Coronavirus (COVID-19) update
Last updated: 6.00pm, 7 July 2020
Recent changes and developments
- The University’s number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our University community. We note the announcement by the Victorian Premier Tuesday, 7 July 2020, that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions from 11.59pm on Wednesday, 8 July 2020.
We will review our current activity on campus and return-to-campus plans to ensure that we continue to operate in line with the latest government advice, and further information will be communicated to students and staff soon. - Current information regarding confirmed cases of COVID‑19, including temporary closure of the Abbotsford Early Learning Centre.
- Access information and health declaration forms for people with approval to return to campus.
The University of Melbourne continues to work closely with the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and health experts. Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our University community and we are doing everything we can to reduce the rates of infection in the community.
Our COVID‑19 response
We have launched a range of support packages for students who are experiencing unexpected financial challenges because of COVID‑19.
All student services, including our library services, are being delivered virtually. Our virtual campus brings together vital information for everyone in our community.
We have enhanced our health and wellbeing services, including telehealth and a COVID‑19 Health Hotline through our Health Service, the Safer Community Program, Counselling and Psychological Services and a new outreach program for students. Voluntary COVID‑19 testing is available for students and staff at the University of Melbourne Health Service.
We changed census, withdrawal and fee due dates, updated special consideration requirements, and revised the method for including first semester 2020 subjects in the Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
We have automatically extended the candidature and stipend for graduate researchers nearing the end of their candidature and will do the same for others after three years where their project has been affected by the pandemic.
We continue to do priority campus-based research, safely and in compliance with government and health advice. An example is our internationally important COVID‑19 research undertaken at the Peter Doherty Institute, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
We have introduced a range of COVID‑19 related workplace entitlements to support our staff.
Delivery of physical goods and services has been impacted, suppliers can find out more here.
Further information
Virtual campus
The University has transitioned to a virtual campus model which maximises opportunities for students to study effectively, while maintaining the quality and standards of our degrees and sense of community. Classes are being delivered remotely and staff are working from home wherever possible.
We have brought together vital resources to help each member of our community navigate their day. Find information and guides to working remotely and studying online, as well as staying connected and healthy, including free fitness classes and museum, collection and performance content streamed online.
Returning to campus
We have commenced a phased, partial return to campus, with a focus on priority areas while minimising density, movement, gatherings and time spent on campus.
Increased activity is being spread out across our campuses and the effectiveness of each incremental change is being monitored and assessed regularly.
We have enhanced infection control and cleaning measures in place to ensure we are creating the safest environment and continuing to prioritise the health and safety of those on campus.
Formal approval is required prior to coming back to campus and everyone returning to campus must complete:
- a Health Declaration
- students (login required)
- staff, contractors with University IT access, honoraries (login required)
- other campus users (no login required)
- the compulsory COVIDSafe Campus online module – available in TrainME
It’s important to understand that this is not an immediate return to campus life as it was before COVID‑19.
We continue to ask most staff to work from home, where they can, until August. Local implementation plans are being managed by academic divisions and portfolios.