29 October 2021

Your vaccination rights and responsibilities: attending campus in T3 and T1/S1, 2022

As Victoria starts to reopen, we’re getting excited about welcoming you back to campus and delivering more face-to-face teaching and teaching in 2022. Our beautiful campuses are the heart of our community, and we can’t wait to see you learning, collaborating and socialising at Burwood, Waurn Ponds, Waterfront and Warrnambool next year!

To ensure this is safe and sustainable, we’re setting out to ensure that Deakin is a fully vaccinated study and work environment for all staff, students and visitors. This decision is based on public health orders and legal requirements, and aligns with the Victorian Government Roadmap for reopening.

As a student you now have rights and responsibilities when it comes to vaccination and attending campus. Read on to understand what you need to do and how to get help if you need it. Not yet vaccinated? You can get your jab on campus, so book now.

When will campus reopen and who can attend?

From Friday 29 October – only fully vaccinated staff, students or visitors with University-confirmed vaccination status may attend campus. Access to campus is still limited and you should continue to study from home, as per Victoria’s Roadmap.
From Thursday 4 November – online form opens for students to submit evidence of vaccination/exemption status. Transitional arrangements may apply for some experiential learning activities – these will be advised via unit sites.
From Monday 22 November – some T3 units may begin to include on-campus practical experiences for fully vaccinated students.
From Monday 31 January 2022 – all students, staff and visitors attending, working or studying on campus must be fully vaccinated.
In T1/S1 2022 – many classes, seminars and hands-on learning activities will be delivered in person to fully vaccinated students, underpinned by digital learning.
Cloud students may continue their studies online without vaccination, but we strongly encourage vaccination for the entire Deakin community.

While on campus you must always follow Deakin’s COVIDSafe plan.

Will I need to have proof of my vaccination status?

Yes, unless you’ve been advised that an exemption applies to you or the activity you’re attending.

Before you attend campus for the first time after becoming fully vaccinated, you’ll need to complete an online form (available Thursday 4 November) and upload your digital vaccination certificate. You’ll then receive an automated email reply acknowledging your vaccination status.

You must be able to show this email if asked by an authorised person, Security officer or COVID Marshall. There will be extra members of the Deakin Security team on campus, and they can ask to see your email confirmation or check-in status at any time.

If you’ve previously provided evidence of your vaccination status because you’re doing a placement or approved learning activity, you’ll need to resubmit your digital vaccination certificate via the online form and produce the acknowledgment email on request.

What if I have a medical exemption?

If you believe you meet one of the defined ATAGI exemption requirements, you’ll need to provide a certificate from a medical practitioner and contact Student Central before you attend campus.

What if I choose not to get vaccinated?

The University respects your right to refuse a COVID-19 vaccination and/or your choice not to show your vaccination evidence. However, failure to do so may mean that you’re unable to attend our campuses.

Where can I get help and further information?

We’ll update you whenever any new rules affect you. Stay up to date with the latest information on Deakin’s COVIDSafe website and check out the following resources for helpful information:

Thank you for playing your part in bringing Deakin back to its vibrant and dynamic best. We can’t wait to see you on campus soon!