Deakin's T1 plan to bring campuses back to life

Vice-Chancellor Professor Iain Martin said he looked forward to welcoming students back to Deakin campuses in Burwood, Geelong, Waurn Ponds and Warrnambool.

"We are looking forward to seeing our campuses regain their vibrancy with students returning for many face-to-face classes, seminars and hands-on learning activities. This will mean a significant increase in on-campus activity, with many students and staff helping to bring our campuses back to life,” Professor Martin.

“For those students who study exclusively online, they will continue to study flexibly via our premium online learning in Deakin’s digital learning environment.

“While it will not be the same as 2019, our goal is to deliver as normal an experience as we can, subject to the COVID-19 mitigations that we are all living with in our communities.

“We have an orientation program and OFest event scheduled to ensure our commencing students make a great start to their study. I encourage returning students, particularly our international students returning to Australia, to participate in welcome back activities and many on-campus and online events throughout the study period.

“For some Deakin staff, I appreciate there may be some concern around a return to campus, and I have emphasised that we will take a flexible approach that reflects individual circumstances. For example, we have updated our Infectious Diseases Leave for staff to provide support for those who need it, and we are already working across the University to ensure that we can support the continuing need for flexible work arrangements.”

COVIDSafe settings

Deakin will continue to follow government guidelines consistent with settings across the wider community. These necessitate that large indoor activities are limited to scheduled learning activities during T1 with students and staff on campus, adhering to the required COVIDSafe settings and responsibilities.

Deakin will continue to adapt and adjust its settings and practices in consultation with workgroups and Health and Safety Representatives to minimise the risk presented by COVID-19.

Following extensive consultation in January, Deakin’s COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure was approved by the University Executive and effective from 31 January. The Procedure outlines Deakin’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements as part of the University’s commitment to providing a safe on-campus learning and working environment and protecting the health and safety of all University students, staff, contractors, and visitors who attend Deakin campuses or locations.

International student support

Deakin is excited to welcome its returning and commencing international students to study in 2022. We have a range of information on our study information for international students page, which outlines the steps required to return to study in Australia.

Recognising the challenges students face outside Australia, Deakin will offer a new counselling service to students outside of Australia. This free support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

For more information on Deakin’s COVIDSafe settings, visit https://www.deakin.edu.au/covidsafe