Dear student,
Further to the all student email yesterday from Professor Clare Pollock, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Students), I am writing to you with a personal message of support and important information.
As an international student, I understand that being a long way from home in these uncertain and unprecedented times is particularly challenging, and that you may feel worried and uncertain about your health, wellbeing and about your education.
COVID-19 is fast moving and its global impact on communities and society more broadly is increasing by the day. This is unsettling when you are in Australia as we respond daily to the Australian Government’s directives. We are seeing changes imposed, affecting how we live our lives. On top of this you will of course be concerned and worried for family and friends as you keep up with what is happening in your home country. I understand how you may feel, it is the same for me, having my elderly parents back in Sweden.
I therefore wanted to write to assure you we remain committed to your health, wellbeing and continuation of your studies. At times like this, being able to rely on some continuity and stability is critical, and whilst here in Australia you will be supported through the measures Flinders University is putting in place for all students.
This for you includes our dedicated International Student Services Team (ISS) who provide advice and support with new and emerging issues and concerns due to COVID 19. The ISS has extended its services through tele-consults, webinars, FLO and Zoom for students unable to be on campus.
We are also working closely with your respective College in circumstances where you feel you want to return home. If this is the case for you, please contact the ISS team to discuss your situation as soon as you can. In uncertain times there are many questions and in some cases some that cannot be answered, but we will support you and do all that we as a University can do to minimise disruption to your studies.
One frequent question relates to on-line study, and I pleased to advise that we have been given assurance from the University regulator TEQSA that your online study as a result of COVID-19 does not mean a breach of your visa conditions. My teams in Flinders International are also working closely with other State and Federal Government agencies to provide the best advice back to you.
We are sharing information on our student website and will keep this as a central point of reference for you in coming weeks and months.
Please remember that if at any stage you require advice or support please do not hesitate to reach out to the International Student Services team at iss@flinders.edu.au or 8201 2717.
Thanks for your time, please take care of yourselves and each other.
Sebastian Raneskold
Vice-President & Pro Vice-Chancellor (International)