February 17, 2021
Vibrant campus life restored as in-person classes return
Dual course delivery offers students safety with flexibility
The 精东传媒 of 精东传媒 (UOW) is restoring its vibrant campus life in 2021, with nearly half of all classes returning to campus and almost all onshore students being offered the opportunity to learn on campus.
Autumn Session 2021 will also see more COVID-safe student events being planned and all dining, social and sports facilities open, maximising opportunities for students to safely enjoy the rich campus experience for which UOW is renowned.
As staff work to safely restore campus life, efforts are also continuing to enhance UOW鈥檚 online teaching, providing flexibility to meet individual student needs and enabling the 精东传媒 to respond quickly to changing public health requirements as required without students鈥 progress being adversely impacted.
Dual course delivery
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Theo Farrell, says he is very pleased to be welcoming more students back to UOW鈥檚 Australian campuses in 2021.
鈥淲e鈥檝e worked hard to prepare a 2021 timetable that provides dual delivery (a mix of face-to-face and online learning), which allows us to maximise the number of on-campus classes, while still prioritising the safety of our staff and students.
鈥淚 am pleased that we are returning nearly half of our classes back on to campus in this Autumn Session, and we expect to be able to offer the majority of onshore students the opportunity to learn on-campus,鈥 Professor Farrell said.
The largest lectures will still be replaced by online resources and activities, but students are being encouraged to choose on-campus class options and to participate in on-campus events.
UOW鈥檚 blend of online and on-campus engagement that balances student safety with a rich on-campus university experience will be evident from the outset, with each campus offering new students online faculty welcome sessions and on-campus orientation event that complies with COVID-19 safety requirements.
COVID-safe campuses
Professor Farrell emphasised that students can come to UOW campuses confident that all safety precautions have been taken and arrangements made to comply with public health requirements.
鈥淪afely returning our students and staff to a vibrant campus is our ongoing priority. We will continue to follow government health advice to ensure we provide COVID-safe learning and working environments.
鈥淧hysical distancing and other measures will remain in operation on campus and we鈥檝e strongly recommended students wear a mask while in teaching rooms and mandated masks whenever 1.5m physical distancing cannot be maintained.
鈥淲e are requiring everyone who feels unwell to stay home and reiterate government advice that they get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing any flu-like symptoms.鈥
All classrooms are equipped with posted occupancy limits, QR code check-ins, hand sanitiser and cleaning materials, and pre-class safety briefings will remind students of social distancing and safety requirements.
Social distancing markers are in pace in public areas throughout campuses and student residences are receiving enhanced cleaning services in communal areas. The library remains open with occupancy limits and social distancing arrangements while offering a wealth of online resources, including live chat, to help students whether they are accessing the library in person or remotely.
Vibrant student life
鈥淚 am looking forward to seeing more students and teaching staff back on our campuses campus in 2021 to safely enjoy our dynamic learning environments, beautiful surroundings, social events and recreation opportunities,鈥 Professor Farrell said.
Further information about Campus Life in 2021 is available online on UOW鈥檚 Studying in 2021 webpage.