COVID-19 FAQs for staff

If you feel unwell and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if your symptoms are very mild, you should:

1. not attend campus
2. follow SA Health advice

If you are severely unwell, such as having difficulty breathing, call 000 (Triple Zero).

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

If you test positive for COVID-19, please refer to the SA Health website for information on the current requirements and support available to you.

SA Health advises that if you test positive for COVID-19, you should stay home until your acute symptoms have cleared (usually 5 to 7 days).

You should advise your line manager/supervisor, who will work with you to identify what options may exist for leave or alternative working arrangements for you.

Continuing and fixed term staff are able to apply for leave via the myHR portal if they are unwell and not able to work, or not able to work from home due to their personal circumstances or the nature of their work. The University will also support you to carry out your duties remotely, where appropriate and with the appropriate line management approvals in place, until you are fully recovered.

If you are unable to work from home due to the nature of your work or personal circumstances please follow SA Health recommendations, including wear a mask when indoors and avoiding high risk settings and non-essential gatherings. If you work in a high-risk setting such as a health, disability and aged care, please speak to your line manager/supervisor about when you will be able to return to work.

For casual staff members, please see the response to the FAQ 'As a casual staff member, what supports are available to me?’

Please remember the University’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to all staff members and their families via Human Psychology on 1300 277 924. People Central will also be available to ensure you have the support and information you need.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

In the event you are unwell, you should not attend for work and take personal leave.

Ensure you report your absence to your line manager/supervisor as soon as possible and record your absence through myUniSA. You should not return to work until you are fully recovered.

Please note that symptoms associated with COVID-19 are diverse and can vary from individual to individual, so you shouldn’t assume your symptoms are not COVID-19 without checking. You can refer to the SA Health website for information about COVID-19, its symptoms, and testing requirements.

If you are one of our casual staff members, please see the response to the question 'As a casual staff member, what supports are available to me?’  in the ‘Leave and other employment matters’ section.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Please refer to the SA Health website for the definition of a ‘close contact’ in South Australia and information regarding what you will need to do if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023

If you are a close contact, there are important things you can do to reduce the risk to others. Ensure you monitor for symptoms, and if you get sick you should get tested and stay at home until you are well.

If you are unable to work from home due to the nature of your work or personal circumstances please follow SA Health guidelines, including wear a mask when indoors and avoiding high risk settings and non-essential gatherings.

If you begin to feel unwell and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 even if the symptoms are very mild, you should follow SA Health advice.

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023

You first need to determine if you are a close contact in line with the SA Health advice and take appropriate action.

You should advise your line manager/supervisor and work with them to determine whether you will undertake your responsibilities from home or work on campus with appropriate precautions in place.

If you begin to feel unwell and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19, even if they are very mild, you should:

1. not attend campus
2. follow SA Health advice

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023

If a student advises you they have tested positive for COVID-19 and they have been on UniSA premises during their infectious period, they should inform their Course Coordinators directly (and HDR students should inform their supervisor(s)) and the supports and consideration ordinarily afforded with a personal illness will apply.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

If you are feeling anxious about the impact of COVID-19, or any aspect of your wellbeing, please remember the confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to support you. Appointments are available from Monday to Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm and can be booked by calling 1300 277 924. Consultations can be provided remotely, via online or phone and face to face. For more information contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

If you are feeling unwell, you can contact the Health Direct Hotline - 1800 022 222 (available 24/7); the National Coronavirus Information Helpline - 1800 020 080 (available 24/7); or the SA COVID-19 Information Line - 1800 253 787 (available 7 days a week 8.00am-8.00pm).

The University also has a wide range of wellbeing information, resources, training modules and tools available through the People, Talent and Culture website.

Additionally, SA Health has a mental health fact sheet with more information on their website.

You can also speak to your line manager/supervisor about how you are feeling, or the People Central team who will be happy to provide confidential assistance and advice.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Yes, you can attend a vaccination appointment, including boosters, during work time. You do not need to take paid leave for this purpose. The University will support you having the time to attend the appointment, including reasonable travel time, on the proviso that you have discussed it with your line manager before confirming the appointment and your absence will not disrupt the delivery of teaching or other key services.

If you are unwell following the vaccination, you can access personal leave entitlements or other accrued paid leave entitlements. If all paid leave entitlements are exhausted, staff members may be eligible for special leave with pay subject to the approval of their Executive Dean or Director of Unit.

You can also take time during working hours to get a PCR test without the need to access paid leave entitlements, once you have discussed the need to get a test in working hours with your line manager.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

If continuing or fixed term staff are unwell following a vaccination, you should advise your line manager/supervisor and record your absence using myHR . You can access personal leave and, in the event you have exhausted your personal leave entitlements, you may be able to access other forms of paid leave. For more information, you can refer to AskPTC or contact People Central.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Masks are still required in some areas, such as University health related settings, under ongoing public health mandates.

In all other University environments, wearing of masks is a personal choice, noting that SA Health advice is that mask wearing is an effective method for the reduction of transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses and contribute to the protection of members of our University community.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

New vaccine directions are now in place for students when entering nominated workplace settings.

Please note, this direction also applies to any UniSA staff member who needs to enter these settings in the capacity of student placement supervision.

Depending on students’ course requirements, some Program Directors and Course Coordinators have also implemented COVID-19 screening conditions for in-class activities where physical distancing measures cannot be met.

To find out more, view the ‘Important Health Information’ and ‘Placement Advice’ FAQs on the COVID-19 student FAQ page.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

In line with its responsibilities and relevant legislation, the University regularly reviews the workplace environment to ensure the safety of staff, students, and other members of the University community through all reasonably practicable measures. During the course of the pandemic, we have adopted various measures in the workplace in line with directions and advice from SA Health, Federal Government, Safework Australia and Safework SA.

While keeping our campuses open, the University has implemented a number of measures during the course of the pandemic including, but not limited to:

• facilitating working from home or remote working where this is appropriate and supported by the approval of line managers
• ensuring physical distancing and adherence to density limits in University workspaces and facilities and providing sneeze screens
• increased cleaning our high touch areas and facilitated good hygiene practices through the provision of sanitisers and wipes.
• undertaking risk assessments in areas of close physical proximity eg practical sessions
• enabling flexible working supporting staff to vary their office hours and to respond to concerns about utilising public transport during peak hours
• encouraging vaccinations and boosters and making provision for paid time off for staff members to attend vaccination and booster appointments and COVID testing
• providing special paid leave during the initial stages of the pandemic and staff Wellness Leave in 2021 and 2022
• implementing rapid antigen testing (RAT) in specific settings such as UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, and, when required, in support of student placements
• providing masks Detmold TGA approved level 3 surgical grade masks via Campus Central and FM Assist as an infection control measure, with P2 or N95 masks provided in clinical settings
• improving ventilation and filtration where appropriate, including providing air purifiers with distribution to identified and high population settings.

The University has ensured that it has complied with its health and safety obligations and, in many respects, exceeded them.  We will continue to make practical adjustments as new information becomes available and/or requirements and regulations change.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Yes, UniSA campuses are open with some changes to teaching delivery, facility accessibility and University services that have been put in place to minimise the risk and spread of COVID-19.

UniSA Library facilities are open and accessible. Study areas and small meeting rooms in campus libraries have been set up to ensure physical distancing. Signage is provided to remind students of good physical distancing practices.

All essential business visitors are also able to attend University campus environments in locations where physical distancing measures can be easily maintained. All visitors will be expected to comply with the physical distancing and hygiene protocols. Certain university activities and settings (e.g. health settings) do require mask wearing under ongoing public health mandates. In all other University environments, the wearing of masks is a personal choice.

The University is constantly monitoring government directions and will continue to adhere to Federal and State advice on what control measures are required.

The University will always consider the health, safety and wellbeing of our community when decisions are being made about our services and operations. Any changes as a result of COVID-19 will also be communicated promptly to staff, with advance notice wherever possible.

Last updated: Monday 12 September 2022

• Lectures and exams will remain online throughout 2022.
• Practicums, tutorials and other teaching, learning and research activities will be delivered face-to-face in accordance with all applicable COVID-19 management protocols. 
• Student placements will be managed in accordance with the applicable regulations of the placement partner.
• Staff are expected to work on campus for at least 60% of their working hours. Where you can carry out your duties remotely or from home, have the appropriate line management approvals in place and should choose to do so, you have the flexibility to work remotely for up to 40% of your working hours. In all instances, you are encouraged to discuss your personal circumstances with your line manager.
• Where staff members are required to carry out duties from an on-campus location, all applicable COVID-19 management protocols will be in effect.
• The wearing of masks is a personal choice. This is in line with advice from SA Health.
• Facemasks will be available for all staff and students from Campus Central hubs and FM Assist.
• Public events can be held on campus, in line with approved COVID-19 Management Plans
• UniSA staff members do not need to book leave to get a COVID-19 vaccination or booster, or a COVID-19 test. Simply inform your line manager, who will be as accommodating as possible.
• If you are deemed a close contact, please follow the Reporting Protocol. Staff members should be able to continue to work remotely during the applicable period.
• If you are a staff member and you test positive for COVID-19, please follow the Reporting Protocol as soon as practicable to ensure your manager is informed.
• Students should inform their Course Coordinators directly (and HDR students their supervisor(s)) if they have returned a positive COVID-19 test result or deemed a close contact. You will be supported in the same way that you would if experiencing any occurrence of personal illness.
• After returning a positive COVID -19 test result, you must not return to campus until you have completed the isolation period required by SA Health.
• If you are a UniSA staff member who is COVID-19 positive, whether you are symptomatic, or asymptomatic, during the applicable isolation period you are fully entitled to use your sick leave. If you choose not to avail of sick leave while subject to an isolation period and would rather wish to work remotely, you can continue do that.
• If you are a staff member who is caring for someone who is COVID-19 positive, you can use carer’s leave or family responsibility leave.
• Staff directed to quarantine by health authorities must register their absence with their line manager and through the myHR system.
• We will continue to review these measures and provide further information based on state health advice.

If you need help:

• IT Helpdesk and Ask the Library services are available.
• The Employee Assistance Program is open.
• In all cases, COVID19 vaccination is strongly encouraged.
• For the latest information, please visit the SA Health

The University is constantly monitoring government directions and will continue to adhere to Federal and State advice on what control measures are required.

The University will always consider the health, safety and wellbeing of our community when decisions are being made about our services and operations. Any changes as a result of COVID-19 will also be communicated promptly to students and staff, with advance notice wherever possible.

Last updated: Tuesday 9 August 2022

As the academic year progresses, we will continue to assess teaching delivery, assessment, examinations, grading and intake dates so these align with government health advice and to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the entire UniSA community.

We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation and communicate updated information promptly to all staff and students, with advance notice wherever possible.

Last updated: Friday 29 October 2021

TIU has several resources and supports in place to assist staff with teaching online. Visit the TIU webpage for more information on workshops and individual consults or visit the dedicated FAQ page for answers to the most common queries.

All UniSA staff can book consultations with an Academic Developer for questions regarding their curriculum or course design for face-to-face or online teaching, Online Educational Designer for any questions they have regarding teaching online, and a Media Developer for any questions they have regarding recording or editing videos using Panopto.

Last updated: Friday 29 October 2021

You can undertake research and fieldwork activities where research continuity plans, risk assessments and appropriate physical distancing measures (including PPE where required) have been put in place.

If the research activity requires engagement with the public, then suitable adjustments to arrangements may be required and in some cases the research may need to be postponed. This will need to be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Please ensure you’re mindful of the following when accessing campus research facilities:

• You will need to meet WHS controls, as well as any technical or supervisory requirements

Physical distancing protocols also must be strictly met by all researchers, as well as all other WHS requirements, including use of the UniSA Safezone app with location enabled and, where applicable, wearing of a mask.

Last updated: Tuesday 6 December 2022

For queries regarding research grants, please contact grant.management@unisa.edu.au. The Research and Innovation Services Team have expanded the number of people managing these enquiries. They will communicate regularly with the ARC and NHMRC, and work through enquiries for all categories of research funding and update FAQs to help researchers manage these important partnerships. We will similarly be working with our research leaders to advance appropriate contingencies for research activities and HDR students. 

Last updated: Friday 29 October 2021

UniSA Library facilities are open and accessible. Study areas and small meeting rooms in campus libraries will be set up to ensure physical distancing. Signage is provided to remind students of good physical distancing practices. Students are asked to always observe the adjusted seating capacity of the bookable group study and meeting rooms.

Last updated: Monday 28 March 2022

The University’s gyms, pools and indoor fitness facilities – including UniSA Sport – operate in line with Federal and State Government advice.

For more information, please visit the UniSA Sport website or follow UniSA Sport on Facebook.

Last updated: Friday 29 October 2021

Yes, you can use the on-campus prayer rooms. Please contact FM Assist if you require advice regarding requirements that may need to be complied with.

Last updated: Monday 1 August 2022

For any on-campus events, the University has implemented guidelines and processes to ensure the safety of our community.

If you or your team is planning to host an event on campus, please contact your local FM Assist office in the first instance so they can advise you on the next steps, and what you need to be aware of based on the nature of your event, who is invited, how event registrations are managed and how many participants will be attending.

Last updated: Wednesday 1 June 2022

We are thrilled to welcome international students back on campus

With limited availability of flights and continuing Covid-19 concerns, many students will not be able to arrive in time to commence Semester 1 on campus. Online teaching will continue, to allow students to transition throughout Semester 1.

There are some important things for students to consider before they book flights, so we’ve created a list of essential details to help prepare for travel to South Australia.

We understand the current travel requirements and restrictions may be confusing and also that they are subject to regular changes. For the most up-to-date information and requirements, students should always refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for information on entering Australia, and the SA Health website for information about entering South Australia.

Study Adelaide has also created a helpful page of FAQs for the return of international students to Adelaide.

Last updated: Monday 1 August 2022

SA Health recommends, to protect yourself, your co-workers and others that food handling and sharing be limited in the workplace.

For small group meetings (single table, team meetings), a share platter of food is allowed.

For larger group meetings (where multiple tables are required), it is advised that shared food be restricted to each table and only consumed by people seated at that table.

Last updated: Friday 29 October 2021

The University has its own team of qualified and experienced travel consultants.  The Travel Team is contactable on 08 8302 6430 or travel.team@unisa.edu.au; alternatively please refer to the University Travel web pages. All travel related COVID questions are referred back to the University Travel Team for assistance.

Last updated: 1 February 2023

Relevant information about working from home, the required WHS forms, information on wellbeing, and other resources to support staff members working remotely, are available on the People, Talent and Culture Working from Home webpage.

Please remember that all working from home arrangements require the formal approval of your line manager/supervisor and must be recorded using the required WHS forms.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

The University strongly encourages you to stay home if you test positive for COVID-19 until your acute symptoms have cleared (usually 5 to 7 days).

Continuing and fixed term staff are able to apply for leave via the myHR portal if they are unable to work from home due to their personal circumstances or the nature of their work.

The University will also support you to carry out your duties remotely, where appropriate and with the appropriate line management approvals in place, until you are fully recovered.

If you are unable to work from home due to the nature of your work or personal circumstances please follow SA Health recommendations, including wear a mask when indoors and avoiding high risk settings and non-essential gatherings. If you work in a high-risk setting such as a health, disability and aged care, please speak to your line manager/supervisor about when you will be able to return to work.

For casual staff members, please see the response to the FAQ 'As a casual staff member, what supports are available to me?’

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

If you are a close contact and are able to carry out your duties remotely with the appropriate line management approvals in place, the University will support you to work from home for the 7 day time period recommended by SA Health.

If you are unable to work from home due to the nature of your work or personal circumstances please follow SA Health recommendations, including wear a mask when indoors and avoiding high risk settings and non-essential gatherings.

If you begin to feel unwell and are displaying symptoms consistent with COVID-19 you should:

1. not attend campus
2. follow SA Health advice

For casual staff members, please see the response to the FAQ 'As a casual staff member, what supports are available to me?’

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023

SA Health recommends that you should stay home until your until your acute symptoms have cleared (usually 5 to 7 days).

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

All absences should reported to your line manager/supervisor. 

If you are unable to attend work or to work from home due to the nature of your work or personal circumstances, your leave absences should also be recorded through the myHR portal.

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023

We understand that some members of the University community feel anxious about the current COVID-19 pandemic and the University will prioritise working from home arrangements for staff members in high risk groups and those who are pregnant.

For other staff members who wish to stay home as a precaution, you should discuss how you’re feeling with your line manager/supervisor.  While the University will be facilitating working from home arrangements up to a maximum of 40% of a staff member’s employment fraction where practicable, such arrangements may not always be able to occur for all staff in the manner or way staff may seek for operational reasons.

It may be that you would benefit from support from our Employee Assistance Program, via Human Psychology. This free, confidential service is available to staff and their families and can be contacted on 1300 277 924.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Yes, your leave booking may be amended with the written approval of your line manager/supervisor.

If the leave has occurred in the past, or is in the current pay period, you will be unable to cancel the leave yourself. In this case, please ask your line manager/supervisor to contact People Central with their written approval for us to amend the leave booking. Please note, we are unable to amend a booking if you email us without line manager/supervisor approval.

If the leave is in the future, you can request to cancel the leave by accessing the booking in the myHR portal and clicking on the red 'X' button. After the leave cancellation has been approved by your line manager/supervisor, you can then resubmit through the portal as needed.

Please contact People Central if you require assistance in amending the leave booking.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

The University recognises the impact that COVID-19 may have for casual staff members, given they are not entitled to paid leave entitlements. The University’s first preference will be to work with our casual staff members directly impacted by COVID-19 to explore whether work can be undertaken remotely in line with their contracted hours.

In the event that the projected hours of a casual staff member are unable to be performed due to:

• Government directives or advice;
• Operational decisions by the University to require staff to work remotely or to pause specific business activities; or
• Other factors beyond the University’s control,

the University will consider whether it can provide alternative duties consistent with the work and hours outlined in the staff member’s casual contract or other arrangements as agreed with the staff member.

If this is not possible, and the casual staff member is unable to undertake their duties in a remote working arrangement, the staff member will be paid for time they have worked to date as approved by their time sheet approver up until the date the work ceased.

SA Health has a mental health support line you can contact on 1800 632 753 (available 7 days a week from 8.00am to 8.00pm) as well as a mental health fact sheet with supporting information on their website.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Please refer to the information in the FAQ ‘What should I do if I feel unwell and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19?’

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

You don’t need a medical certificate to enable you to return to work unless your line manager/supervisor requests one because it is relevant to your individual circumstances. The University recognises that due to the particular current circumstances relating to COVID-19 it may not be possible to provide a medical certificate.

If evidence of your circumstances is required and you are unable to provide a Medical Certificate, we may ask that you provide a Statutory Declaration.

Last updated:Friday 10 October 2022

Please refer to SA Health advice for the current requirements in cases of identified contact with a person infected with COVID. Your line manager/supervisor will work with you to identify what options may exist for alternative working arrangements for you. 

Continuing and fixed term staff may access paid Family Responsibility Leave (FRL) and personal/carer’s leave.  Where your FRL, personal leave/carer’s leave is exhausted, you may access any other accrued leave entitlement until that is exhausted.

Casual staff who are quarantining as a result of caring for a member of their household who has COVID-19, can access unpaid carer’s leave where they are caring for a member of their household in accordance with the University’s Enterprise Agreement.

Last updated: Monday 13 February 2023