COVID-19 update

We are open for classes, delivered in-person or online, or a combination of these methods.

Most core services such as the Library, VUHQ student service centres, Learning Hubs and VU Employ are also open on campus.

Please check your VU email account, MyVU, VU Collaborate and VU social media regularly for information regarding changes to scheduled on-campus activity and our response to COVID-19.

If you are attending campus

We need your help in keeping the VU community safe.

When you come on campus, please note the following recommendations and procedures:

  • Masks are strongly recommended indoors, in classrooms and in crowds: This is important to help keep yourself and other protected.
  • Stay home if you feel sick: whether you have a scratchy throat or sniffles, stay home until your symptoms have gone.
  • Notify us if you are COVID positive: if you have tested positive, stay home and isolate for at least five days and until you have no symptoms. If you have been on campus, report it online.
  • Free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for VU students: available from Security offices on each campus on the presentation of student ID.
  • Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines: Vaccination is no longer mandated for staff or students unless an industry-specific vaccination mandate applies.

Be CovidSafe

We encourage you to get vaccinated if you are eligible, including booster shots, and regularly run pop-up vaccination clinics on-campus. Please see COVID-19 vaccination and patient resources for the latest government information and news.

Help is available

The pandemic may be causing you to feel anxious. We encourage you to reach out and connect with your friends, family and peers at this time. Victoria University also offers support services that can help you should you wish to speak with a counsellor or seek other assistance.

Contact us

Please contact the COVID Safe team at coronavirus.response@vu.edu.au if you have any concerns about keeping COVID-safe.

Or, if you have any questions, you can access ASKVU, email us, or call us on +61 3 9919 6100.

student reporting to COVID Safe Officer on campus

Two COVID Safe Officers seated at a VU Safe check-in desk

 

Victoria University's (VU's) priority is always the safety, health and wellbeing of our students, staff and community.

Our flexible approach to learning includes online real-time and self-paced classes, as well as safe in-person learning. Find out more about our course delivery and what this means for your studies.

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Classes & study

We are continually monitoring developing news and departmental advice regarding COVID-19, and will make considered decisions on our class delivery model and communicate these to students as circumstances change over time.

 These new delivery modes are:

  • In person: Your unit or classes will be delivered on the campus you have enrolled in. The timetable will display “On Campus” and provide the room where the classes will be held and you will physically attend those classes. All learning activity delivered on campus will continue to be run under strict COVID-19 safe practices.
  • Online real-time: Your unit or classes will be delivered online using Zoom. The timetable will display “Online Real Time (ZOOM)” and you will attend scheduled classes remotely through Zoom classrooms.
  • Online self-paced: You will participate in learning activities online over that period but not at a set time. You will be able to conduct these activities at a time that suits you, providing those activities are completed by the required time. Your timetable will display “Online Self-Paced”.
  • Hybrid: Part of your unit will be delivered in person on the campus you have enrolled in, with the remainder delivered in an online mode. The timetable will state which classes or activities in the unit will be delivered on campus and which classes or activities will be online, in either real-time or self-paced mode.

Please check your student email for any changes to delivery.

Checking-in is highly recommended. The University can only notify you of an on-campus COVID exposure if you have checked in. 

VU App check-in

The Victoria University App has been updated to include a new check-in feature - download or update the app to access it. To check-in:

  1. When you arrive on campus, open the app and select COVIDSafe check-in
  2. The app will detect your current campus - select your building
  3. Select your floor and room number
  4. Confirm the location and check-in
  5. Favourite your regular locations and access them whenever you are checking in.

If you are in a location for more than 2 hours, you must check in using the VU App.  

Watch this video for instructions on how to check-in using the app. 

Covid Safety Officers

Our dedicated COVID Safety Officers (CSOs) are centrally located at each Victoria University campus in Melbourne. They are available to provide any assistance, answer questions or address concerns. 

The COVID Safe teams are located most days in the following locations, generally between 7.30–1.30pm:

  • City Campus - Ground Floor
  • Footscray Nicholson - Building T
  • Footscray Park - Building P, Level 1
  • Sunshine - Building A, Level 1
  • St Albans - Building 4N, near VUHQ
  • Werribee - Building 1B, near VUHQ.

The COVID Safe team also have sanitiser and face masks readily available at each location.

Students already studying remotely, via VU Online, will not be affected by the changes.

In extreme cases, you can make an application via the special consideration process for a Fail grade (N, WN) to be converted to Withdrawn Without Academic Penalty (WD), if you can demonstrate you were adversely impacted by COVID-19.

You must make your application within 10 working days of the results release date for the relevant teaching period. A WD grade does not count towards your Grade Point Average (GPA) or Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

Please check your VU email account for communication about how your college is managing block sequencing or alternative arrangements for placements.

You can also send a query to Work-integrated Learning, and the staff will direct your question to the appropriate college-based staff.

Email: wilsystem@vu.edu.au

Related

Related

Checking in with the VU App

A step-by-step guide

Checking in with the VU App - Transcript

IT & technical support

There are three ways of accessing your Zoom virtual classroom, with both common steps and differences for each. Accessing the Zoom virtual classroom varies depending on how your educator has set up your classroom.

The VU Collaborate Help Guide has information and step-by-step guides.

To fully participate in a virtual classroom, we recommend that you work from a computer enabled with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone. You may also like to use a headset or a headphone with an attached speaker.

A step-by-step guide can be found on the VU Collaborate Help Guide.

Our Student Contact Centre will remain open and can assist you with all matters.

Health advice & support

Nurse on call 24-hour phone line

For over-the-phone advice, use this Victorian Government service:

Emergency

If it is an emergency, call 000 emergency and advise the ambulance service about your concerns regarding coronavirus.

Phone: 000

Victorian Government

The Victorian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline.
Phone: 1800 675 398.

On-campus

If you are on campus and need first aid assistance contact security.

  • Phone: +61 3 9919 6666
  • Contact through the VUSAFE app.

Medibank 24/7 student health & support line

International students who have taken out the Medibank Comprehensive Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy through Victoria University’s application process have access to a 24/7 student health and support line. Members can call 1800 887 283 for:

  • medical assistance from a registered nurse
  • counselling services
  • emergency legal advice
  • travel document assistance
  • health system guide
  • family and friends message service
  • living in Australia support
  • interpreter service.

Sydney campus

Students studying at our Sydney campus who are feeling anxious or distressed about the current situation can get in contact by email or phone.

Victorian campuses

If you are studying at our Victorian campuses and feeling anxious or distressed about the current situation, please get in touch.

National resources

  • The Australian Government Payment and Service Finder is a good resource to find someone to talk to in your area.
  • Lifeline is a national charity open to all Australians in personal crisis. They have 24-hour crisis support and suicide-prevention services.
  • Headspace is the national youth mental health foundation. They can help young people who are going through a difficult time.
Rahmatullah Hossaini gets vaccinated at Whitten Oval's first pop-up clinic. Photo courtesy of Herald-Sun.

Health information for students

Find information to support your health and wellbeing, plus learn about COVID-19 vaccinations

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Financial support

Students who are experiencing financial difficulties and stress can access a range of financial advice and support. To discuss your options, please book an appointment with a Senior Advisor.

Our VU Employ careers service provides a range of resources and services that supports students in finding and securing employment. They can help with crafting your resume for casual employment.

VU's Student Life team operate a food bank service. Find out more about our free meals for VU students program.

Over 700 community organisations are offering food relief and other practical supports for Victorians in need. Find food relief/practical support services near you.

For more information on Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy please visit the Services Australia website.

General support

Our International Student Advisors can assist you with support services for your welfare and wellbeing and help you find access to other local support services.

A dedicated online COVID-19 support hub is available on the Study Melbourne website. You can access current and accurate information and connect to relevant resources and assistance.

Resources in other languages

There is a large range of translated COVID-19 resources on SBS, a TV and radio service.

The Insider Guides COVID-19 Resource Hub has a list of resources for international students.

Further information is available by:

Support available for students

Current students can access a range of financial and personal support.

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