COVID-19 travel ban update

21 February 2020

Dear Student,

Monash is continuing to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is following advice from the Australian and Victorian Governments. The Australian Federal Government has further extended the travel restrictions for people entering Australia from China to 29 February, excluding Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family.

Reminder - semester one has been delayed by one week

Week one, semester one, 2020 will commence on 9 March for the majority of students and staff. Note, there are exceptions to this start date as some courses and/or units may commence earlier. Refer to the online fact sheet for details about these exceptions.

The first week study online

No semester one classes will be offered on-campus during the week commencing 9 March. Instead, all students will undertake remote online study for this week only. This will be a genuine teaching and learning week and all students are expected to participate online.

This online learning will be facilitated via our learning management platform Moodle. Those who have not used it before, or need a refresher course can access our 'how to' video.

Arrangements for affected students unable to return from China

The decision by the Australian Government to extend the travel ban will affect our incoming students and staff from China who will not make it back in time to commence semester one on campus as planned.

All affected students will receive tailored support on a case by case basis to discuss their study plans. We have communicated to affected students separately, however, if you’re affected, and haven’t had an opportunity to let us know yet, please contact Monash Connect.

We can’t wait to see you

Even though our semester start has been delayed a little, we are planning a fun start to the year and we can’t wait to see you.

We’re developing a website with information on all the events happening during Welcome Week from 16 March, tips on how to get around once you're on campus, plus the chance to get a head start on finding your tribe at Monash.

We're also bringing you the biggest campus event in Monash University's history, O-Fest: After Dark. Think food trucks, rides, a pop-up bar and headline acts.

We’ll also provide a digital orientation experience – stay tuned for more details.

aMigo social network

Did you know you can connect with the Monash community and get to know your classmates right away with aMigo, a social network for all students? aMigo introduces you to other Monash students from all over the world. You can chat, join interest groups, and get advice from senior students.

More information

A reminder that Monash provides free confidential counselling support for any Monash student. If you need support at any time, please call 1300 788 336.

Regards,

Professor Susan Elliott AM
Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Vice President (Education)