoria will ease at 11.59pm tonight, Thursday 9 September, allowing communities to reconnect. Current restrictions remain in place for metropolitan Melbourne and Shepparton.
Despite the relaxed restrictions, our campuses remain closed with access limited to essential staff and those students living on campus. Current exemptions still apply for health and biomedical science students, and some final-year students attending experiential learning.
Read more about the easing of restrictions and the full table of restrictions.
What do regional Victorians need to know?
- There are no stay-at-home requirements, but if you can study from home, you should.
- Travel is permitted in regional Victoria, with no limit on the distance you can travel.
- You cannot travel to metropolitan Melbourne or Shepparton, except for permitted reasons.
- Face masks are to be worn at all times – both indoors and outdoors – except if you’re at home or an exemption applies.
- Private gatherings in the home are not permitted.
- Outdoor gatherings in public spaces can occur with up to 10 people.
- Food and hospitality venues will open for seated service only with density limits.
- Access to childcare has been further expanded to include all children in regional Victoria and the children of single parents in metropolitan Melbourne.
- Schools are re-opening for Prep to Grade 2 and Year 12 only. Remote learning continues for other year levels and in metropolitan Melbourne.
What about learning and other uni activities?
As previously advised, all classes and seminars will be online for the remainder of the current study period (Trimester 2/Semester 2) across all campuses.
There may be exceptions for some health and education courses, and for some permitted final-year experiential learning. If this applies to you, we’ll notify you through your unit sites, by Deakin email and on the Deakin Life blog.
Permits and permitted clinical placements, experiential learning and work-integrated learning
Experiential learning is still permitted for some healthcare and final-year students.
In regional Victoria, you no longer require a permit for these activities, except if you’re travelling to metropolitan Melbourne or Shepparton for permitted study reasons.
If you’re in metropolitan Melbourne, you still require a permit when travelling to undertake permitted learning activities. Your permit will be emailed to your Deakin email address before the scheduled activity begins. If you haven’t received your permit by 4pm on the day before your scheduled activity, check your unit site for confirmation you need a permit, and then contact Student Central.
Permitted student health and medical placements will continue where partner institutions remain open, including those beyond the five-kilometre limit. Check your unit sites and Deakin email for information.
Work-integrated learning will continue online or be postponed. We’ll contact you if you’re affected.
Please continue to check your unit sites and Deakin email for updated information.
If you do need to attend campus, you must:
- Always carry and wear your face mask, indoors and outdoors.
- Adhere to all COVIDSafe practices, including check-in via the COVIDSafe QR codes.
- 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’s happening with T2/S2 exams?
The Trimester 2/Semester 2 exam period runs from Monday 11 to Friday 22 October. Most exams and final assessments will be delivered online through your CloudDeakin unit site. Some courses/units with accreditation requirements also have on-campus exams. If this applies to you, you’ll have received an email to your Deakin email address.
Find out all you need to know about Trimester 2/Semester 2 exams.
How do I access support and assistance?
You can continue to access a range of Deakin support services online:
- Student Central: Student Central Hubs on our campuses remain temporarily closed. If you have a question about your enrolment or course, finances or other issues, contact Student Central.
- Deakin Library: All campus libraries will be temporarily closed. Contact the Library via Library Chat, email or phone. While the library is closed, essential study spaces are available for vulnerable students and staff. For further information visit, Deakin’s COVIDSafe FAQs.
- 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: 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. You must always wear a face mask.
- Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS): Students located in Australia can talk to one of our highly skilled social workers and psychologists. Telehealth appointments only – 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.
- Financial assistance: If you’re in financial difficulty, visit our Financial Assistance website for more information and to contact a Financial Assistance Officer for personalised support. Financial support during COVID-19 is also available from the Victorian Government.
- Multifaith Chaplains: Contact your preferred Multifaith Chaplain via phone or email for a confidential chat.
- Prayer rooms: Open
- Sport and recreational facilities: Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool open subject to current restrictions. Burwood closed
- Learning Centres: Temporarily closed.
- DeakinACTIVE Fitness Centres: Temporarily closed.
More information will be provided as soon as possible
- 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.
- Bookmark our FAQs for the latest information about what services are available and how to access them.
Playing your part and staying well
- If you’re concerned you have been at an exposure site, you must visit the Victorian Government exposure site listing and follow the instructions carefully.
- If you feel unwell, it’s essential you get tested promptly at a COVID-19 testing site and follow the instructions.
- Information about Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is being updated based on this latest outbreak. Find out how to get a vaccination if you’re eligible.
- Information on health and wellbeing – the latest updates for Victorians.