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.
End of COVID-19 pre-departure testing for travellers from China, Hong Kong or Macau
Australia’s pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for passengers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, including the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, will cease applying to flights that land in Australia at 12.01am on 11 March 2023.
It is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with COVID-19 symptoms attend a Monash campus or location.
Monash’s COVID Safe Plan details the strategies in place to protect our staff, students and visitors as we return to campus. If you have any ongoing feedback, please email ohshelpline@monash.edu.
It is the combination of these strategies, and their application to the diverse range of spaces and activities the University undertakes, that ensures our health, safety and wellbeing. For more information, please refer to ‘Health advice and safety measures’.
However mild, get tested if you have any of the following symptoms – fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of sense of taste or smell. For information about testing, visit the Department of Health's website.
Last updated 20 Apr 2023 11:30am
If you have recovered from COVID-19, you aren’t required to get tested or isolate/quarantine if you are re-exposed to a case within four weeks of ending your isolation period. During these four weeks, we recommend you get tested and isolate until symptoms resolve if you are at a high risk of severe illness.
If you test positive to COVID-19 (even if you are asymptomatic) or you have COVID-19 symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you do not return to onsite work or study for five days, and until you are no longer symptomatic. It is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with any symptoms attend a Monash campus or location.
Staff and HDR students
If you are a Monash staff member or HDR student and you test positive to COVID-19 you are requested to complete this form to notify the Monash University Contact Tracing Team and your supervisor.
You will then receive an automatic email containing further information on the support available to you.
Your supervisor will also receive an automatic email to notify them you have completed the form.
Fixed-term and ongoing staff who have tested positive to COVID-19 who are not well enough to work can apply for various leave provisions including sick leave, special paid leave and isolation leave in accordance with the criteria detailed in the COVID-19 Staff Guidelines and Enterprise Agreement.
Casual and sessional staff who have tested positive to COVID-19 and are unable to work as a result of isolating are encouraged to check the relevant COVID-19 Staff Guidelines.
Students
If you are a Monash student and you test positive to COVID-19 you are requested to complete this form to receive further information on the support available to you. You’re also encouraged to notify your chief examiner if you are well enough to study during your recommended isolation period, or to confirm if you are able to access an extension for eligible assessments.
Testing positive to COVID-19
As per the latest Victorian Government advice, it is strongly recommended those who have tested positive to COVID-19:
Isolate immediately for five days. You should only return to a Monash University campus or location after the recommended isolation period is completed and if you are not displaying symptoms.
Notify your contacts. Notification to all ‘social’ and ‘workplace’ contacts is the responsibility of the individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, however where multiple positive cases have attended a particular Monash event, Monash may assist with this communication (e.g an email to registrants).
If you are a COVID-19 contact, Monash strongly recommends you work or study from home if you can. You should only attend Monash’s Australian campuses and facilities provided you have no COVID-19 symptoms and feel well.
You may attend a Monash location, but it is the University’s expectation that you do not attend if unwell, including having any COVID-19 symptoms. It is also strongly recommended that you:
Wear a mask at all times.
Test regularly using Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT). Completion of a daily RAT prior to attending a Monash location is encouraged for the first 7 days following notification you are a COVID-19close contact.
Avoid sensitive settings as per the Department of Health guidelines. If you work in a sensitive setting ensure you discuss attendance with your supervisor prior to attending.
Should a staff member or HDR student you supervise complete the form linked above as they have tested positive to COVID-19, or are identified as a close contact of a person who has tested positive to COVID-19, you will receive notification via an automated email.
Cleaning of Monash locations exceeds the Department of Health requirements, and is coordinated by the Buildings and Property Division.
Further information
There are resources available for anyone who has tested positive to help manage COVID-19 at home. View more information, including a checklist to assist you, here. If you have concerns about worsening symptoms, call your GP or contact a service like Nurse on Call on 1300 606 024 for advice or the University Health Service Triage nurse on 03 9905 3175.
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.
For updates on Monash College's response to COVID-19, please visit the Monash College website.
Last updated 20 Apr 2023 11:30am
Study arrangements
2023 delivery mode
The full Monash experience extends beyond study. In 2022 our state-of-the-art facilities reopened, over 45,000 people attended major campus events, and ground-breaking programs in innovation, discovery and research launched. In 2023, we’ll continue to deliver face-to-face learning for all students in Australia so they can experience everything our vibrant campuses have to offer. Visit coming to campus for full details.
Before you come to campus, please be aware of the arrangements below.
Come to campus well
It is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with any symptoms attend a Monash campus or location. Find out more on campus safety measures here.
Vaccination requirements
The University continues to encourage our community to be vaccinated to protect their health and the health of the broader Monash community, and provide access to vaccinations through the University Health Service.
Students who have placements in healthcare and education facilities may be asked to provide their vaccination information to the University to support these activities.
The Secretary Directions, which are already used each year to require healthcare staff to be vaccinated against the flu, allow for vaccination requirements in public, denominational and private hospitals, as well as public sector aged care facilities, day procedure centres and throughout ambulance service.
Those requiring to have their vaccination status verified by the University can do so by completing Monash’s vaccination status form.
Face masks are required to be worn in certain settings (unless an exemption applies) in healthcare settings. Face masks are strongly recommended indoors and outdoors if you can’t physically distance.
Due to possible impacts to staffing availability caused by COVID-19, Monash Sport operating hours may change. Should scenarios arise where facilities cannot be adequately and safely resourced, operating hours and services may be altered, temporarily unavailable or closed until it is safe to recommence operating. Monash Sport apologises for any disruption this may cause.
The full Monash experience extends beyond study. In 2022 our state-of-the-art facilities reopened, over 45,000 people attended major campus events, and ground-breaking programs in innovation, discovery and research launched. In 2023, we’ll continue to deliver face-to-face learning for all students in Australia so they can experience everything our vibrant campuses have to offer. Visit coming to campus for full details.
Please refer to the University's COVID Safe catering guidelines for recommended controls and measures to reduce the risk of transmission of coronavirus through workplace catering.
On campus events guidance
Please follow the new COVID Safe event guidelines to make sure your event meets the required health and safety standards to protect the Monash community from COVID-19.
If an educator is absent, due to isolation requirements, they will be required to fill out an online form which will inform Access HR and the educator's supervisor.
If an educator is unable to attend campus (due to isolation requirements), the unit’s Chief Examiner (CE) will initially try to identify an alternate educator who will continue the activity on-campus at the scheduled time and location.
If an alternate educator isn’t available, the learning activity may proceed with one of the following options with the approval of the Associate/Deputy Dean (Education):
take place online at the same time as scheduled
take place online at a later date
take place in person at a later date.
Fixed-term/ongoing staff who are required to isolate but are fit to work from home can continue to do so.
Sessional staff who are required to isolate and cannot work on-campus can claim payment for the delivery of the activity through the COVID-19 staff guidelines.
Students will be notified via Moodle of a change in teaching delivery from the intended and scheduled activity. Consistent messaging is to be used to create a banner in Moodle, and provided to the relevant areas. This text is also to be added by the CE within the Moodle forum, which will automatically trigger an email to students.
Decision-making should take into account any learning outcome dependencies of having a delay in the delivery of the activity.
COVID-induced absence – students
Reporting your isolation
If you are required to be absent due to isolation requirements, you are required to complete this form to notify the University.
Access to online learning activities
If you’re required to test and isolate, or have tested positive and are unwell, you’re not expected to attend online learning activities or study during the specified five day isolation period. The Chief Examiner will make the necessary learning arrangements for you including access to class resources that you may miss through Moodle (including, where possible, access to Zoom links for online classes).
Accessing short extensions or special consideration
If you’re isolating you’re eligible for a short extension of up to five calendar days for eligible assessments. If you require a longer extension you can apply for special consideration.
Once you submit your COVID-19 contact reporting form, forward the confirmation email to your Chief Examiner to apply for a short extension and discuss with your Chief Examiner how you can catch up on any missed activity.
Your Faculty Placement Office will be in contact if your placement is affected.
Individual organisations have vaccination requirements and 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.
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 Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences:
Information about clinical placements can be found here.
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.
Currently enrolled students seeking to make changes to their scholarship or enrolment, such as converting to part-time enrolment or taking a period or leave of absence or undertaking an internship, should refer to information on the graduate research Support and Resources page. Key COVID-specific measures are outlined below.
Supporting our students
If you are a current Monash Australia doctoral student and you commenced prior to 30 November 2021, 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. You can view your adjusted thesis submission date via the Research Enrolment Summary.
If you need to apply for a further extension to your submission date you can apply for a formal thesis extension.
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 who are close to submitting, 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.
If you have any question relating to the administration of your enrolment, you can contact the Monash Graduate Research Office or your Faculty Graduate Research Office. See our website for details.
All students and staff are encouraged to follow the health advice of the Department of Health and that of the Monash Chief Medical Officer.
It is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with any symptoms attend a Monash campus or location. If you test positive to COVID-19 (even if you are asymptomatic) or you have COVID-19 symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you do not return to onsite work or study for five days, and until you are no longer symptomatic.
The University encourages students, staff and visitors to be vaccinated to protect their health and the health of the broader Monash community, and will continue to provide access to vaccinations through the University Health Service.
Secretary Directions are already used each year to require healthcare staff to be vaccinated against the flu and allow for vaccination requirements in public, denominational and private hospitals, as well as public sector aged care facilities, day procedure centres and throughout ambulance service.
Further information for specified workers
Any Monash specified worker who is medically exempt from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine due to a recognised medical contraindication or acute medical illness will need to submit proof via Monash’s vaccination status form. In line with the Chief Health Officer’s Directions, a current COVID-19 digital certificate (or printed version) issued by Services Australia is now the only evidence accepted for medical exemptions. Your doctor will need to update your record on the Australian Immunisation Register to show that you have a medical exemption, then once your exemption has been processed, you can download your COVID-19 digital certificate. For more information on how to show proof of your vaccination exemption, see here.
Specified workers should keep the confirmation email following verification for their records, as they may be asked to show this to security staff as proof that they are allowed onsite. If they do not produce these documents, they will be provided with information on what they need to do in order to get permission to attend our campuses and locations.
Specified workers are advised not to share their vaccination documentation via any other channel (for example, emailing their COVID-19 digital certificate to their lecturer or supervisor) than those specified in official University communications.
Please note that your COVID-19 vaccination must be undertaken on the advice of a health practitioner.
Monash will accept any of the following TGA-approved COVID-19 vaccines, when staff or students provide their proof of COVID-19 vaccination:
AstraZeneca Vaxzevria
Moderna Spikevax
Pfizer Comirnaty
Coronavac (Sinovac)
Covishield (AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India) vaccines
COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen
Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech, India)
BBIBP-CorV (manufactured by Sinopharm, China)
Sputnik V (Gamaleya Research Institute)
Nuvaxovid (Biocelect on behalf of Novavax)
If you have received a vaccine that is not currently TGA-approved, you are advised to make an appointment with your GP to discuss the options available to you to be able to meet vaccination requirements.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments
International students currently in Australia have access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and can attend a state government-run vaccination clinic, GP Respiratory Clinic or via community pharmacies and GPs that are administering COVID-19 vaccines by contacting the National COVID Booking Line (1800 675 398). More information can be found here.
Fixed-term and ongoing staff can apply for sick leave, in accordance with existing entitlements, to attend a vaccination centre or GP off-campus for COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
Students who make a COVID-19 appointment at a vaccination centre are permitted to be absent from a specific learning activity (without penalty), provided the appointment does not clash with a compulsory assessment. Students are not required to show proof of booking, however can do so if they wish.
University Health Service
If you have recently returned from overseas and you have any questions regarding your vaccination status, please email nurse.help@monash.edu.
If you have any enquiries, please contact UHS Clayton on 9905 3175.
Information for staff and students without a Medicare card
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone, including staff and students who don’t have a Medicare card (such as international students).
If you don’t have a Medicare card, you can apply for an Individual Healthcare Identifier (IHI).
An IHI will enable you to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
Applying for an IHI and being vaccinated for COVID-19 will not impact your visa status or your eligibility for government payments.
How to get an IHI:
The quickest way to get an IHI is online through your myGov account. If you don’t have an account, it’s easy to create one. You’ll need one of the following identification documents:
your passport, with a valid Australian Visa
your Australian driver licence.
These documents will be used to verify your identity and give you an IHI. Follow these steps to get an IHI online:
1. Sign in to myGov. 2. Select services or link your first service. 3. Select IHI service from the list.
If you don’t have a car or access to appropriate public transport, there are alternative options you can explore such as 13cabs, Uber or DiDi.
Getting proof of your COVID-19 vaccination appointment
If you don’t have a Medicare card, or are not eligible for Medicare, you can get proof that you have had your COVID-19 vaccination by:
Asking your vaccination provider to print a copy of your Immunisation History Statement (IHS) for you.
Calling the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809. For interpreting services call 13 14 50 to have an IHS sent in the mail. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the mail.
Some international students working or on placement in health care or other sensitive settings, may be required to upload their COVID-19 vaccination status to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), asrequired in prescribed settings under Secretary Directions. This can be completed at some pharmacies for a fee, or by booking an appointment with a GP to arrange uploading your vaccination status to the AIR (fee may apply). It is recommended to call before making an appointment, to see if they can assist.
Local vaccination clinics
The Federal government’s Vaccine Clinic Finder can help you find a clinic delivering COVID-19 vaccinations.
Face masks are required to be worn in certain settings (unless an exemption applies), including in healthcare settings. On campus, this includes the University Health Services.
Face masks are strongly recommended indoors and outdoors if you can’t physically distance. Wearing of masks on the University’s intercampus buses is also strongly recommended.
A face mask is not required to be worn by a person while they are broadcasting, lecturing or teaching, nor while eating or drinking or completing strenuous exercise. Teachers and education support staff are not required to wear face masks while teaching, but can if they wish to do so.
A face mask should be worn by a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 for at least 7 days after a positive test. Noting it is strongly recommended that you do not return to onsite work or study for five days, and until you are no longer symptomatic.
Staff are able to access surgical masks (or N95 masks for use in particular applications) through their Faculty/Department.
Students are able to access surgical masks at University libraries, key teaching buildings or from Monash Connect.
See this video for instructions on how to properly wear a face mask.
If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 it is strongly recommended you complete a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT), or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test if a RAT is not available.
Symptoms include fever, chills or sweats, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, and loss of sense of smell or taste, however mild. To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398, or your general practitioner. In some cases headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also present as symptoms.
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 is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with any symptoms attend a Monash campus or location.
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, the University Health Service, Clayton is open for PCR testing each day by appointment only. Call 9905 3175 to either book a time, or speak to the triage nurse for more information.. If you need advice on COVID-19, please call the Triage nurse using the number above. For after-hours advice, call the coronavirus hotline 24/7 on 1800 675 398.
If you are a COVID-19 contact, you should only attend Monash’s Australian campuses and facilities provided you have no COVID-19 symptoms and feel well. You may attend a Monash location, but it is strongly recommended that you:
Closely monitor yourself for symptoms
Have no COVID-19 symptoms
Should wear a mask at all times
Should test regularly using Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT). Completion of a daily RAT prior to attending a Monash location is encouraged for the first 7 days following notification you are a close contact.
Should avoid sensitive settings as per the Department of Health guidelines. If you work in a sensitive setting ensure you discuss attendance with your supervisor prior to attending.
If you have taken a PCR test, 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 should immediately self-isolate – you may already be isolating at home after a PCR test. You may be contacted by the Department of Health for advice on next steps.
If you have tested positive to COVID-19, you should follow the recommendations of your medical professional and the Department of Health, including the required self-isolation period and to notify your COVID-19 contacts.
If the test is negative:
If you have COVID-19 symptoms and you return a negative rapid antigen test you should stay home until your symptoms go away and repeat rapid antigen testing over the next several days.
The health, safety and wellbeing of our community is our top priority, and we continue to be guided by the health advice of the Victorian Government, and the University’s Chief Medical Officer.
The following strategies in the University’s COVID Safe Plan all work in conjunction with each other to manage COVID-19. Monash constantly monitors the latest government advice and information from the Department of Health, reviewing the COVID Safe Plan and updating operations where deemed relevant.
1. Come to campus well
It is the University’s expectation that only those who are well and not presenting with any symptoms attend a Monash campus or location.
Health alert posters have been installed across our campuses and on digital screens in all central teaching facilities to reinforce basic hygiene measures (e.g. washing your hands regularly; cough and sneeze etiquette etc.) to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
Hand sanitiser stations have been installed across all buildings to allow staff and students to sanitise their hands as they enter and exit. In addition, all faculties and divisions are asked to provide hand sanitiser in their local offices/areas to allow staff and students to regularly sanitise their hands during the day.
4. Cleaning
Frequent cleaning of our buildings in accordance with the Department of Health guidelines.
Provision of cleaning materials to support the University’s increased cleaning regime:
All facilities and divisions are asked to provide alcohol wipes in their offices and areas to allow staff and students to regularly wipe down their work station and equipment - particularly shared-use equipment and spaces.
Laboratory areas are asked to provide appropriate cleaning materials to allow staff and students to clean their work areas and shared equipment and infrastructure.
BPD provides all central teaching spaces with cleaning materials for the academics to clean the lectern, computer and audio-visual equipment. The cleaning materials are also provided to allow students to clean down the desks/tables, chairs and any shared equipment.
All faculties are to provide cleaning materials in their teaching and collaboration spaces for academics and students to use.
5. Ensuring our buildings and spaces are well ventilated
In 2022 the University’s ventilation controls strategy was reviewed by an external expert consulting company who confirmed that our strategies are consistent with Australian and international best practice for the control of COVID-19 transmission. This included our strategies for independent air flow and CO2 monitoring.
We regularly assess our buildings to ensure the ventilation systems are effectively providing sufficient outside air and do not represent an increased COVID-19 transmission risk.
We are monitoring and maintaining the systems to ensure they continue to meet or exceed the Australian standards.
We have highly effective ventilation in the majority of our teaching, research, event and office buildings.
All our central teaching, administrative, technical and laboratory buildings are supported by central air-conditioning systems that supply outside air and therefore represent a very low risk for COVID transmission.
For those spaces with only local or no ventilation systems (less than 20 per cent of total spaces), we have assessed each one, and additional COVID safe measures are being applied to these buildings and spaces. This may include measures such as controlling room occupancy, installing portable air filters and opening windows and doors to provide outside air into the room. Activities involving large groups in small spaces with no or local ventilation systems are being scheduled in other well ventilated spaces.
Working or studying outside is encouraged, where possible. Meetings, discussion groups etc. which do not require technology may be undertaken outside if the weather permits.
See this short video about the ventilation systems at Monash and their role in controlling the risk of COVID-19 transmission here.
If you would like further information about the ventilation system in your building, see the COVID ventilation summary.
6. Vaccination
The University encourages students, staff and visitors to be vaccinated to protect their health and the health of the broader Monash community, and will continue to provide access to vaccinations through the University Health Service.
Secretary Directions – which are already used each year to require healthcare staff to be vaccinated against the flu and– will allow for vaccination requirements in public, denominational and private hospitals, as well as public sector aged care facilities, day procedure centres and throughout ambulance service.
Monash is progressively reinstating University-related business travel for staff and students, following a period of suspended travel throughout 2020 and 2021.
We must ensure that the safety of our people is at the forefront of this activity, and comply with the latest travel advice from the federal government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The University has implemented a new travel approval system for staff who need to undertake business-related travel. More information is available on the Monash Travel Page.
From the Sunday 1 January 2023 all travel must be in accordance with the following:
All travellers must ensure they have access to and are covered under the University’s travel insurance policy.
Only travel that is formally approved (through the University’s travel approval system) will be covered by the University’s travel insurance policy.
To understand what is and isn’t covered, please refer to Insurance Services.
Insurance coverage for COVID events
Circumstance
Covered by insurance?
Notes
Traveller becomes sick with COVID-19 during journey (vaccinated or unvaccinated)
Yes
Covered for medical, isolation costs and cancellations.
Travellers should note that access to medical care in some locations may be difficult where health systems are under pressure.
Traveller becomes sick with COVID-19 prior to travel (vaccinated or unvaccinated)
Yes
Covered for cancellation costs
Traveller must quarantine due to close contact with COVID-19 during travel
Depends
Will be based on any known ‘hot spot’ or risk of area
Accomodation is closed due to COVID-19 outbreak causing disruption
No
Government restrictions impacting travel plans including bans (Australia or other)
No
Any other related outbreak disruption to travel plans
No
As most COVID outbreaks or ‘fear’ of outbreaks will not enable reimbursement of travel related expenses (flights and accommodation) it is recommended that travel bookings (flights / accommodation) are made no more than threemonths in advance, and flexible fares are recommended.
Quarantine
Travel that requires a period of hotel quarantine should not be considered except in exceptional circumstances. In these limited circumstances, Monash will cover the costs for staff and HDR students if quarantine immediately precedes or follows University-related travel (not applicable or covered following personal travel).
The University will support working remotely during quarantine periods.
Criteria for approved travel
Staff must obtain approval to travel on University-related business before booking any of the associated flights or accommodation.
Faculties and portfolios must only support travel requests that meet all three of the following criteria:
Essential to the business of the University – aligning to the advancement of strategic and operational goals (including essential research as part of HDR undertakings and fellowships that have relocation conditional to funding outcomes)
Have no alternative means to engage other than to travel, which will achieve the required outcomes
The travel destination(s) is safe, including any associated event settings and travelling staff member(s) (for example, taking into account COVID-19 risks, individual health, and the current DFAT risk advice, etc.)
Additionally, Deans and Portfolio Heads must ensure that the proposed travel is within revised travel budgets.
The system will workflow a staff member’s request to their Travel Approver in the first instance. If the travel is deemed high-risk (DFAT level 3 or 4) it will automatically workflow to the Director, Global Security and Crisis Response, for review and consideration. All international travel will continue to require approval by the Dean or Portfolio Head.
Once staff receive approval to undertake travel they may proceed to book associated travel. Further information is available on the Monash Travel Page
Coursework students travelling overseas on a Monash activity must obtain travel approval and register their travel with Monash Abroad. Travel to high risk destinations (according to the Travel Policy) is subject to enhanced approvals.
If you have an active application with Monash Abroad for a planned program, your coordinator will liaise with you about what is required before you travel. You are recommended not to make non-refundable travel bookings before you have received approval to travel from Monash Abroad.
Conditions for travel
Quarantine and isolation: All travellers must comply with any quarantine and isolation requirements of the travel destination.
Travel disruption and changes: Students should be prepared to pay for travel disruptions and changes resulting from COVID-19. The travel insurer will assess claims individually.
Domestic
Domestic travel for students can resume in line with current state border restrictions.
For curricular programs, students should liaise with their faculty about options to undertake domestic travel as part of their studies.
For extra-curricular activities, students should liaise with the relevant student association and/or TeamMonash PREP.
Monash Residential Services (MRS) continues to operate for students wishing to live on-campus.
Monash Residential Services must adhere to all Victorian Government Department of Health restrictions in relation to COVID-19 in order to support the health, safety and wellbeing of the residential community.
In response to COVID-19, Monash Residential Services (MRS) has adapted its operations to protect the health and wellbeing of residents including delivering an extended range of online community engagement programs and activities; increasing security in our residences in all halls; maintaining fully resourced Residential Support Teams for 24/7 support and supporting any residents required to self-isolate.
The Department of Health (DH) has directed that Monash Residential Services (MRS) halls are considered communal living environments, rather than households.
A range of mental health support services are available to Monash Residential Services (MRS) residents, including free confidential counselling via video or phone consultation. To make a booking, call (03) 9905 3020.
See this resource for more information on the support services available.
When using the shared kitchens within halls please ensure that you clean all surfaces you come into contact with and remember to practise good hygiene. Avoid sharing personal household items. You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils or tea towels with other people. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water
Residents are reminded to notify a member of their Residential Support Team if they are not well, to enable MRS to provide appropriate support.
Residents must advise a member of their Residential Support Team or an MRS staff member should they return a positive COVID-19 result.
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.
The Chinese Service Center for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE) has confirmed 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.
We continue to work with the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of our overseas students who require hands-on, practical skills learning or placements to complete their studies.
We are also exploring opportunities at our campuses in Sunway, Malaysia, and Suzhou, China, subject to any border restrictions of those countries, that will allow students to complete their degree in these locations, should they wish to do so.
In addition to support from Monash, there are a range of government and community-funded packages and programs open to eligible international students studying in Victoria. Visit Study Melbourne’s COVID-19 support hub and community support and food relief page for the latest information.
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.
The flexible work arrangements launched in 2021 (three days in the office, up to two days working at home) will continue in 2023 for professional staff, where their supervisor determines this can be accommodated within the requirements of their role in accordance with the Working from Home procedure.
Academic staff flexibility continues unchanged.
See the Flex at Monash website to find out more about the 3:2 hybrid model and how to apply.
We have a range of leave options available to staff in response to the potential impacts of COVID-19. Please refer to the COVID-19 Staff Guidelines for further information.
If you are a manager/supervisor and have been advised by a staff member or contractor that they have tested positive to COVID-19, ensure the staff member is aware that they should complete this form so appropriate support can be provided.
Staff can find more information on determining their contacts and tips and resources to help you when approaching contacts on the Victorian Government’s COVID contact checklist.
Our fact sheet provides information for staff about work 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.
Campus operations under COVIDSafe settings
View fact sheet
Changes to semester
View fact sheet
Graduate Research Students
View fact sheet
Health advice and safety measures
View fact sheet
Travel advice
View fact sheet
Support for students
View fact sheet
Support for staff
View fact sheet
