Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates

The health and safety of all our staff and students is paramount at the University of South Australia.

UniSA is working diligently with local and national health authorities to support the international effort to reduce the impact and spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and to support our community in what is a challenging time.

FAQs for Students FAQs for Staff Graduation FAQs

UniSA Social Distancing Protocol Student Hardship Fund (COVID-19)

April 2, 12.19pm

All student email from Professor David G. Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President

Dear Students,

I know your email inboxes have been filled with communication from the University lately, both from me and your Course Coordinators and Program Directors.  But as we get closer to the weekend, I wanted to reach out again to just briefly confirm a few matters for you.

I hope that you are well and for those of you who have temporarily transitioned from face-to-face to online learning I hope the first two weeks of studying online has gone well for you.  I know that there may have been some initial glitches for some of you in the transition, for which I can only apologise and ask for your continued patience. I also note that some of you are waiting for delayed practicums, labs and studios – please be assured that a lot of work is going on to ensure we can provide you with all you need to sustain your studies in UniSA. By the time you return to study after the mid-semester break, we will be in a position to provide additional clarity around future arrangements.

We want to do everything we can to help you succeed in your studies and gain all the long-term benefits that study can provide, while staying safe and well.  You may also wish to access the range of study supports that are available through the Student Engagement Unit here: Study supports

• Grace period for enrolment

Can I remind students enrolled in Study Period 2 courses that while the University’s official census date remained unchanged as at 31 March, we have introduced a ‘grace’ period; until 1 May.  If you need it, this gives you some extra time to assess your own situation, think about your study plans, and make choices without any financial penalty or an entry on your academic transcript.

Please check out the Frequently Asked Questions and further information here: Student FAQs.

• UniSA Hardship Fund

I want to highlight to you that the University has established a dedicated $10 million fund to support those in severe financial circumstances as a result of COVD-19. This fund is now open to all students enrolled for onshore study in UniSA at all levels.  We understand that the current situation has impacted on many through loss of employment and other unexpected costs.  The fund has been established to assist those most in need of support right now and complements the wide range of support available across the University.

You can access information on this fund, its criteria, and how to apply for support here: Student Hardship Fund.

The University has also reached out to its alumni community, and the wider public and network of UniSA partners, to offer them the opportunity to add to this fund, and you’ll be pleased to know we are already received donations from around the world.  The UniSA community is a very strong one and that is something that we can all be proud of.

• Grades and academic progression

We’ve had a number of emails and queries from students about whether the university intends to modify its grade recording processes during the ongoing health crisis – primarily as students are adapting to temporary new modes of learning. I want to let you know that we are looking into this in great detail – above all else, we have to ensure the academic integrity of all our assessments and processes to underpin the value of your degree and studies for you and your future careers. Through that lens, I want to reassure you that academic progression considerations will be thoroughly examined by the University (in consultation with Academic Board which includes student membership) in the coming weeks. We will provide clear information for all students prior to the conclusion of the grace period.

• New academic structures

This piece of news has nothing to do with COVID-19, which is a welcome change in these uncertain times.  I wanted to remind you that UniSA’s academic structures are transitioning from our historical organisation of Divisions and Schools, to our seven new Academic Units on Monday of next week. This won’t impact on you or your studies, but you’ll notice changes to our websites and how we describe the structure of the university rolling out in the next while. All students will receive further information early next week in relation to their own Academic Unit.

• Health and well-being

We understand that times like these are stressful.  This is a time to take special care of yourself and look out for your friends and each other.  Health and wellbeing supports are available from our Student Engagement Unit at https://i.unisa.edu.au/studentsupportservices.  Please reach out and connect with these services for advice and support at any time you feel the need.

And of course for all other study related enquiries you can also contact Campus Central.

Can I also ask that you please keep in regular contact with us and raise any issues with your course coordinator or program director. 

March 30, 4.31pm

All staff email from Professor David G. Lloyd, Vice Chancellor and President

Dear Colleagues,

Hello again!

I wanted to thank you for all the efforts you are currently making to support our students and continue our research as we go through this enormously difficult and challenging time.  The University has adapted amazingly to the circumstances and that is all due to your collective efforts.

You will have seen that the Prime Minister announced last night that there are further restrictions on social gathering and the Government now strongly advises that all those who can work from home should now work from home.

I’d like to confirm arrangements for UniSA staff as follows:

• All staff who are able to work from home, should now do so.
• The University remains open, however, for any staff member who, because of their individual circumstances, cannot work remotely.
• If you have to attend on campus, for whatever reason, you must check-in you attendance through Safezone https://i.unisa.edu.au/staff/facilities/security/safezone/.  You can do this through the ‘check-in’ button on the app homepage.  This check-in can also be set to ‘automatic’ under the settings tab.
• Access to campus buildings will now be via swipe card access and security officers will be able to assist with access to other buildings and spaces if required.
• Relevant information about arrangements for working from home, the necessary WHS forms and information on well-being and other resources about working remotely are available on the PTC page here.
• We require that while you are working from home that you maintain the security and privacy of the University’s data by ensuring that no-one else in your household (or visitors to your household) can access or view University data. There is information available here to help you keep UniSA data safe.  If you have any questions of concern in this regard contact the IT Help Desk and they will assist.

As always, I ask that you please familiarise yourself with the updated Staff and Student FAQs on the COVID-19 coronavirus information webpage. This is the most up-to-date and informed repository of University COVID-19 resources and is regularly reviewed.

One new element which I’m sure you will welcome, is that today we have put in place a dedicated $10 million student hardship fund – to try to help alleviate the financial pressures facing our most vulnerable students. That fund will be accessible from Wednesday of this week. More information will be available shortly around the terms and conditions regarding eligibility for and operation of the fund, and how students in financial difficulties can apply for support. We are also reaching out to our alumni and the broader UniSA community to give them the opportunity to add to this fund.

I do want re-iterate the current public health advice – if you are feeling unwell, please isolate yourself from others, seek the appropriate medical advice as required and act to minimise the risk of infection for others.

If you have any questions on any of these matters please contact your local People, Talent and Culture Business Partner or email PTC@unisa.edu.au.

We will update you with all relevant information as we continue to manage this dynamic situation.

In the interim, can I thank you all once again for your continued dedication, patience and collegiality.

UniSA communications to staff and students 
(This material is organised chronologically – with the most recent information first)

• March 27, 11.57am
• March 24, 9.27pm
• March 24, 5.21pm
• March 23, 3.47pm
• March 20, 12.15pm
• March 17, 9.40am
• March 15, 4.04pm
• March 12, 3.36pm
• March 6, 3.17pm
• March 6, 11.42am
• February 21, 4.23pm
• February 18, 2.12pm
• February 13, 5.51 pm
• February 5, 3.37 pm
• February 1, 6.30 pm
• January 31, 5.04 pm
• January 30, 3.19 pm
• January 28, 11.54 am