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COVID-19 information

COVID-19 information

Latest update NHS forum 1 December

Flinders University is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we are aligning our actions with advice from the Australian Government. This page will be updated to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our community.

Staff and students are encouraged to remain vigilant in our hygiene and social distance practices as restrictions ease, with infection rates interstate illustrating the pace at which situations can change.

 

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Latest updates 

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FAQs 

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Finding your way at Flinders

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Library updates

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International students

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HDR students

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Health and wellbeing

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Support services

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College of Medicine and Public Health response

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Non-graded pass conversion 

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Student progress process 

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External resources 

Latest updates

  • DVC (Students) NHS forum 1 December 
  • DVC (Students) update: 30 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 29 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 28 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 23 November
  • Vice-Chancellor update: 21 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 20 November
  • Vice-Chancellor update: 20 November
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 20 November
  • Vice-Chancellor update: 19 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 18 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 17 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 16 November (no 2)
  • DVC (Students) update: 16 November
  • DVC (Students) update: 28 October
  • DVC (Students) update: 24 July
  • DVC (Students) update: 19 June
  • DVC (Students) update: 24 May
  • Letter from SA's Chief Public Health Officer: 18 May
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 21 May
  • Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) update for HDR students: 12 May
  • DVC (Students) update: 8 May
  • DVC (Students) update: 7 May
Previous updates
  • DVC (Students) update: 17 April
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 17 April
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 9 April
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 3 April
  • DVC (Students) update: 2 April
  • Flinders COVID-19 student support package: 2 April
  • DVC (Students) update: 31 March
  • DVC (Students) update: 27 March
  • Vice-Chancellor video update: 26 March
  • DVC (Students) video update: 26 March
  • Changes to Library spaces: 25 March
  • International students update - VP&PVC (International): 25 March
  • DVC (Students) update: 24 March
  • Campus retail and services update: 23 March
  • DVC (Students) update: 23 March
  • Positive COVID-19 notification at Flinders University: 18 March
  • Vice-Chancellor update: 16 March
  • DVC (Students) update: 16 March

Information sessions

The science behind coronavirus

Vice President and Executive Dean, Professor Jonathan Craig from the College of Medicine and Public Health hosted an all staff and all student forum on the epidemiology of the Coronavirus. View the recording.

COVID-19 updates

Information sessions were held to update staff and students, and answer questions. View the recordings. (Select a recording date in the top left of the window.)

Non-graded pass conversion

As announced on the 28th October 2020 the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students), outlined several strategies to support our students with the assessment for this period. For students who have received any passing grade from a first-year level topic topic ONLY [ie a topic with a number 1xxx] conducted in the second half of 2020 may request to have it changed to a Non-Graded Pass (NGP).

To calculate any impact this change would make on your GPA, please refer to the GPA Calculator.

To request the conversion of a passing grade complete the Request for NGP Grade Conversion COVID-19 form.

Upon process completion you will receive a reply notification via Ask Flinders confirming the conversion.

Changes to our student progress process

At Flinders, we want to help you succeed. If you have difficulty progressing in some areas of your studies, we may reach out to you as part of our commitment to Supporting Student Progress and Success.

We understand university can be difficult, and there are all sorts of issues that can impact your study. Failing topics or having other academic challenges can be stressful and, in some situations, it can make completing your degree on time more difficult.

Due to the added challenges faced in semester 1 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have changed our process for ‘Supporting Student Progress and Success’ for semester 2 2020. We are also looking at how we may continue to make changes to this process in future.

In semester 1, if you meet one or more of the criteria below, we will reach out to you by email (and maybe SMS) to check you’re going ok and to provide you with a link to complete the ‘My Success Plan’ form. This form will prompt you to think through the difficulties you may be facing, and you can also choose for a staff member to contact you for further support, coaching and consultation.

You will receive an email with a link to the My Success Plan form if you have:

  • failed a topic more than once
  • failed 50% or more units of the total attempted units for the course
  • failed to meet professional accreditation requirements or standards, or, inherent requirements of the course as specified for the advertised course, or in the course rule.

Please note: If you have met these above criteria and received previous student progress sanctions, you may be asked to Show Cause so we can best support you in your studies.

You can also read more about Flinders’ wide range of academic, financial, career and wellbeing support services, through our Support and Services Directory.

Assessment adjustments

As announced on 28 October 2020, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students) has outlined new strategies to further support Flinders students with the assessment for the second half of this year as a result of COVID-19. Adjustments have been made to assessments with the aim to not disadvantage and provide an equity framework for students.  

Failed topic

Supplementary assessment will be available where you have engaged meaningfully with all topic assessments, or you will have the opportunity to resubmit one key piece of assessment where appropriate. For graded topics, a maximum of 50% will be awarded (or P for Non-graded topics).

Please note that ‘meaningful engagement with topic assessment’ means that all assessments must have been submitted on time (including assessments submitted by a revised due date in the case of a granted extension) and with a tangible attempt to address the assessment requirements.

Topic grading/Non-graded pass conversion

Topics will be graded according to the usual grading system. After results are released, for graded first-year level topics ONLY, you have the option to request a non-graded pass (NGP) for the topic.

NOTE: Work-integrated learning or placement topics are excluded from these special considerations due to the nature of the activity and assessment process. Any student experiencing difficulty during a work-integrated learning topic should discuss this with their coordinator.

FAQs

COVID-19 - protecting yourself and others

What is the novel coronavirus COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). They are found worldwide in humans and animals.

A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new strain of coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans. This novel coronavirus is closely related to SARS (hence the virus has been described as SARS-CoV-2). The World Health Organization has formally named it COVID-19 (a shortened form of Coronavirus disease - 2019)

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 infection?

Symptoms include (but are not limited to):

  • fever,
  • cough,
  • fatigue,
  • shortness of breath,
  • rapid breathing,
  • sore throat, and
  • runny nose.

Occasionally only gastrointestinal symptoms are present (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea).

What should I do if I have some of the symptoms of COVID-19?

  • If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above and are concerned it could be related to COVID-19 please phone your doctor or the Flinders University Health, Counselling and Disability Service Centre on 8201 2118 (weekdays 8.45am to 5pm).  
  • SA Health advise that you should tell your doctor or health clinic when making your appointment that it is related to COVID-19 and you have recently (within 14 days) returned from overseas or have spent time with someone recently arrived or diagnosed with COVID-19. This will assist the doctor to manage your appointment appropriately. 

How do I notify the University that a student or staff member has a suspected or a confirmed case of COVID-19?

If a student or a staff member has reported that they have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 then you need to report this to the University via email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au. The information will then be followed up by the WHS Unit, who will liaise where required with the Department of Health. Further details of the notification process can be found in COVID-19 Notification procedures (PDF).

How can I protect myself against COVID-19?

Precautions advised by public health experts include:

  • Frequently cleaning hands with soap and warm water, or where unavailable an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • When coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands.
  • Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention early and share your recent travel history with your health care provider when making your appointment.

We have also installed hand sanitiser dispensers at Bedford Park, Sturt and Tonsley campuses. See below.

Is there hand sanitiser on campus for me to use?

We have made hand sanitiser available at the locations listed below at Bedford Park, Sturt and Tonsley.

Building

Level

Room

Qty installed

North Ridge

 

 

 

Central Library

1

Student Kitchen

1

Central Library

1

Toilets

1

Central Library

1

Entrance

1

Central Library

2

Toilets

1

Central Library

3

Toilets

2

Connect

0

Kitchenette

1

Connect

0

Main Study Space

1

Connect

0

Toilets

2

Hub

0

Student Kitchen

1

Hub

0

Parent Room

1

Hub

0

Toilets

1

Hub/ Tavern

1

Toilets

1

Hub/ Fusa

1

Toilets

1

Hub/ Fusa

1

Printing Hub

1

Hub/ Fusa

1

Entrance

1

Hub/ Alere

2

Toilets

1

PSB

1

International Office Reception

1

Matthew Flinders Theatre

Foyer

Theatre Entrance Doors

2

Humanities

1

North Theatre 1 Entrance

1

Humanities

0

North Theatre 2 Entrance

1

Humanities

1

Breezeway Toilets

1

Humanities

1

130 - Comp Lab

1

Humanities

2

College Front

1

Social Sciences North/ Art Museum

0

Toilets

1

Social Sciences North

0

North Theatre 3

1

Social Sciences South

2

College Front

1

Law & Commerce

0

North Theatres 4

1

Law & Commerce

0

North Theatres 5

1

Health Sciences Lecture Theatre Complex

1

1.01 x 3 Entrances

3

Health Sciences Lecture Theatre Complex

3

Student Kitchen

1

Education

1

1.01 Lecture Theatre

2

Education

2

Lobby Space

1

Education

3

Entrance/ Study Space

1

Education

4

College Front

1

Sports Centre

1

Entrance

1

Sports Centre

2

Cardio Room Entrance

1

Sports Centre

3

Entrance (Registry Side)

1

South Ridge

 

 

 

South Lecture Theatres

1

South Lecture Theatre 1

1

South Lecture Theatres

1

South Lecture Theatre 2

1

Physical Sciences

1

1305 College Front

1

Physical Sciences

1

1003 Toilets

1

Physical Sciences

0

014 IDS Entrance

1

Physical Sciences

0

Room 002

1

Physical Sciences

3

3101

1

Information Sciences & Technology

1

South Theatre 3

1

Science Innovation Learning Centre

1

Entrance Doors

2

Biological Sciences 1 near Palaeo  
Biological Sciences 2 near room 205  
Biological Sciences 2 near room 225-226  
Biological Sciences 3
near room 303
 

Sturt

 

 

 

Sturt South

1

S101 FISC

1

Sturt South

1

S109 IELI Study Space

1

Sturt South

3

S305 Labs

1

Sturt South

2

S202 Lecture Theatre

1

Sturt South

2

S210 Lecture Theatre

1

Sturt South

4

S403B

1

Sturt West

1

Fusa Student Space

1

Sturt West

1

Pantry Toilets

1

Sturt West

1

Pantry Kitchen/ Bins

1

Sturt West

2

ASMS Crossover Entrance

1

Sturt West

4

406 Physio Teaching Space

2

Sturt North

1

College Front

1

Sturt North

2

220a Toilets

1

Sturt North

3

N335 Lecture Theatre

1

Sturt North

3

Student Kitchen

1

Sturt Library

3

Sturt Library

3

Tonsley

 

 

 

Theatre 1

1

Theatre 1 Entrances x 2

2

Theatre 2

1

Tele Theatre Entrance

1

Flinders Living

 

 

 

Communitiy Centre

G

Entrance

1

University Hall

2

Landing

1

University Hall

1

Dining Room

1

University Hall

0

Ball Room

1

FMC

 

 

 

Medical School

5

College Front

1

Are there quarantine requirements regarding students and staff returning from high risk areas?

Australia’s borders are now closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you and your immediate family members can return to Australia.

Changes from 11.59pm Saturday 28 March

From 11:59pm on Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia via air or seaports must undergo 14 days of isolation in the city of their arrival.

At overseas airports, Australian Border Force liaison officers will work with airlines to identify travellers who should not board flights.

The Australian Government will provide accommodation for the quarantine period.

If your final destination is in a different state or territory, you must still complete your quarantine in the state or territory you arrived in, before returning home.

States and territories will enforce these requirements with support from the Australian Government. This includes the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Border Force, if needed.

View more information.

What does self-isolation mean if I do not live alone?

The South Australian Centre for Disease Control (SACDC) advises that self-isolation does not affect any other person you live with unless they also meet the criteria above. The advice is that your family or housemates do not need to self-isolate.

The SACDC advises those in self-isolation should not attend public places and not allow visitors to their home or residence. They should wear a surgical mask when using common areas in the house and should practice good hygiene.

If the isolated person needs to go out of their home they are advised to wear a surgical mask. 

What happens if I am being tested for COVID-19 infection?

You will need to follow the advice of your doctor and where required the SA Health Department. If you are advised by your doctor or SA Health not to attend University for a period of time, please contact your College or supervisor.

Test results will usually be available within approximately 24 hours.

Where can I get accurate information about the global situation?

The World Health Organization is monitoring and managing this virus outbreak with global health authorities. Information can be accessed from the Department of Health  or the World Health Organization.

What should I do if I notice a staff member or student not complying with Health Department advice regarding quarantine?

  • If you are the supervisor of the staff member you should seek advice from People and Culture.
  • If you are not the supervisor of the staff member then you should bring your concerns to the supervisor of the staff member.
  • Staff may talk to a student or colleague in regards to their welfare, and to ensure they are aware of the current advice, however there are many conditions that cause cold or flu-like symptoms.

Should pregnant staff or students take any other precautions?

Currently we believe there is currently no evidence that pregnant women are more at risk, as long as they are otherwise healthy. If any pregnant staff or students have concerns, we can arrange specialist advice.

Pregnant women, like others, should engage in usual preventive actions to avoid infection, like avoiding people who are sick with infectious illnesses, avoid touching of the face, mouth, nose and eyes with unclean hands and practicing good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes and wiping down surfaces.

What are the current limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings?

View the State Government information.

Stress, anxiety and mental health

I am experiencing stress or anxiety regarding the virus. Can I talk to someone?

Flinders University offers services for students and staff seeking support

  • Students can contact our Health, Counselling and Disability Service Centre on 8201 2118 or the Out of Hours Crisis Service on 1300 512 409 04 text 0488 884 103.
  • Staff can access support via the University’s Employee Assistance Program

Remember, if you have symptoms please phone your doctor or the University’s health service in the first instance.

If you have seen a doctor and have been advised to undertake self-isolation, counselling support can be accessed by phone.

How are we addressing the impact of these changes and social isolation on mental health among staff and students?

While our campus facilities are still available for students, such as our computer laboratories and study spaces – we understand the significant changes on campus may leave staff and students feeling isolated or alone.

We have a range of support services for students online, including our Online Hub and the Flinders Support Network and we invite students to reach out if they would like to discuss any concerns or speak generally about how they're feeling.

Flinders staff are invited to visit our health and wellbeing page which contains information on our Employee Assistance Program and tips for looking after their mental health during this time.

Impact on degrees

Will attendance policies regarding compulsory attendance at various classes be changed to allow for challenges in accessing doctors for medical certificates?

Flinders staff are reviewing all practical classes, assessments (including exams) and work-integrated learning activities which cannot be done online to ensure these can be conducted in line with recommendations from health authorities relating to social distancing or other requirements, if these cannot be conducted online. More information will be made available as soon as possible.

Should I still enrol in my courses if my arrival will be delayed?

If you have not already, please enrol online and call our International Student Services on +61 8 8201 2717 or email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au so we can assist you.

International students

Our Colleges and International Student Services are providing advice to affected students about specific arrangements for them, including online study.

View further information for international students.

HDR students

The Office email advice of Graduate Research recognises that each HDR student has a different story, research project, discipline, motivation and methodologies. Therefore, there isn’t a single strategy that can be deployed for all students. Flinders University has enabled a digital doctorate to provide all the candidature architecture you need.

How can I connect with my supervisor and other key people for my HDR?

You can hold digital meetings with your supervisors or follow the recommendations from health authorities relating to social distancing. Some options for digital meetings include:

  • WebEx Meetings is an online meeting space that allows you to meet with other people, without having to leave your home or office. You can meet anywhere, anytime, from any device.
  • Microsoft Teams is part of the University’s Office 365 package. So, there is no special permission required to access it. There are 2 ways of accessing Teams, one way is through your web browser but we encourage you to download the app via the IDS Support portal icon on your desktop. For more information go to the student computing website.
  • Skype is another easy option you could use. Go to the Skype website for more information.

How can I connect with Office of Graduate Research (OGR) staff for my HDR?

The OGR remains open and eager to assist any students in this difficult time. However, in light of the current circumstances, appointments and meetings are to be held online or over the phone wherever possible. Individual appointments with OGR staff members can be booked online through the OGR Appointments Scheduler in the REST FLO site. These will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Where can I find information about candidature management?

Please refer to the HDR students website for all your candidature needs.

How do I contact my College HDR coordinator if I have any HDR related queries?

Find your College HDR coordinator.

How can I connect with College research librarians for my HDR?

You can book an online appointment with a Research Librarian to discuss your research or how to access resources. The library has a remarkable series of databases for you.

View more information about the Flinders University Library’s response to COVID-19.

How can I get help with Inspire?

The Inspire website has a quick reference guide for all the functionality currently available: degree management; milestones; examination; skills development; and career planning and goals.

If you require technical issues and support relating to Inspire please submit an Assyst request and an IDS Service Desk representative will be in touch to resolve your request.

I’ve just started my HDR candidature, what should I be working on?

Early in the candidature, you can create research design and research questions. These often lead into a literature review or systematic review, depending on your methodologies and epistemologies and ontologies. Your supervisor can offer you the best advice to ensure a successful candidature. This is the time of minimal disruption for you.

I’m at mid-candidature, what should I be working on?

This is a good time for writing thesis chapters, working on literature reviews, ethics applications, undertaking reference checks or research plans for the next phase of your work. Your supervisor can offer you the best advice to ensure a successful candidature.

Take some time to review the research plan that has been already put in place for January-June 2020, map progress so far and document what is still planned for this period. Prepare an updated summary of your research and plan how you may spend your time if the location of your research is changed. You should work with your supervisor to identify components of your project that could be performed at home or an alternative location if there are prolonged candidature disruptions.

I’m in my final year of candidature, what should I be working on?

This is a good time for reviewing thesis chapters, proof-reading, undertaking reference checks and finalising your thesis for examination. Your supervisor can offer you the best advice to ensure a successful candidature.

At Flinders, the submission of thesis for examination is online via Inspire. For more information refer to the HDR students examination and completion website.

How can I achieve my Milestone presentation?

The OGR has enabled University-wide Milestone Presentations to allow HDR students to present their research in preparation for their Annual Milestones. These can be delivered online and successfully completed

Any Flinders University HDR student is able to book in a timeslot for their HDR Milestone Presentation via the REST FLO site. Prior to booking, please confirm the date and time with your supervisory panel and ensure that an assessor is able to attend, in person or online (please check College Milestone guidelines for further information).

OGR support will be available during the allocated timeslots to assist with any technical requirements.

What do I do if I am worried that I will not be able to meet my milestones due to interruption as a consequence of being directly involved in the COVID-19 response?

Discuss your situation with your supervisor and email the HDR Progression Team, hdr.progression@flinders.edu.au in the Office of Graduate Research to discuss the impact. The University recognises that each student’s case is unique and will be managed on an individual basis.

My supervisor has asked me to take two months intermission as experiments can’t be commenced. My concerns are around how this affects me if the situation continues, and how I can go on to do research after that.

The University’s approach is that research will continue as much as possible to maintain output, following appropriate guidelines (social distancing). The situation will need to be reviewed as it progresses.

A plan should be developed with your supervisor for the following 2-3 months assuming the situation remains as it is now. Also make sure you have your existing plan of what you had intended to do from January-July 2020.

Concerns around intermissions and effects on scholarships are to be discussed with your supervisor, or the College HDR coordinator and the Office of Graduate Research. Individual appointments with OGR staff members can be booked online through the OGR Appointments Scheduler in the REST FLO site.

How do I deal with increased caring responsibilities?

HDR students needing to assist children at home or elderly parents may need to consider an intermission or part-time option. Concerns around intermissions and effects on scholarships are to be discussed with your supervisor, or the College HDR coordinator or the Office of Graduate Research. Individual appointments with OGR staff members can be booked online through the OGR Appointments Scheduler in the REST FLO site.

What if my research needs to be undertaken overseas or with vulnerable people during this time?

We recognize it is important that the university support you to undertake research overseas or with vulnerable populations in Australia, and encourage you to adjust timelines for the research or their research design, to ensure both their own health and safety and also that of their research collaborators. Discuss this with your supervisors, and if Ethics is in place, report any changes. Find contact details.

What is the resourcing around ethics committees (SACHREC/SBREC/IBC/AWC) regarding timelines for approvals / modifications, for example, possibility of restructuring clinical trials due to modifications, or modifying data collection due to travel restrictions?

At this stage ethics committees are running to schedule and some are scheduling extraordinary meetings. Refer to research integrity, ethics and compliance for more information.

Fieldwork – how it can be transitioned during this time?

The Dean of Graduate Research has had discussions with many students about putting the problem into the work. Interviews can be done at a distance, but still face-to-face via technology.

The Deans of Research in the Colleges of Nursing and Health Sciences and Business, Government and Law have provided the information below to assist you with your data collection activities:

Consider whether your data collection activity can take place without in person contact.

You may wish to consider moving to online activities or phone calls. If so, it would be prudent to seek ethics approval for a modification to your protocol (consider privacy issues, data storage issues, implications for any costs incurred by participants).

Prepare the research space (be it on campus, or elsewhere)

  1. Ensure you can provide social distancing of at least 1.5 meters for the entire data collection activity (including travel to and from the data collection activity).
  2. Ensure hand sanitisers are available and used by all parties (including researcher, participant, carers, onlookers) frequently (i.e., at the very least they should be used before and after data collection activities).
  3. Ensure any equipment used is able to be fully sanitised after use by each researcher and each participant.

For more information about changes to fieldwork refer to this article.

Impacts in reduction of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) on research. SALHN have indicated that there may be a need for PPE from the University to be requisitioned (or preserved) to service the shortfall for the hospital / health care workers. What is the advice then to researchers requiring PPE?

Researchers must use PPE when required. At this stage there has not been a formal request from SALHN, and so this will be monitored, and clarity will be provided by the College Dean (Research) and COVID-19 Taskforce. In the meantime, research should continue where possible.

What if my supervisors have been seconded to attend to urgent COVID-19 related matters?

We recommend you arrange regular meetings with your principal supervisor and if that is not possible then your associate supervisor(s). If you are finding it difficult to access supervision at the moment due to COVID-19 related matters, then please contact the College HDR Coordinator and a temporary alternative supervisor/advisor can be arranged. You can also discuss this concern with the Office of Graduate Research. Individual appointments with OGR staff members can be booked online through the OGR Appointments Scheduler in the REST FLO site.

How can international HDR students currently overseas get support?

In your host country we recommend that you stay connected with your supervisor and research group via regular online meetings and other available mediums of communications.

In the College of Medicine and Public Health, international students currently overseas can connect with the CMPH HDR community via the planned regular Teams HDR forums. We are setting up an HDR community.

Can a candidature extension be granted due to COVID-19?

The University is monitoring the situation closely. Each student’s case will be individually assessed in line with national legislation. These are governed by the Higher Degrees by Research Policy Sections 4.5 and 4.6, and HDR Admission and Enrolment Procedures Section 6. For more information refer to the degree management website.

As per the email advice from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on 12 May 2020, for students who had current enrolment as at 1 March 2020, the overtime fee will be waived between 4 years and 4 years and 6 months when the student provides concrete demonstration of how their research has been “adversely impacted by coronavirus restrictions.” Documented evidence must be provided. HDR students can contact the Office of Graduate Research about how to make an application by sending an email to gradresearch@flinders.edu.au.   

Can a scholarship extension be granted due to COVID-19?

The University is monitoring the situation closely. Scholarship and candidature extensions are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Six-month scholarship extensions are available – and granted – on the basis of disruptions to a research schedule. For more information refer to the higher degree by research scholarship information website. Or contact Student Finance on rhdscholarships@flinders.edu.au.

As per the email advice from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) on 12 May 2020, current holders of an AGRTPS (domestic and international) stipend may be eligible for an additional 3-month COVID-19 extension.

For students who had current enrolment as at 1 March 2020 who do not complete within three years and six months, an additional extension of 3 months can be given, moving the extension of the RTP stipend to 3 years and nine months. The reason for this extension must be a concrete demonstration of how their research was “adversely impacted by coronavirus restrictions.” Documented evidence must be provided. The normal timelines, deadlines and processes for extension requests of candidature and RTP stipends remain in place. Please contact rhdscholarships@flinders.edu.au if you have any questions.

Please note it does not apply to current holders of FURS / CSERA / FIPRS / AJ & IM Naylon and privately-funded scholarships as these are not supported by the RTP funding.

Can I get an extension for my thesis corrections?

If the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting on your ability to finalise examiners recommendations to your thesis, please email hdr.exams@flinders.edu.au  We will be able to review the situation on a case by case basis.

Will my thesis examination and completion be delayed?

Please continue to submit your thesis for examination as normal through Inspire.

The HDR exams team are working towards getting your thesis examination completed within the normal timeframes. If there is a significant delay we will email you individually to discuss this. You can continue to email hdr.exams@flinders.edu.au for any enquiries.

Can I still undertake HDR student professional development activities?

Yes, the Research and Employability Skills Training (REST) FLO site has topics on every aspect of candidature and numerous online options available within the topics.

All scheduled workshops will be going ahead, in an online format. As of next week, all of our workshops will be made available either through Collaborate, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, and everyone is welcome to attend. Please keep registering for workshops in Inspire as usual, and you will be provided with the Collaborate, Microsoft Teams or WebEx details before the session.

What steps is the University taking for HDR students currently undertaking an international experience as a part of their studies?

The University is taking steps to ensure all Flinders students undertaking an international experience as a part of their studies are safe. Please ensure you check your University email address as updates will be communicated as they become available.

On Wednesday, 18 March 2020, the HDR Progression Team will be in touch with individual students who we are aware are currently undertaking an international experience (field trip for data collection, conference or Cotutelle) during 2020 to advise of next steps. If you’re currently overseas and haven’t heard from the HDR Progression Team by Friday, 20 March 2020, please complete this survey so the Office of Graduate Research can make contact.

I'm an HDR student and will be unable to arrive on time. What should I do?

Please call our International Student Services on +61 8 8201 2717 or email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au so we can assist you.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Where can I get support?

We understand the current uncertainty may cause some concerns and if you’re experiencing extreme distress, hardship or complexities throughout this time, please contact us so we can determine the best support possible.

The Yunggorendi Student Engagement team are available to speak to you about your academic needs, social needs or if you would like to have a chat during this difficult period.

Please call 1800 641 811 or email yunggorendi@flinders.edu.au

Other services are available to you as follows.

Indigenous Student Support Officer

Contact an Indigenous Student Support Officer for advice on course enrolment support, progress advice and advocacy, cadetships, scholarships, grants, referrals to other services and pastoral care.

  • Colleges – Business, Government and Law; Nursing and Health Sciences; Medicine  and Public Health
    Foundation Studies

    Alisha Uswatte
    Phone: 08 8201 5540
    Alisha.uswatte@flinders.edu.au
  • Colleges – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Education, Psychology and Social Work; Science and Engineering
    Asami Huynh
    Phone: 08 8201 2668
    Asami.huynh@flinders.edu.au

Yunggorendi Tutorial Program

Contact us for free additional tutoring for any of your topics.

Michelle Ah Matt
Phone: 08 8201 3199
yunggorendi@flinders.edu.au

To apply for additional tutoring, please complete this form.

Academic Study Skills Advisor

Contact us for general academic skill development and advice.

Katie Maher katie.maher@flinders.edu.au
Melanie Clark melanie.clark@flinders.edu.au

Is the Yunggorendi Mande building still open?

Unfortunately, the Yunggorendi Mande building is now closed for face-to-face services, as well as the Tjilbruke Student Lounge, and 24/7 access will be suspended for students until further notice. Staff are now working remotely and the support services through Yunggorendi Student Engagement are still being offered.

Travel

Am I covered by travel insurance if I have to cancel my flights or book flights out of a high-risk country?

The University’s travel insurers have advised that COVID-19 is now considered a ‘known event’ for all countries, which means claims for costs relating to COVID-19 are unlikely to be covered by the University’s travel insurance.

Australia’s borders are now closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. There is also a ban on all overseas travel, with few exceptions.

For staff and students’ personal travel, the University’s travel insurance does not apply. Check with your travel insurance provider and contact your travel agent or airline for refunds, rebooking fees, etc.

  • Students - further information about travel insurance.
  • Staff - further information about travel insurance.

What if a student is unable to return from abroad?

There are currently unprecedented numbers of Australians trying to make their way home. Most countries still have arrangements in place to allow Australians to leave. But in many cases, the window of opportunity to do so is closing.  If you want to come back to Australia, and commercial flights are available, take them as soon as possible.  

Please contact your course coordinator and email coronavirus@flinders.edu.au if you’re unable to return from overseas.

 

Fees

Do I need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) in semester 2, 2020?

Yes. The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) funds a wide range of student services and amenities that are not related to teaching activities. This includes funding the Flinders University Student Association (FUSA). This covers support programs such as O’Week activities, advocacy and welfare services, financial counselling, emergency financial assistance such as FUSA emergency grants, student loans, bursaries, food packages, petrol and bus vouchers, and support for clubs and societies. The SSAF also provides funds to cover Health Counselling and Disability Services (medical and counselling services on campus), Flinders Sport and Fitness, Careers and Employability Services, the Student Learning Support Service, the Office of Graduate Research, the Flinders Legal Centre and International Student Services.

Flinders University does not charge a SSAF for students enrolled in topics which are formally classified as online mode of attendance. This is to recognise that the majority of students who traditionally undertook these topics were not in close proximity to a campus and were not able to access many of the face-to-face services.

While the University remained open during the first half year, some of the SSAF funded services were limited. As a direct result of this, and in order to assist our students with some tangible fee relief, the SSAF was waived for the first half year. While lectures will continue to be delivered online during the second half of the year, many other teaching components have returned to, and are available on, campus. The amount of online versus on campus delivery will vary from topic to topic, however the full range of student services are now available. Student Services and Amenities Fees have been charged in the second half year consistent with the University’s Charging of Incidental Fees Policy. Eligible students can choose to defer all or part of their SSAF by completing an SA-HELP form.

You can read more about the support available in our Support and Services Directory.

External resources

  • SA Health contact tracing alerts
  • Government of South Australia Recovery from COVID-19 roadmap and current status
  • Northern Territory Government Roadmap to the new normal
  • Australian Government COVID-19 updates and advice
  • Australian Government Department of Health
  • Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment
  • Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Australian Government 'Coronavirus Australia' app (iPhone, Android or join WhatsApp channel)
  • CoronaCast (ABC podcast)
  • SA Health
  • World Health Organization
  • Smart Traveller

Department of Health Twitter updates

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Last Updated: 21 Jan 2021
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