COVID-19 updates
COVID-19 updates
We understand many in the Monash community will be concerned about COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). We're committed to adapting our teaching and learning, campus experiences and operations to ensure the health and safety of our community. We will keep the Monash community informed as the situation continues to evolve.
Attendance on campus is strictly limited to permitted workers and exempt students, and face masks must be worn at all times.
You must not come to campus if you're unwell. Get tested for COVID-19 if you have any of the following symptoms, however mild – fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell – and stay home until you’ve received a negative result. For information about testing, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Last updated 28 Sep 2020 1:36pm
Impact of Victorian Government’s roadmap for reopening
- Following the release of the Victorian Government’s roadmap for reopening, Monash University is working through the effects of these changes on its research, learning and teaching arrangements, and operations.
- Ensuring physical distancing
- Wearing a face mask at all times
- Requiring hygienic workplaces
- Continuing to act quickly if staff become unwell
- Avoiding interactions in close spaces
- Creating workforce bubbles.
- Our COVID Safe plan sets out the actions we are taking to protect our staff, students, visitors and wider campus communities, and our response to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at the University.
- Thank you for your patience while we work through the necessary changes.
The University continues to align with all Victorian Government directives, including the six principles for the workplace on a COVID Safe reopening, and having a COVID Safe Plan in place. COVIDSafe principles:
See this State Government resource outlining examples of workplaces that are closed for on-site work, open for on-site work with a COVID Safe Plan, and where there are restricted operations or industry specific obligations.
Last updated 28 Sep 2020 1:36pm
- The Monash Chief Medical Officer is in constant communication with Australian medical authorities for the latest health and travel advice.
- We continue to monitor the situation, including the advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO), US Center for Disease Control and the Australian government’s Health Department, including states and territories.
- Students directly affected by COVID-19 can contact us at +61 3 9902 6010 or via our enquiry form.
- Monash also provides free confidential counselling support for any Monash student. If you need support at any time, please call 1300 788 336.
- If you have tested positive to COVID-19 you must follow the recommendations of your medical professional and the Australian Health Department, including the required self-isolation period.
- If you are a Monash staff member, you must also immediately notify your supervisor, and your supervisor will advise Access HR via email at hr@monash.edu or phone on +61 03 9902 0400.
- If you are a Monash student, we ask that you notify Monash Connect on 9902 6011 for further support.
- You must be cleared by a Public Health Officer and determined to be no longer infectious before you can leave your home isolation and re-enter the Monash or wider Australian community.
- For updates on Monash College's response to COVID-19, please visit the Monash College website.
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Fact sheet
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Impact of Stage 4 restrictions on campus operations
View fact sheet
Working from home arrangements and permitted workers
Consistent with the latest State Government advice, staff who are working from home MUST continue to do so until further notice unless required for an activity that is exempt from the restrictions.
Staff who are required to attend campus to perform permitted work can continue to travel to campus.
In line with Victorian Government requirements, staff will need to have an authorised permitted workers’ permit, approved by Monash, if you are to come to campus, effective 11.59pm Wednesday 5 August. Only the Chief Human Resources Officer, Bridgid Connors, is authorised to issue such permits.
If issued, staff must carry the worker permit and photo identification when travelling to and from the workplace. The permit can be shown electronically to authorities, such as a photo or scanned copy on a mobile device.
Individual requests are not to be made to Human Resources and will not be actioned. Staff should talk with their supervisor if they have any questions regarding whether they will be deemed a permitted worker under Stage 4 restrictions.
To be eligible, faculties and divisions must ensure that staff meet the University’s interpretation of permitted worker in the following categories:
- Staff involved in core operations, including providing on-campus exempt teaching activities such as staff teaching medical and nursing students in their final and penultimate years, remote education delivery, ensuring safe workplaces and/or compliance with Victorian Government restrictions (including the Crisis Management Team)
- Staff involved in supporting critical research and research infrastructure as agreed with the Provost
- Staff who are caring for animals, agriculture or horticulture
- Staff who are supporting students who are unable to participate in online or remote learning
- Staff who need to develop and or/deliver exempt on-campus teaching, and any online learning, including support staff
- Staff who are required to manage and provide on-site services and support to Monash Residential Services (MRS) residents
- Staff who provide or oversee critical campus infrastructure services, utilities and cleaning and stores.
- Staff who are required to manage and provide security services.
- Staff who are required to manage and provide University Health Services including Fast Track Clinics
- Staff who are required to manage and provide essential services or products including the Monash Merchant, Monash Campus Centre Pharmacy and Post Office.
- Staff who are invigilating or providing technical support for exams or other forms of assessment.
In addition to staff who meet a permitted worker category, staff who are required to attend campus for extenuating personal reasons, such as safety at home, can be issued with a permit. These confidential requests should be made directly to the Chief Human Resources Officer via email bridgid.connors@monash.edu.
The Victorian Government has released the details for access to onsite childcare and kinder.
- This is restricted to staff who are deemed to be a permitted worker and are unable to supervise their children at home whilst delivering their permitted work and staff with vulnerable children who need to attend childcare/kindergarten.
- In compliance with government directions, Monash can only issue an Access to Onsite Childcare/Kindergarten Permit to permitted workers.
- This is to ensure community travel and mobility as part of Stage 4 Restrictions is limited, and the University is obligated to operate within this context.
- Faculties and divisions are required to coordinate requests from their staff and submit requests to hr@monash.edu using the Onsite Childcare/Kindergarten Template. HR will process these requests as quickly as possible.
You do not need to record your campus attendance as this will be captured from eduroam and swipe cards.
You cannot work at multiple campuses or locations unless this is specifically required in order to undertake the requirements of your position as a permitted worker and is approved by your Faculty/Division.
You must wear a face mask while on campus at all times, consistent with the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, unless you are alone in an office with a closed door.
Where the University has conducted a risk assessment and deemed that a surgical or other grade mask is required for University-related activities, the University will supply this.
You should not attend our campuses for any reason if you are feeling unwell and/or displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 – even if they are mild. You must get tested and then stay home until you have received a negative result.
Campus food and beverage retailers
Food and beverage retailers are currently available for takeaway only.
Floor signage will indicate where you need to wait for your order while following physical distancing requirements, and hand sanitiser will be available at all retail counters.
Other campus retailers
Only campus retailers that provide essential products or services will be open, including the Monash Merchant, Monash Campus Centre Pharmacy and post office. When visiting open campus retailers, make sure you follow physical distancing requirements by using floor stickers when you need to wait, and sanitise or wash your hands frequently.
Where applicable, avoid 'walk-ins' and make an appointment to avoid longer waits.
Monash Sport
Monash Sport will remain closed until further notice.
Active Bodies Online will continue to keep our community fit from home during this time.
Libraries
Matheson, Peninsula and Caulfield libraries remain open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm on a limited basis to support students without adequate study facilities at home. All other libraries are closed from Thursday 6 August until further notice.
- Only essential library staff are on-site
- Virtual information points and self-serve access have been implemented for on-site collection
- Reduced operating hours: 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday
- Access is restricted to Monash University and Monash College students only who will need to present their Monash ID. General visitors will not be admitted.
- Physical distancing must be maintained at all times
- Increased cleaning of all communal library spaces
All loans will be extended to 18 December 2020. Borrowers will be contacted if an item is needed.
For further details, see the Library website: monash.edu/library/we-will-support-you
Campus access
Only some of our buildings and facilities are currently open. To access an open building, all staff and students will need to swipe their Monash ID card on the door reader.
This applies to the Campus Centre (Clayton), University Health Services, and libraries, which will remain open as emergency study spaces (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday). Security guards will be stationed at the entrances of these open buildings to support the process.
Contractors, tenant staff, other essential non-Monash staff completing essential work, and members of the public accessing essential services on campus (e.g. post office, Monash Merchant) will be asked to scan a QR code provided at building entrances. This process is to ensure that we record essential information (i.e. full name, contact number) as required by the restrictions to lawfully provide access.
Our campus maps will be updated as building access changes, and we encourage you to check access to specific buildings before arriving on campus.
Some buildings will continue to be accessible only by restricted Monash staff using an authorised Monash ID card. Additional details on building access for staff can be found here.
Closed buildings will not be available for any staff or students access. Working and studying from these buildings is not permitted.
Travel
The University recommends all domestic travel is avoided unless it is absolutely essential for the performance of your work. International travel is not permitted. Monash is continually monitoring advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and will not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of staff.
Where essential domestic travel is required, the following applies:
- As at 1 June 2020, staff may travel domestically where Government guidelines allow;
- Approval for travel must be strictly in accordance with the University’s Travel Procedures;
- For travel to restricted domestic areas, staff must obtain the relevant State exemption or permit prior to booking;
- For more information on State requirements, please visit: Coronavirus COVID-19 Advice for Travellers.
Health and wellbeing
The single most important thing we can do to minimise the spread of COVID-19 is take personal responsibility for the health and wellbeing of ourselves and others; this means you should not attend our campuses for any reason, if you are feeling unwell, and/or displaying symptoms associated with COVID-19 – even if they are mild.
A reminder that if you do attend campus displaying symptoms you may be asked to leave and get tested for COVID-19, and not return to campus until you have your test results, and are no longer feeling unwell/displaying symptoms.
We have implemented a number of initiatives to support our community to maintain physical distancing and personal hygiene, including:
- Implementing physical distancing signage such as posters and floor markings to ensure people can stay 1.5 metres apart
- Providing hand sanitisers in all buildings
- Increased cleaning in all of our buildings
Please note that body temperature checking is not used as a condition of entry to our on-campus buildings. SafeWork Australia advise that temperature testing may be of little benefit. This is because people with COVID-19 may not have an elevated temperature at the time of testing for a number of reasons including being presymptomatic or taking medication that reduces temperature. It is also possible that the person may have a temperature for another reason unrelated to COVID-19. The World Health Organisation advises that temperature checking alone is an ineffective way to stop the spread of COVID-19.
All staff have been enrolled in a mandatory OHS health module in myDevelopment. Students are also required to complete a compulsory health training unit. Please complete this module online before returning to campus.
Semester two
Overview
We are committed to providing the highest quality education for both domestic and international students, and ensuring our students have confidence and awareness of what their learning experience will look like in semester two
The University will align with the Victorian Government and continue remote learning for the majority of students from Wednesday 5 August.
This overrides what students may currently see on their timetable, so scheduled classes that were on campus will be moved online unless the class falls into laboratory and clinical practicals to continue. We will work through these changes, and these will be reflected in your timetable in the coming days.
The mid-semester break remains the same. We encourage staff to take annual leave over this period and have a much-needed break.
Teaching and learning arrangements in semester two
All on-campus practicals and workshops will be postponed, with exemptions as described below.
- Laboratory and clinical practicals for relevant final-year students and penultimate years will continue for disciplines that provide graduates for the medical, nursing, allied health and pharmacy workforce, including biomedical sciences, and PhD students can continue to attend campus for research purposes. Honours students are not exempt from the restrictions and must study remotely, unless a Provost granted exemption has been given and only for laboratories for medical, nursing, allied health and pharmacy workforce, including biomedical science.
- Placements for hospitals and other Medical, Nursing and Health Sciences and Pharmacy courses will be at the discretion of faculties and the healthcare setting or business in which they operate. Placement coordinators are to advise students if there is any impact.
Supplementary and deferred examinations’ arrangements occurring this week or commencing next week will continue in the format in which they are currently offered.
All lectures and seminars will continue to be online for the remainder of 2020, and tutorials and other learning activities will be online until at least after the lockdown.
Students who attend campus must wear a mask at all times while on campus, but will not require a permit or to record their attendance beyond swiping access to buildings and using the University’s Wi-Fi.
There is currently no State Government direction or requirement for students to be issued with or carry permits in order to travel to University to undertake approved on campus activities. However, to ensure you feel confident when travelling to Monash during the Stage 4 restrictions we have implemented a process available here.
When travelling to campus, if questioned by the authorities, students can provide their student ID as proof of the need to visit campus for study. Monash Connect can be contacted for further details.
Students must adhere to the 9pm – 5am curfew when travelling for study.
Scheduling for physical distancing
All activities on-campus will be scheduled to ensure strict physical distancing requirements can be maintained at all times. This includes everyone having enough space to stay 1.5m from others, only one person per four square metres, and no more than 100 people in each space. As all lectures will be delivered online, we will be using lecture theatres for other learning activities such as tutorials, workshops and applied sessions that need to be delivered on-campus.
Assessments
Most large scale invigilated assessments will continue to be delivered online through Monash’s eAssessment platform. On-campus spaces will be available for students who are unable to undertake exams in their home environment.
Introducing new intakes in November 2020
Online November intake
This year Monash will launch its inaugural November intake for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Arts, Business and Economics, Engineering and Information Technology.
This intake will enable undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as those Monash University Foundation Year Students at Monash College to complete their first semester online. Following the completion of their first semester online, students will continue their degree on-campus in semester one 2021 subject to border openings and visa approvals.
Face-to-face study term at Monash Suzhou
We’re pleased to offer our Suzhou campus as a learning site for some new commencing Chinese students later this year to begin their journey with Monash, with face-to-face academic support as students wait for travel arrangements to be finalised.
Southeast University–Monash University Joint Graduate School in Suzhou, Jiangsu is a modern facility capable of housing a large number of University students.
We will accept an intake of 300 students into their first semester of a Master of Business and the Master of Banking and Finance at the start of November 2020.
Students will be taught through a combination of face-to-face tutoring and Zoom lectures from Australia, and will benefit from the campus experience in Suzhou and the support of local tutors. Australia-based tuition fees apply.
Monash will also support these students with online english programs and sourcing accommodation if required.
Following the completion of their first semester in Suzhou, students would transfer to Melbourne by semester one 2021 to continue their degree subject to border openings and visa approvals.
More information about these new intakes and global recruitment activities will be available soon.
Changes to semester two, 2020
View fact sheet
Semester two key dates
To support the very best learning and teaching experience, we have made a number of changes to the semester two key dates. This includes scheduling two weeks of mid-semester break in place of the existing single week of mid-semester break, to support students’ and academics’ learning and teaching.
This extended mid-semester break, will support staff in the preparation and delivery of the highest quality education for both domestic and international students.
The key dates are:
- Monday 3 August - Week one commences (previously Monday 27 July)
- Monday 7 September - Census date (previously 31 August)
- Monday 21 September to Friday 2 October - Mid-semester break (extended to two weeks)
- Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November - SWOT VAC
- Monday 16 November to Friday 4 December - Final assessment period
- Thursday 17 December - Results release
For Winter and Winter Extended semester students:
- Monday 22 June - Winter and Winter Extended semester week one commences (previously 15 June)
- Monday 6 July - Census date (previously 30 June)
- Friday 17 July - Winter semester teaching period ends (previously 10 July)
- Friday 31 July - Winter Extended semester teaching period ends (previously 24 July)
Note: COVID-19 arrangements for students enrolled in MSA teach-out courses, offered in cooperation with Monash University, will be communicated directly by IIE MSA, the campus owner and operator.
Graduations
April
- All graduation ceremonies for April 2020 were postponed until further notice.
- If you remained wishing to attend, we’ll list you to attend a replacement event. We expect it will be into 2021 when information on a replacement event is available.
May
- All graduation ceremonies for May 2020 were postponed until further notice.
- If you remained as wishing to attend, we’ll list you to attend a replacement event. We expect it will be into 2021 when information on a replacement event is available.
June
- We’ve had to cancel the June 2020 graduation ceremony at our Suzhou campus.
July
- We've had to cancel the July graduation ceremony for Australia Award Scholarship recipients.
October
- Due to continuing COVID-19 government restrictions, ceremonies are postponed and we are now planning a virtual celebration to mark the significant achievements of graduates. Information on the virtual celebration will be published as it becomes available.
- 2020 graduates unable to attend a graduation will have an opportunity to attend a future in-person celebration during 2021 (subject to any future restrictions), and these will be open to those that choose to participate in the virtual celebration this year. We expect it will be into 2021 when information on in person celebration opportunities will be available.
November
- Due to continuing COVID-19 government restrictions, ceremonies are postponed and we are now planning a virtual celebration to mark the significant achievements of graduates. Information on the virtual celebration will be published as it becomes available.
- 2020 graduates unable to attend a graduation will have an opportunity to attend a future in-person celebration during 2021 (subject to any future restrictions), and these will be open to those that choose to participate in the virtual celebration this year. We expect it will be into 2021 when information on in person celebration opportunities will be available
January 2021
- Applications for an in absentia graduation for domestic and international students will be open in WES soon, and close 31 October.
Defer attendance to a later ceremony round – Higher Degree by Research students only
- If you’re a Higher Degree by Research student and you’d prefer to attend a ceremony in a later round, please contact the Graduations Unit using our online contact form.
More information and contact details
- Visit Graduating at Monash.
- Contact Monash Connect for all graduation enquiries. Live chat is also available during business hours.
Fees
- The fee amount and payment due date/s are listed on your individual fees statement.
- Eligible international students currently located offshore, who discontinue studies in semester two at Monash University due to reasons relating to COVID-19, will be eligible for a full refund if you discontinued by 7 September. You must apply for a refund and provide supporting documentation as requested. Students are required to apply for a refund within two days of withdrawing.
- If concerned about paying your fees, please contact Monash Connect.
International campuses
MALAYSIA
Only a small number of visitors with prior appointment, essential staff and postgraduate research students who need access to the labs, are permitted to return to campus. We are observing all precautions and protocols put in place by the Malysian Government. Majority of students are still not permitted to be on campus.
Travel restrictions to Malaysia
- The Ministry of Health has decided to temporarily restrict all visitors from entering Malaysia.
Deferment: new to Monash students
- To organise your deferment, please contact: mum.admissions@monash.edu
Visas
- If you have any questions about your visa, contact the International Student Pass (ISP) Office at: Mum.Student.Visa@Monash.edu located at Building 2, Level 2.
Contact details
- If you have any questions or concerns about COVID-19, please contact:
- T: (03) 5515 9796 (9am-5pm weekdays)
- E: mum-C19response@monash.edu
PRATO
- Monash University's Prato Centre, Italy, re-opened on 1 June 2020 for centre staff and public enquiries only*. Teaching activities, conferences, events and meetings remain suspended, consistent with the advice of the Italian Government. The University will continue to review the situation in line with Italian Government advice.
- *Any visitors to the centre are encouraged to make an appointment prior in accordance with the centre’s COVID-19 safety requirements.
SUZHOU
- Our campus at Suzhou, in partnership with Southeast University, has been closed until further notice. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
- For any intercampus travel refer to smartraveller.
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BOMBAY
- Our campus in Mumbai, India, in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, has been closed until further notice. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
Placements/WIL, internships and secondary schools outreach programs
Placements and school outreach programs
- Your Faculty Placement Office will be in contact if your placement is affected.
- Individual organisations may have different strategies for dealing with COVID-19. Please follow all health and safety protocols provided by your placement provider, and continue to maintain good hygiene in line with health advice from the University.
- For school placements, each school will have their own set of measures in place to deal with COVID-19, framed on the advice of the Victorian Department of Education and Training (where applicable) and Federal and State health authorities, including the Department of Health and Human Services.
- Monash will ensure compliance to these measures when sending our students and staff on placements. For those schools visiting a Monash campus, schools must be able to provide assurance that no visiting staff or students have returned from a country or region that is at high or moderate risk of COVID-19, or been in close contact with a confirmed case.
- Faculty of Education:
- We understand that recent announcements regarding COVID-19 and the impact on schools may be a cause of concern for you. We're working closely with the Victorian Government, partner placement providers and the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT) to navigate our way through this unprecedented and challenging time.
- Effective Tuesday, 24 March, placements for students within the Faculty of Education have been postponed. We ask that students please thank their mentors and negotiate the completion of their remaining placement days once schools reopen.
- Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences:
- Should I be on placement/will my placement continue?
- COVID-19 advice is changing rapidly. Your placement provider will advise whether it is appropriate for you to be on placement, and there may be certain instances where you will be required to leave.
- With the changing developments, we understand you may have concerns about being on clinical placement. Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services are supporting ongoing placements until further notice.
- Where your placement potentially puts you in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients (such as emergency or infectious disease placements), you can choose to opt-out without penalty.
- Please complete a special consideration form and where possible, we'll try to support you with alternative arrangements.
- If you choose not to attend placement, Monash cannot guarantee the effect this may have on your course progression.
- Either way, if you choose to opt-out of placement, you'll need to advise your site coordinator as soon as possible.
- If you’re feeling unwell and experiencing cold/flu-like symptoms (such as a cough, runny nose, sneezing or sore throat), please excuse yourself from your clinical placement. You’ll need to:
- Contact your placement provider and let them know.
- Rest up at home and follow good hygiene practices.
- Complete the special consideration form online. Once you’re symptom-free, you can return to placement.
- Will my unit/site coordinator be in touch if my placement is affected?
- Yes - the Faculty will be in touch with you if they know of your placement being affected.
- However, advice is changing rapidly. You should follow the instructions of your placement provider. If your placement provider notifies you that your placement is affected, please notify your unit and/or site coordinator.
- What happens if my placement is cancelled?
- Where possible, we will make alternative placement arrangements for you. Your clinical or site coordinator will be in touch with more information about alternative arrangements. You will not be expected to source your own placement.
- You won't be penalised academically. Further information about flexible arrangements will be made available as matters progress.
- I am due to graduate this year. Will I have enough placement and learning?
- Monash recognises that many students may experience disruptions to placements and other learning as a result of COVID-19, and this is true of students in all health and medical faculties across Australia. As such, your course leads are in close contact with accrediting bodies and employers to develop flexible solutions to ensure you are able to get into the workforce.
- Our Faculty leaders are working with government, peak bodies and other institutions to develop solutions. It is our intention, in these unique circumstances, to be as flexible as possible regarding attendance hurdles in the context of COVID-19. Further information regarding will be made available as matters progress.
- Can I opt out of my placement?
- With the changing developments, we understand you may have concerns about being on clinical placement. Currently, the Department of Health and Human Services are supporting ongoing placements until further notice.
- Where your placement potentially puts you in contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients (such as emergency or infectious disease placements), you can choose to opt-out without penalty.
- Please complete a special consideration form and where possible, we'll try to support you with alternative arrangements. If you choose not to attend placement, Monash cannot guarantee the effect this may have on your course progression. Either way, if you choose to opt-out of placement, you'll need to advise your site coordinator as soon as possible.
- Can I work closely with pregnant women?
- Given the increased risk surrounding COVID-19 for women who are pregnant, we recommend caution when undertaking placement where you are working with pregnant women.
- Specifically for our Midwifery students: We advise against completing your Continuity of Care (CoC) at this time. Please contact your unit coordinator if you are currently undertaking a CoC or if you are meant to start. All other formal midwifery clinical placements can continue as scheduled unless you are advised otherwise.
- Should I opt in to work in a health service/be part of the "surge workforce"?
- During this time, your skills may be in demand by our health services. It is your choice to be part of the health service surge workforce. If you choose to opt-in, as a Monash student, we will continue to support you and ensure you remain fully informed.
- Please consider your own circumstances, such as your health and study commitments, before making a decision.
- We’re currently working with our health services and government on these arrangements, as well as making sure you have the resources and support needed to do so safely. If you do choose to opt-in, we will provide guidelines and checklists to support you. Check back here soon for more information.
- Should I be on placement/will my placement continue?
Internships
- Students who are currently enrolled in an internship unit as part of your studies, please direct any queries to your faculty internship/work integrated learning coordinator.
Personalised study journeys for students based offshore
- We’ve developed personalised study journeys for students who can’t make it to Australia, so they can complete their course and graduate as first intended.
- Eligible students have been individually contacted to review their personal study plan, which has been developed for them by a faculty course advisor.
- Monash is committed to ensuring students, currently based overseas, are able to start their studies, be up-to-date and be able to progress their studies in 2021.
Technology to support remote learning while you are overseas
- We’ve created an online guide with step-by-step instructions to help students access and login into these platforms and tools remotely.
- The guide includes instructions for lots of important and common tasks, including how to:
- Connect to Monash’s new, secure, VPN option.
- Access Moodle or specialised software for your course.
- Connect to the library and learning resources.
- Watch a video for class.
- Join a video or audio meeting with your lecturer or tutor.
- We’ve made the guide available as a webpage and a PDF document, so students can download it and save it to their device to access whenever and wherever you need to.
- For any technical difficulties during your studies, students contact eSolutions.
Support while you study remotely
- Monash is capable and experienced when it comes to flexible teaching. Students enrolled in these units will have an excellent educational experience, in parallel with those participating in on-campus programs.
- The flexible units will utilise a range of teaching strategies to support students to be active and engaged with their learning.
- Coursework materials are available on Moodle unit sites.
- When studying online, your academic may advise you of synchronous learning via zoom. Check Moodle for details of when and how to access.
- Academics and course advisors will be in regular contact with our students as they study.
- If students are having difficulty with their studies, for any reason, they can reach out to us to provide the best advice on what they need to do to succeed in their studies.
Campus and building access
- With a significantly reduced campus population, many of our campus buildings are closed or have restricted access. These maps detail which buildings are closed, those that remain open, those that are restricted to staff swipe access, and those with modified operating hours. These maps will be updated should building access requirements change.
- We've published a list of study spaces still available on our Clayton, Caulfield and Peninsula campuses
- Restricted buildings will be accessible only by swiping an authorised Monash ID card. You must contact your delegated access coordinator(s) to request access. Staff will alternatively be granted access for online teaching purposes, if their staff ID number is identified on the official University timetable.
- Closed buildings will not be available for any staff access. Working and studying from these buildings is not permitted.
- If a staff member requires access to a closed building, this will only be permitted to briefly collect an important item (working in these buildings is not permitted, and access will only per be permitted for a few minutes). You can submit a request for access by contacting the access coordinator within the organisational unit via email.
- Staff can view the list of access coordinators here. Please note that this list is being updated frequently, so please check back before making a request. Access will be permitted through an arrangement with security staff.
- Requests for access will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and may be declined.
- Click here for more details on building access.
- With buildings that have moved to a closed status, this impacts the delivery of business-related mail. Usual mail drop off points will be unavailable for staff and our mail contractor, Converga, to access, so we’ve adapted our mail delivery process. Find out more on changes to mail here.
- Staff can park free in any red or blue, and students can park free in any blue permit areas. From 3 August, please register your free parking through the CellOPark app.
- More information on registering free parking sessions via the CelloPark app can be found in transport and parking updates.
Exams and assessments
- We’ve made some changes to our assessment and exam processes in response to COVID-19, to support our students while also maintaining academic integrity.
Assessment format:
- In-semester tests and end-of-semester exams may use an eAssessment platform to conduct remote eExams (using your own device in your own home).
- You can learn more about what to expect and device specifications on our eExams webpage.
- Check the format of your exams in your assessment timetable by checking the reference field next to your unit code. Click on the venue description for more details. Unless you are notified otherwise, all exams are based on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
- Monash will not conduct invigilated exams unless the faculty or an external accrediting body has determined it is necessary to ensure academic integrity, but will use alternative and comparably rigorous assessments.
- Online invigilated exams will be supervised by Monash staff, not an external provider. If your timetable shows you have a department run exam, it means your faculty or teaching department is coordinating this assessment. Check your unit's Moodle page or contact your Chief Examiner for more information.
Academic Safety Net working group outcomes:
- To support you in achieving the best possible academic outcome during the disruption caused by COVID-19, with the close involvement of elected student representatives, we’ve made temporary changes to grading and results for eligible teaching periods.
- The recommendations that were voted on and approved by Academic Board are:
- Supplementary assessment: If students achieve a mark of 40-49, they can choose to complete supplementary assessment in all the units that meet these criteria. The previous cap of two units for supplementary assessments is relaxed.
- Existing threshold hurdles: Any existing threshold hurdles will be applied at 40, not the current mark of 45, including exams.
- Withdrawing from units with no fail grade: After results are released, students can choose to exclude the results of all passed units studied in semester one from the calculation of their Grade Point Average and Weighted Average Mark. This is based on the principle that the disadvantage experienced by the student is experienced in all units, not just select units. Students who opt to exclude their results will have each unit which they passed recorded as SFR (Satisfied Faculty Requirements) on the transcript.
- COVID-19 arrangements for students enrolled in MSA teach-out courses, offered in cooperation with Monash University, will be communicated directly by IIE MSA, the campus owner and operator.
Academic progress processes
- The first academic progress review period in 2020 will work a little differently. After semester one results are released, we’ll still check in to make sure you aren’t falling behind, but we won’t be assigning any risk levels or recording any unsatisfactory criteria you may have met during the semester. Our primary focus is making sure you get the help and support you need. Find out more: https://www.monash.edu/students/academic-progress/receiving-notice
Graduate Research Students
View fact sheet
Information for new applications and commencing students
If you’re applying for admission and/or scholarship
- Monash welcomes applications from prospective students. To access the most up-to-date information on admissions and scholarship application closing dates, please visit our how to apply webpage.
- This website will guide you through the admission steps and also includes anticipated timeframes for considering your application.
If you want to change your commencement date
- If you have a current offer of admission (with or without a scholarship offer) and you’re not able to commence your enrolment due to COVID-19, we recommend you:
- Refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information on current Australian Government restrictions on entry to Australia, and
- Discuss a realistic new commencement date with your supervisor and/or faculty, and
- Submit a request to defer/change your commencement date, which if approved, will mean we’ll send you a new offer letter.
Getting started with your enrolment
- If you need information on how to enrol, visit our Monash Graduate Research Office How to Enrol page for details.
- This page outlines the five steps you need to complete to finalise your enrolment by the expiry date stated in your offer letter.
Getting started with your research: induction and orientation
- Because of current COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve moved our induction processes online wherever practical, normally conducting these via Zoom.
- Different faculties and enrolling academic units undertake induction differently; your academic unit and/or faculty will contact you with further details, and you can also contact them directly if you have any questions. (Refer to our faculty contacts page).
- In the meantime, we’d encourage you to complete your Monash Doctoral Program - Compulsory Module.
- Make sure you speak to your supervisory team about getting started, and the focus of your research project during this period.
Managing your scholarship
- If you’re enrolled and located within Melbourne on a scholarship administered by Monash, you’ll continue to receive payments as scheduled on a fortnightly basis.
- Any variations to your scholarship (such as applications for paid leave) are also being processed as normal.
- If you’re on a scholarship funded by an external body, sponsor, faculty or academic unit, we recommend you seek advice from that funding body or your academic unit or faculty about the conditions of your scholarship.
- If you have general questions about the conditions of your scholarship and what options may be available to you, we’ve set up a new resource page to help and guide you.
Planning your research during the current COVID-19 situation
- We understand that this year has been challenging for everyone, especially for students trying to progress their research while juggling other responsibilities and commitments including families, schooling and caregiving.
- Planning your research and being able to maintain momentum has been hard for many students. Below are some practical strategies to assist you:
- If you’re enrolled through Monash Australia, we encourage you to refer to the Impact of Stage 4 restrictions on campus operations section of the fact sheet. This section includes up-to-date information on how the restrictions may apply to you. If you’re enrolled through Monash Malaysia, please visit the Monash Malaysia site for updates on COVID-19.
- Continue to maintain contact with your supervisors, conducting your regular meetings via online means (e.g., Zoom, Skype etc.)
- If you haven’t done so already, it’s important you contact your supervisors and put in place a work plan to manage your enrolment over the next six months, and review any existing plans.
- In developing a new work plan (or re-evaluating an existing one), consider reflecting on your current situation to determine if you need to make any changes to your research given current ongoing restrictions, agreeing on an alternative course of action where your research activities are (or continue to be) delayed.
- Consider all the variables that comprise key elements of your research and determine if they are able to progress during this time (i.e. ethics applications, industry placements; accessing libraries, archives; undertaking fieldwork etc.).
- If it’s not practical for you to continue your research at this time and you want more information on what options are available to you, refer to the section below on Converting to part time enrolment and Applying for Leave.You can also go to our new resource page to help you understand your candidature and scholarships.
Progress milestones
- It’s important that you talk to your supervisors in the lead up to all scheduled milestones, and especially important in the context of COVID-19.
- PhD and Research Masters Milestone Review Panels (MRPs) are continuing where practicable. For most milestones, Zoom video conferencing can be used, and is now a standard platform for much of the business of the university. If you’re not sure how to use Zoom, Monash has a dedicated website to support you to utilise the platform to its full potential.
- Below are some questions for you to consider when approaching your supervisory team and planning for your milestone under these current circumstances:
- Has your research project been impacted by COVID-19? (for example, is there any experimental work that you are required to do, such as data collection, interviews, fieldwork, travel, conference participation, which has been delayed)? If so, have you had a discussion with your supervisors about what this impact means for your research project (for example, does the project need to be re-scoped)?
- If your project has had to be re-scoped, have you agreed on an action plan to achieve this?
- Does your research project rely on access to external resources (archives, laboratories, industry partners or funding)? If so, have you been able to continue to access these resources?
- Have you experienced any delays with other activities that form part of your research project (ethics applications; liaising with industry partners/other research collaborators)
- Do you have any requirements for ongoing access to computers; specialist software and/or equipment and/or sites (labs; tissue or seed banks; archives; libraries; repositories; field sites); and human resources (other students; lab technicians etc.)
- Is your research timeline feasible under the current COVID-19 situation?
- If your milestone can’t proceed and needs to be rescheduled, rest assured you can apply for an extension to a milestone. The COVID-19 situation is an acceptable reason for seeking an extension.
Monash Doctoral Program (MDP)
- Professional development: The Monash Graduate Research Office, faculties and other units (e.g. Library) have modified existing face-to-face professional development training to online/webinar delivery where practical, and developed new online content. We’ll provide updates on new content or online versions via our regular Graduate Research student newsletter. We encourage you to access the existing large volume (over 300 hours) of online training within myDevelopment.
- We’ve also set up a dedicated google site which lists activities offered under the auspices of the Monash Graduate Research Office.
- If you’re not sure how to access or use myDevelopment, please visit our website, which also includes contact details of our team who can assist with queries relating to activities offered through the Monash Graduate Research Office.
- Semester two coursework units: If you are required to complete coursework as part of the Monash Doctoral Program, your faculty graduate research office can assist you with your enrolment queries.
Extending your thesis submission date
- In recognition of this year’s challenges, we’ve put in place a series of measures to support students during this time.
- If you need to apply for an extension to your thesis submission date due to COVID-19, it’s important that you provide details about how COVID-19 has impacted your research as part of your application. That way, we can process your application more quickly. COVID-19 also meets our definition of compassionate and compelling circumstances for international students on Australian student visas.
- Specific details on how we are supporting you are outlined below, and you can also visit our new understanding your candidature and scholarships website to learn more about your thesis extension options.
- If you’re an international student on an Australian student visa, and you’re not sure how an extension may impact on your student visa, please visit Monash’s student visa page for information.
Supporting our doctoral students
- If you are a current Monash Australia student and you were enrolled on or prior to 8 April 2020, we’ve automatically applied an extension to your thesis submission date, meaning your thesis submission date has been adjusted to 3.5 years equivalent full time, pro-rated for part-time students.
- If you want to view your adjusted thesis submission date, visit your Research Enrolment Summary.
- If you need to apply to extend your thesis submission date beyond 3.5 years equivalent full-time due to COVID-19, you can apply for a further extension to your thesis submission date up to 4 years equivalent full-time, pro-rated for part-time students.
- As a temporary measure, we are also being more flexible in considering extensions to your thesis submission date beyond the maximum four years equivalent full-time. Extensions of this type are only considered under exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 4.5 years equivalent full-time. We consider COVID-19 an example of an exceptional circumstance where it’s impacted your research.
Supporting our research master’s students
- If you’re a current research master’s student, you can apply for a thesis extension.
- As a temporary measure, we are also being more flexible in considering extensions to your submission date beyond the maximum two years equivalent full-time. Extensions of this type are only considered under exceptional circumstances up to a maximum of 2.5 years equivalent full-time. We consider COVID-19 an example of an exceptional circumstance where it’s impacted your research.
Graduate Research Completion Award (GRCA)
- We’ve introduced a supplementary Graduate Research Completion Award to support graduate research students in their final year, who have been significantly impacted during COVID-19 and are close to submitting their thesis for examination.
- Monash Australia doctoral and masters by research students completing in 2020 may be eligible to apply for this award which provides funding at the RTP/MGS stipend rate of up to 12 weeks equivalent full time (doctoral students) and six weeks equivalent full time (masters by research students).
- If you would like further information on this award, including eligibility, selection criteria and the application process, we encourage you to visit our page dedicated to this scheme.
Converting to part-time enrolment
- Given current circumstances, we understand that students may need to consider converting to part-time enrolment for a specific period of time.
- If you’re considering this as an option, we encourage you to speak to your supervisory team first to determine if part-time enrolment is an option for you.
- If you are on a Monash scholarship (such as a MGS or RTP Stipend), please be aware there may be implications to your scholarship when converting to part time. Students on any other scholarship, including scholarships funded by other funding bodies, should first check with them to confirm part time enrolment is permitted.
Applying for leave
- If you are not able to undertake your studies at this time due to COVID-19 disruptions or caring responsibilities, you can apply for a leave of absence.
- This leave is available to all graduate research students, including international students on an Australian student visa, as COVID-19 is considered grounds for leave under compassionate and compelling circumstances. In your application, just remember to provide details on how COVID-19 has impacted your research.
- For more information, the leave options are outlined in the Doctoral and Research Masters handbooks (Chapter 4) and you can also visit our new understanding your candidature and scholarships website to learn more about options that may be available to you.
- Other ways we are supporting you include:
- Expanding sick leave entitlements to cover leave for those with family caring responsibilities during COVID-19 restrictions.
- Permitting students to request unpaid leave beyond the 12 month maximum for an unpaid leave of absence due to COVID-19.
Grants and financial assistance
Study away/travel grants
Study away with or without a travel grant
- All study away and travel grants are currently suspended. No applications will be approved until further notice.
- All previously approved planned study away with or without a travel grant has been cancelled. If you are impacted by this cancellation, you can re-apply at a future date when the current restrictions have been removed. If you have a query relating to travel insurance or other insurance, please contact the University Insurance Office here.
Internships and placements
- If you are undertaking an internship managed by APR Intern, these are continuing to operate. APR Intern is liaising closely with organisations where internships are currently in place or are pending commencement.
- If you are on an internship or placement, make sure you follow the directions of the organisation and University at this time.
Joint PhD programs
- If you are currently enrolled in a joint award program, it’s important that you follow the advice and/or direction of Monash and the partner university at this time, and remain informed of any restrictions that apply at the partner.
- Make sure you also maintain contact with your Monash main supervisor and seek their guidance if you have any questions.
- Where your mandatory residency requirement is impacted by current travel bans, it’s important that you discuss your research project requirements and timelines with your supervisors to accommodate potentially delayed or shortened residency at the partner.
- If you need advice specific to your situation, the Monash Graduate Research Office team can provide you with assistance.
GRIP programs
- If you are enrolled in a GRIP program, it’s important that you follow the directions of the partner organisation and the University at this time. Please maintain regular contact with your Monash supervisory team, and seek their advice if you have any questions or concerns.
Graduate research examinations
- Thesis examinations are continuing as normal and submission is available here.
- As always, we recommend that your supervisors contact potential examiners in the first instance and ascertain their ability to undertake the examination process at this time.
- If you are not ready to submit, you can apply for a thesis submission extension (refer to Extending your thesis submission date above).
Contacting the Monash Graduate Research Office and your faculty
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO) has transferred to virtual operations, and is available to assist you with any queries as usual from Monday to Friday during business hours.
- If you have any question relating to the administration of your enrolment, you can contact:
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO)
- E: mgro-candidature@monash.edu
- T: +61 3 9905 3009
- Your faculty (refer to the faculty contact lists)
- The Monash Graduate Research Office (MGRO)
Stage 4 Permits
If you need to travel to campus during permissible hours (not during curfew) to use emergency study spaces or if you need to study remotely and access childcare/kindergarten, please follow the steps below:
- Request a permit from your faculty, or school as appropriate.
- The permit must be correctly filled out and signed by you as the student in the section entitled employee.
- The permitted role for on-site work and permitted industry category should be recorded as “Professional, scientific and technical services” and the location you will be attending must be listed.
- The nominated employer representative area must be signed by an appropriate level faculty member, such as the Associate Dean (Graduate Research) or their nominated delegate (in the case of the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences this will be the Head of School). This person will be able to confirm the validity of the permit should authorities contact them to confirm this.
- If you are unsure on who should sign as the nominated employer representative, please contact your Faculty Graduate Research Office for advice.
Attending campus for strictly limited reasons during curfew hours
You may need to attend campus during curfew hours (currently 9.00pm-5.00am) to perform critical research. Critical research means medical or other research that requires on-site attendance, care for animals, agriculture or horticulture.
If you fall into this category, you must:
- Discuss with your supervisors the work required and determine if there is a pressing need for the activity to be undertaken during curfew hours on campus.
- Seek approvals from your supervisor and your Faculty Associate Dean Graduate Research (ADGR), or delegate such as Head of School;
- Email your request to the Monash Graduate Research Office via mgro-candidature@monash.edu with the subject line: Graduate Research Campus Access Letter.
- Requests must include a short summary specifying the activity you are undertaking on campus, and include the specific dates and times of access and travel and where on campus you will be working. You must also include your supervisor and Faculty Associate Dean (or delegate) approvals. Requests without this information will not be be considered;
- All requests will be reviewed, and if approved, MGRO will issue the permitted worker permit and will sign as the employer and nominated employer representative.
- Once received you must sign in the place where it states employee.
In all cases when travelling to Monash, you should carry your student ID card and be aware of the University’s COVID Safe Plan and fact sheet, and refer to these documents for up-to-date information.
Proof of completion
View fact sheet
Students impacted by rescheduled exams for further study
- Students requiring the completion of their course or unit to progress to another course or unit will not be impacted, as they will have received their results before the semester one census date. Students can commence in a unit for which they have not successfully completed the prerequisite unit or course due to the deferred exams. If students did not successfully pass the deferred exam, they will need to have withdrawn from any units for which they are no longer eligible by census date, and have enrolled in units for which they are eligible.
- For those students transferring to another institution or conducting further study at another institution, please contact Monash Connect and we will provide a letter of evidence of special circumstances.
Evidence of course completion for employment
- A number of students completing their Monash studies may need to rely on evidence of course completion prior to starting their employment.
- Please call Monash Connect and we will issue a letter of special circumstance for you to provide to your employer, explaining the delay in course completion.
Health advice
View fact sheet
General health information
- All students and staff must follow the health advice of the Department of Health and Human Services and that of the Monash Chief Medical Officer.
- As of 12.01am Monday, 16 March, all people who arrive in Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days. If you are experiencing symptoms, wear a surgical mask if you have one to help avoid potential spread of any illness, separate yourself from others, and call the Department of Health and Human Services dedicated COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week). If you have severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath, call 000 and request an ambulance, and inform the paramedics where you have recently been.
- Further guidance on home isolation is found here.
- Monash University’s Health Service continues to take direction from the local medical authorities and will follow the established COVID-19 reporting framework.
- Follow basic hygiene rules to prevent further spread:
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a flexed elbow or tissue, not your hand).
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your face and mouth after touching surfaces.
- Don't spend time with people who are sick.
- Don't go to work or attend campus if you feel sick.
- Staff and students must continue to check the advice as it is likely to be updated regularly as this situation develops.
Face masks
- Based on the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, a face covering will be mandatory whenever you leave home - and wherever you live - from 11.59pm Sunday, 2 August. Please note the Victoria Police issued fine for not wearing a face covering is $200
- This advice is due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in recent days.
- Wearing a face mask provides an additional physical barrier and helps to reduce community transmission, however keeping 1.5 metres between yourself and others and washing your hands are still the best defences against COVID-19.
- Our priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our community, and providing a safe environment for all.
- In line with Victorian Government advice, all students, staff, and visitors to campus are required to wear their own face mask or covering, with some exceptions, such as for medical reasons.
- Where the University has conducted a risk assessment and deemed that a surgical, or other grade, mask is required, the University will supply this.
- Watch this video featuring the University's Chief Medical Officer Dr Vicki Ashton for more information about face masks.
What to do if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- If you have any symptoms such as fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, or your general practitioner. In certain circumstances, headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
- It’s important that we continue to keep our University community safe, and we all play a role in ensuring we can continue to deliver excellence in education and research. It’s important that any staff or students who are presenting with any potential symptoms of COVID-19 – including mild symptoms like a scratchy throat or runny nose – get tested and refrain from coming to the University until their test results are known.
- If you are sick, stay home. If someone else is sick, please discuss with a staff member.
- For general information on COVID-19, you can also contact the Department of Health national hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1800 020 080.
- On campus, University Health Services (UHS) has modified its operations and now includes a Fast Track Clinic on the Clayton Campus only, for COVID-19 telehealth consultations and testing. If you need advice on COVID-19, please call the Triage nurse on 9905 3175. For after-hours advice, call the coronavirus hotline 24/7 on 1800 675 398.
- We have also developed infographics for staff and students to help you navigate the Department of Health and Human Services and Monash Chief Medical Officer’s recommended health advice.
What to do if you suspect you have been in close contact with a confirmed case
- If you suspect or are concerned you may have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19, separate yourself from others and call the dedicated Victorian Department of Human Health and Services COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 (24 hours, 7 days a week). Here you will receive detailed information on what you need to do next, including what to do if you need testing, if you are required to isolate yourself or if you can continue your usual activities.
- A suspected case is someone who has symptoms or signs of COVID-19 and who is being tested for infection but has not found out the results of the tests yet.
- Until the results are known, there is a risk that you could have the COVID-19 infection and could spread the virus to other people. While it may take a few days for the test results to be returned, you must not attend campus until you receive your test results, and have been informed it is safe for you to resume your usual activities. Refer to the DHHS suspected case factsheet.
- Staff who have been identified as a suspected case should immediately notify their supervisor who will advise Access HR on hr@monash.edu or via phone on 9902 0400.
- If you have been notified by the DHHS that you are a close contact of a confirmed case, separate yourself from others. DHHS will give you detailed information on the next steps, including what to do if you need to arrange to be tested.
- You must not come to campus, and must isolate in your home for 14 days until you are informed by public health authorities that it is safe to return to your usual activities. Refer to the DHHS close contact factsheet for more information.
- ‘Close contact’ is defined as having face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, or alternatively sharing a closed space with them for more than two hours. Close contact can happen in many ways, but examples include:
- Living in the same household or household-like setting (for example a hostel).
- Direct contact with the body fluids or laboratory specimens of a confirmed case.
- Being in the same room for two hours or more.
- Face-to-face contact for more than 15 minutes in some other setting, such as in a car, in a lift or sitting next to them on public transport.
If you have been identified as a suspected case
If you have been notified by the DHHS that you are a close contact of a confirmed case
What to do if you are tested for COVID-19 and the test is negative
- If you have been tested for COVID-19, it may take a couple of days for the test results to be returned to you. During this time, you must isolate yourself in your home until your test results are received. If your test result is negative, you will no longer need to remain in isolation and can return to your normal activities once you are well again.
- For more information on self-isolating, see here. There is no need for others in the house to quarantine unless you are confirmed to have coronavirus.
- If you test negative, your doctor or the clinic you were tested at will advise you of your result.
- Refer to the Department of Health information for people with a suspected case fact sheet for more information.
What to do if you are tested for COVID-19 and the test is positive
- Your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will contact you by phone or SMS to advise you of your results, regardless if it is positive or negative.
- If you test positive, whether or not you have symptoms, you will need to immediately self-isolate – you should have already been isolating at home while waiting for these results. You will be contacted by a public health worker from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for advice on next steps.
- If you have tested positive to COVID-19, you must follow the recommendations of your medical professional and the Australian Health Department, including the required self-isolation period.
- If you are a Monash staff member, you must also immediately notify your supervisor, and your supervisor will advise Access HR via email at hr@monash.edu or phone on +61 03 9902 0400.
- If you are a Monash student, we also ask that you notify Monash Connect on 9902 6011 for further support and follow-up.
- People who have had close contact, as identified by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, including family members and people you live with will be required to isolate themselves for 14 days from their last contact with you.
- If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath:
- Call 000 and request an ambulance.
- Inform the ambulance officers that you have a confirmed case of COVID-19.
- You must be cleared by a Public Health Officer and determined to be no longer infectious before you can leave your home isolation and re-enter the Monash or wider Australian community.
- Refer to the Department of Health information for people with a suspected case fact sheet for more information.
Travel advice
View fact sheet
Key travel restrictions
- Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents are restricted from travelling overseas from 25 March, 2020.
- Exemptions, which will be managed by the Australian Border Force, will apply to a range of categories for travellers, including for those citizens ordinarily resident overseas where travel:
- Is essential or necessary.
- Is in the nation's national interest.
- And on compassionate and humanitarian grounds.
- This prohibition is aligned with the Government's decision to raise the smartraveller travel advice to level 4 - do not travel overseas.
- International travel restrictions are imposed on all people arriving in Australia. From March 16, all international arrivals to Australia are required to self-isolate at home for 14 days.
- On 19 March, the Federal Government announced the closure of Australia’s borders. All non-citizens and non-residents will be banned from arriving in Australia from 9pm on Friday 20 March.
- All Australian citizens, residents and direct family members will still be able to enter the country from overseas, but will have to self-isolate for 14 days.
- We are assisting students who are Australian citizens to return to Australia. Further information about this will be provided directly to affected students. Students that are non-citizens or non-residents will be provided assistance to the best of our ability if they request it.
- If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and need Australian consular assistance, you can find more information on the smartraveller website.
University-related travel
- Domestic travel
- The University recommends all domestic travel is avoided unless it is absolutely essential for the performance of your work.
- Where essential travel is required, the following applies:
- As at 1 June 2020, staff may travel domestically where Government guidelines allow;
- Approval for travel must be strictly in accordance with the University’s Travel Procedures.
- For travel to restricted domestic areas, staff must obtain the relevant State exemption or permit prior to booking.
- International travel
- Effective 25 March, 2020, staff are not permitted to book any university-related international travel. This is consistent with advice from the Australian Government's Department of Health and smartraveller.
- This advice has been issued for two key reasons:
- Potential higher risk of contracting COVID-10 overseas.
- Travel becoming more complex and unpredictable. Entry or movement restrictions are changing often and quickly.
- Monash is continually monitoring advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and will not compromise on the safety and wellbeing of staff.
- If you have any queries related to existing bookings or travel requests, including deferred travel, please contact the Monash Security Office at travelsecurity@monash.edu.
Travel insurance
There is different University travel insurance coverage dependent on whether you booked before, on or after Friday 6 March 2020 (AEST). In all instances, you will need to contact your travel agent, airline and accommodation provider to alter arrangements and seek a refund before submitting a claim.
Bookings made prior to 9am Friday 6 March and travelling within 60 days of this booking (students and staff)
- If you need to cancel or amend your travel for reasons permitted under the insurance policy, there is no change and losses will be reimbursed. This includes for COVID-19-related reasons. Insurance cover includes:
- Loss of deposits, cancellation costs, curtailment and disruption (including COVID-19 related disruptions).
- Medical costs and losses from cancellation, disruption or curtailment in the event of contracting COVID-19.
Bookings made after 9am Friday 6 March until 12pm Tuesday 17 March and travelling within 60 days of this booking (students and staff)
- If you need to change or cancel arrangements for any reason associated with COVID-19 before you travel, other than you have contracted the illness, (for example, an organiser cancels an event due to COVID-19 or flights are cancelled) losses incurred are not covered by the University travel insurance policy. This includes loss of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption costs and curtailment costs.
- If you need to cancel your travel prior to the scheduled travel date due to contracting COVID-19 or being required to be in self-isolation, losses of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption costs and curtailment costs are covered due to illness.
- Should you contract COVID-19 whilst travelling, you will be covered for medical expenses and associated curtailment costs under the University travel insurance policy.
- There are some instances where travel losses may be incurred that are not covered by the University’s travel insurance. The University will review requests via the hardship support process. Ensure you keep receipts and communications with travel suppliers.
Bookings made after 12pm Tuesday 17 March 2020
- If you purchased or made booking arrangements on or after 12 pm 17 March 2020, or embarked on travel commencing 12pm 17 March 2020, you will not be covered for any claim and/or loss arising due to COVID-19. This includes loss of deposits, cancellation costs, disruption and medical and/or evacuation.
Study Abroad
Students currently overseas (Australian campuses)
- According to the latest advice from the Australian Government, Australians are restricted from travelling overseas at this time.
- The University recommends that Monash students studying overseas return to their home country where practicable.
Students planning overseas study for Summer and Semester 1, 2021 (Australian and Malysian campuses)
- The University has cancelled mobility programs for Summer (including Summer A and B) and Semester 1, 2021 and is not approving new requests to study overseas prior to 1 May, 2021 at this time.
- This includes exchange and independent semester abroad programs, global study tours, global work integrated learning and HDR study away programs.
- If you have an active application for exchange, independent semester abroad or another overseas program, Monash Abroad will contact you to provide advice and possible alternative options.
- If you require an overseas study component to course or unit complete, please speak with your faculty as soon as possible about alternatives and options for meeting your course requirements.
Students planning to study overseas from May 2021 (Australian and Malaysian Campuses)
- If you have or are planning to apply for Semester 2, 2021 exchange or an independent semester abroad (applications close on 15 October 2020), we don't recommend:
- Making travel/flight bookings which cannot be easily changed
- Making non-refundable payments;
- Quitting your part-time job;
- Cancelling any current leases or other accommodation; nor
- Paying deposits at your host institution. If you are being asked to make holding deposits for accommodation, please liaise with the coordinator at your host institution to discuss alternative options.
- 2021 short-term programs (study tours, Prato, global summer/winter programs, WIL) are being considered. Updates when they occur, will be available on the Monash Abroad Portal.
Completing students finishing at Monash and leaving Australia
- Check with a reputable travel agent the status of your flight/s or booking one. It may be difficult for you to get current flight information without the support of a travel agent at this time (websites are not reliable because the information is changing rapidly).
- Check and register, if possible, with your home country embassy or consulate for information about repatriation flights that might be happening.
- If your student visa is due to expire before you are likely to be able to leave Australia, consider applying for a visitor visa or another visa which you are eligible for that allows you to extend your stay.
Support for students
View fact sheet
We've created a dedicated website for students to help support your transition to online learning.
Students living on campus
- In response to COVID-19, Monash Residential Services (MRS) has adapted its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of residents by:
- Implementing additional cleaning in all communal bathrooms, toilets and common areas within halls.
- Increasing security in our residences in all halls on the Peninsula and Clayton campuses.
- Delivering an extended range of online community engagement programs and activities
- Providing each resident currently in room with a small quantity of face masks
- More information about living on campus during COVID-19 can be found here
- A list of support services available to each resident can be found here
- MRS will continue to operate for students wishing to remain in their accommodation. Current internet access will continue to be offered and maintained, and students can continue to access the on-campus University Health and Counselling Services.
- The MRS Halls Cafe on Clayton campus will remain open seven days a week for takeaway meals only.
- We acknowledge and understand that during this period of growing uncertainty, some students may wish to return home to family and friends. Should residents who are currently in room wish to cancel their current residential agreement with MRS and move out of their Hall, they can do so without any financial penalty until further notice. A departure form must be completed prior to departure, and the room must be completely vacated, and keys returned. The MRS departure form can be found here.
- Residents who depart will be given priority access to return to on-campus accommodation in 2020 (to an equivalent room/studio) provided they indicate this option when submitting the online departure form.
- Following the declaration of a State of Disaster for Victoria, and implementation of Stage 4 restrictions for metropolitan Melbourne, new arrangements are in place for MRS residents:
- Stage 4 restrictions will be enforced by members of the Residential Support Team and MRS Services Personnel
- No visitors are permitted in any type of MRS residential accommodation, except for MRS staff and authorised contractors. This includes visitors from other MRS halls/residences.
- Room capacity limitations are posted on the entry doors to all communal/shared spaces and must be adhered to.
- No more than two residents are permitted in any resident bedroom at a time (including the resident of that room).
- The MRS sports field and bbq areas are closed.
- The Clayton South East Flats and Peninsula Residential Village are viewed by the State Government as household dwellings and as such only one person per household can leave home to get necessary goods and services and only once a day (this means you can’t do multiple shopping trips in a day).
- A strict curfew will be in place from 9pm to 5am, with the exception of those as stated by the State Government: for work and essential health, care or safety reasons. Outdoor exercise is not permitted during curfew.
- Any breach of the Stage 4 restrictions will be managed under Section 13.2 of the MRS conditions of Residency for all MRS properties except (Briggs Hall and Jackomos Hall)
- Any breach of the Stage 4 restrictions will be referred to the office of student conduct for residents of Briggs Hall and Jackomos Hall
- Based on the latest advice from the Chief Health Officer, all Victorians must wear a face covering when they leave home, no matter where they live. Victoria Police will be issuing fines for not wearing a face covering. The fine is $200.
- Advice from the Department of Health and Human Services is that within MRS Halls, an individual resident bedroom is classified as a ‘home’ in this context, rather than a Hall. As such, any time a resident leaves their bedroom within MRS Halls, including when using communal facilities such as shared bathrooms, kitchens, common areas and when entering/exiting your bedroom/hall, irrespective of whether or not physical distancing requirements can be maintained, a face covering must be worn. If two residents are in one bedroom, both residents must wear a face covering
- Physical distancing of 1.5m must continue to be maintained at all times.
- Residents are reminded to notify a member of their RSTO if they are not well or have been tested, to enable MRS to provide appropriate support. Residents will be required to self isolate until they get a negative test result and feel completely well.
- Residents cannot re-enter the Monash or wider Australian community until you have been cleared by a Public Health Officer to be no longer infectious.
- Contact Monash Residential Services for any accommodation admissions advice.
Student visas and confirmation of enrolment
- Monash understands students may be concerned about the impact an increase in online study might have on their student visa.
- The Australian Government has confirmed that Monash can deliver more than one-third of a course via online study to international students during the COVID-19 pandemic, for students both in Australia and overseas.
- We understand from the Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) that qualifications would be recognised including an online study component if students are currently enrolled at the University and their on-campus study has been disrupted by COVID-19, with them having to continue their study with the university through online means during the disrupted period. Students are advised to maintain records of their communications with the University to provide CSCSE with documentation, which verifies that they have indeed been impacted by the COVID-19 situation.
- Depending on your individual course, assessments will be adapted to suit the mode of study. Please contact Monash Connect if you’d like to discuss any changes to how your course is being delivered.
Implications for your enrolment:
- The Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that is issued by Monash is the University’s guarantee to the Department of Home Affairs that a student is enrolled in an approved Monash course, and on receipt of a CoE from Monash the Department issues the student visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs can issue or cancel a student visa.
- Once issued, there are specific visa conditions that must be adhered to. Students must remain enrolled in an approved course, and the CoE issued by Monash provides the evidence of this enrolment.
- Because Monash is now able to deliver more of your course online, the University will manage your enrolment in the following ways:
Monash won’t make any changes to your CoE if:
- You want to study online in your home country and intend to return to Australia;
- You are currently in Australia, but want to return home and study online for a period of time before returning to Australia to complete your degree; or
- You are currently in Australia, and your course has been moved to online study.
Monash will cancel your CoE if:
- You return home to complete your course with no intention to return to Australia. If you change your mind later and wish to return to Australia and your visa has been cancelled, you will need to apply for a new student visa.
Visa application and date changes
- If you’re waiting on a decision on a visa application and have a revised CoE from Monash, you should advise the Department of Home Affairs of the new CoE. This is to ensure your student visa will reflect the adjusted dates on your most recent CoE.
Other student visa changes
- The Department of Home Affairs has temporarily increased the number of hours that individuals on a student visa can work, in certain fields of work.
Other visa enquiries
- The Department of Home Affairs is the only agency with the power to issue or cancel a student visa. If you have questions about the status of your visa or your application, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs. Further information is available on their website.
Changes to international student visa arrangements:
- The Australian Federal Government announced the following visa changes for international students on 20 July:
- The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
- International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
- Student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
- Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
- Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.
Events, activities and venues
- Monash University has cancelled a range of non-essential planned events. The list of events cancelled is here.
- If a refund is required for any delayed or cancelled student activity or event, you can submit your request here.
- In line with Government health advice, the Monash Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) has temporarily suspended all public events until further notice. The below venues are also closed, subject to further review:
- Robert Blackwood Hall.
- Alexander Theatre.
- George Jenkins Theatre.
- David Li Sound Gallery.
- The Count’s.
- The Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) galleries are also now closed until further notice.
Will online study be recognised by the Chinese Government?
- The Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) released a statement on 3 April, 2020 confirming that online study undertaken due to the impacts of COVID-19 will be recognised. Please see below translation of the statement released by the CSCSE:
- Our Centre understands and supports measures some overseas universities have implemented to help Chinese students finish their studies, such as the extension for enrolment, offering online courses, flexible final assessments and thesis' in response to COVID-19.
- If Chinese students undertake online study for part of their course due to difficulty in returning to campus, or the resultant time remaining offshore not meeting normal course requirements, these won't be factors affecting their degree certification.
- Students are advised to practise proper self-protection, follow the special measures implemented by your university at this particular time, and keep records of relevant university notices and communications.
- In response to concerns from students, our Centre will publish up-to-date information in a timely manner during COVID-19. We have set up a consultation hotline for enquiries regarding overseas qualification certification. Students can call 010-62677800 or email renzheng@cscse.edu.cn.
Verification to be on campus during Stage 4 restrictions
There is currently no State Government direction nor requirement for students to be issued with or carry permits in order to travel to University to undertake approved on campus activities. However, to ensure you feel confident when travelling to Monash during the Stage 4 restrictions we have implemented the processes listed below.
For those students who need to travel to campus for scheduled permitted assessments and exams, laboratories or practicals (medicine, pharmacy and allied health) or to use emergency study spaces:
- This previously shared email serves as an official notice from Monash University that you are undertaking permitted studies. You may show authorities this email, as well as your student ID card. If they seek further detail, as mentioned in previous communications, you can have them call Monash Connect to verify.
- Additionally, if you are asked for more information, you can show your exam or class timetable.
- Authorities may ask to see the Monash COVID Safe Plan to ensure you are aware of it. You can find that document here.
- All this information is verified on the University’s COVID fact sheet website, which can be found here.
For PhD students permitted to travel outside of curfew:
- PhD students can contact the Monash Graduate Research Office via mgro-candidature@monash.edu with the subject line: Graduate Research Campus Access Letter. Please include a short summary specifying the activity you are undertaking on campus and include your supervisor and Associate Dean Graduate Research (ADGR) approvals.
For those students who are on placement:
- Contact your faculty placement officer for the provision of appropriate documentation or use your original placement verification.
For those students who believe they are permitted to access childcare:
- PhD students are advised to contact their supervisor, and those on placements advised to contact their placement officer, for the provision of any additional documentation (beyond that outlined above) to confirm your eligibility to access childcare, that your provider may require. Students who have exams, or require that their classes be covered, can contact faculty student services.
In all cases when travelling to Monash, please carry your student ID card and be aware of the University’s COVID Safe Plan.
The University only permits your attendance on campus for the education activities outlined here. We are monitoring campus activity as part of meeting our obligations under the COVID Safe Plan. If you are found to be accessing campus for any reasons other than for a permitted activity, you could face personal fines and/or you may be required to leave our campus.
Student enquiries
If you have questions about enrolment or changes to semester two that aren't in the fact sheet, please contact Monash Connect to discuss your personal circumstances. The University’s free student counselling service is also available 24/7 to all Monash students on 1300 788 336.
Support for staff
View fact sheet
We've created a dedicated website for our academic staff with Q&As to help support your transition to online teaching.
Staff attendance, work requirements and working from home arrangements
- As of 12.01am Monday, 16 March, all people who arrive in Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days and follow the health advice of the Department of Health.
- Staff must also self-isolate if they have been in close contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus in the last 14 days (they must isolate themselves for 14 days after the date of last contact with the confirmed case)
- Staff who are required to attend campus to perform permitted work can continue to travel to campus.
- Effective from 25 March, 2020, many of our staff are now working from home (WFH). We've created a WFH website – Monash @ Home – which houses information, resources, and tips to support our staff working remotely.
- A new program known as Flex@Monash has launched, which will support people who are currently in roles that are not able to be performed from home. The University is looking at ways these staff can temporarily perform different duties, within their skill level. This will provide support to colleagues in other areas that are experiencing a surge in work activity. We also encourage people at this time, if they cannot perform their role from home, to use their leave entitlements.
- University owned laptops may be taken home, for those who do not have access to a university laptop or suitable personal equipment, ESolutions have additional laptops available for loan. Please contact ESolutions (after first speaking with your supervisor) for a loan laptop.
- Personal equipment such as home laptops or PCs can be used if you have ensured appropriate data privacy and security. Please speak with ESolutions with any queries about setting up home equipment for University use.
- Monitors (as long as they do not exceed 10kg in weight), keyboard and mouse can be taken home.
- Desktop computer CPUs may not be taken home, apart from necessary “bespoke” specialised CPU. It is important to contact ESolutions to have it correctly boxed for take-home and identified.
- Staff who are managing the delivery of essential services and still need to come to campus can park for free in any red or blue permit areas. From 3 August, please register your free parking through the CellOPark app. More information on registering free parking sessions via the CelloPark app can be found in transport and parking updates.
Research services
The below categories of critical research will continue:
- All COVID-19-related research.
- Hazard monitoring and resilience.
- Biosecurity and public health.
- Research where Australia has a competitive advantage.
- All research that is to continue must be approved by the Provost.
Staff leave provisions
- We have a range of leave options available to staff in response to the potential impacts of COVID-19 including if you are required to self-isolate, if you come into close or casual contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or if you need to care for family members affected by COVID-19-related events, such as temporary school closures.
- The COVID-19 Staff Leave Guidelines and Physical Distancing and Alternative Work Arrangements include a range of flexible options for staff who are working from home and have responsibilities for assisting their children with home-schooling, including the provision of a day a week carer’s leave.
- Where you are required to isolate and this is a result of personal travel to a travel restricted country following the Government declaring all countries as level 4 (do not travel), you will not be eligible to receive paid isolation leave under any circumstances.
- The University is committed to its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Whilst isolation leave is not an entitlement available to casual and sessional staff under the University’s Enterprise Agreement, the University has elected to extend access to isolation leave to casual and sessional staff who have been confirmed as having contracted COVID-19 or have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or have been identified as a suspected case of COVID-19. The maximum total isolation leave that can be accessed is 14 calendar days inclusive of any economic stimulus package provisions provided by State or Federal Governments. Additional information can be found in the casual and sessional COVID-19 leave guidelines.
New staff who are yet to commence at Monash and are currently outside Australia
- For new staff who are due to commence with Monash in 2020 and have (or are in the process of applying for) an Australian Permanent Residence visa, we encourage these individuals to arrange their relocation to Australia after they have been granted their permanent residence visa and at least 14 days prior to their agreed commencement date. This will ensure these staff meet the 14 day self-isolation period in Australia, prior to their commencement date at Monash.
- For new staff who were due to commence with Monash in 2020 and have (or are in the process of applying for) an Australian Temporary Residence visa, these individuals will not be able to travel to Australia whilst the travel bans are in place. These staff will need to defer their relocation to Australia and their commencement date at Monash, until after they have been granted their temporary work visa, the travel bans have been lifted, and they have relocated to Australia.
- Where a new academic staff member is able to do their role remotely, the commencement date can’t be delayed and they can’t relocate to Australia due to the travel bans, this will be considered subject to assessment on visa status, tax implications and any additional costs Monash may incur.
Staff enquiries
Our fact sheet provides information for staff about working from home arrangements, leave provisions, changes to campus operations, health advice and more. Please discuss your personal circumstances with your supervisor or contact Access HR on (03) 9902 0400. The Employee Assistance Program is available 24/7 to all Monash staff on 1300 360 364.
Thought leadership
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