Student FAQs for COVID-19
The University continues to maximise face-to-face classes, with online learning options also available, where possible, to offer maximum flexibility for students. All on-campus learning, and any events or activities on campus, are COVIDSafe and conducted in line with guidelines provided by the Victorian Government Department of Health and our Health and Safety procedure. University operations will continue to be managed in accordance with the directions of the Victorian Government.
Please check your student email and LMS site for updates.
If you are a research student you can find more detailed FAQs about the continuation of your research on the Graduate Research School website.
Under the workplace directions issued under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic), students and staff must notify their tertiary education (via notification form) provider if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and may have attended while infectious.
Vaccination requirements
Do I have to provide my vaccination information to the University yet; do I still need to provide my vaccination information to the University?
Students undertaking work based learning activities will need to comply with the vaccination requirement of the workplace. This could include the need for Boosters. See Placements and WBL for more information.
How do I provide my vaccination information to the University?
You should upload your proof of vaccination to StudentOnLine if you are required to provide your vaccination information to the University.
I am not intending to get vaccinated against COVID-19. What do I do?
If you choose not to be vaccinated (without a valid medical exemption), it is important that you do not enrol in any subject with a vaccination requirement.
Graduate researchers should inform their supervisor and students undertaking placement should inform the placements team.
COVIDSafe Campus
Am I required to notify the University if I have tested COVID positive and have attended the University while infectious. What do I need to do?
Under the workplace directions issued under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (Vic), students and staff must notify their tertiary education provider if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and may have attended while infectious.
If you have test positive to COVID-19 or have been notified that you are COVID positive and you have attended the University while you may be infectious (within 48 hours of onset of symptoms or being diagnosed) you will need to:
- Notify the University as soon as possible via our online notification form and follow the process for reporting positive test results
- Notify those who are considered your workplace or social contact (for details see Victorian Government Checklist for COVID cases)
Contact tracing is now the responsibility of the COVID positive individual.
What steps has the University taken to provide a COVIDSafe workplace for students and staff?
The University has a COVIDSafe Plan.
- Staff, students and visitors are regularly reminded of the key COVID control measures including mask-wearing and hygiene measures; and staying home and getting tested if unwell
- Buildings are being professionally cleaned, to the standard guided by Safe Work Australia
- Wall-mounted hand sanitiser is placed at building entry points and in other locations
- People are asked to wipe down shared equipment (e.g. keyboards) after use
- Building ventilation systems have been adjusted where possible to maximise airflow
- Physical distance reminders are in place at key locations Perspex screens are in place at service counters
- Safety Risk Assessments are undertaken for on-campus events and specialist teaching activities (such as field work)
- the University is providing face masks to staff and students on request (see below for a list of pick up points), and we are updating our campus signage to encourage mask wearing.
Everyone has a role in supporting health and safety when on campus, and we thank students for playing your part by following the health advice and any special instructions of staff.
Where can I pick up a face mask when I am on campus?
The University strongly recommends that all staff and students wear high quality face masks in indoor settings and in outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible. To assists with this, the University is providing face masks to staff and students on request. The pick up points are:
- Melbourne (Bundoora) campus - Borchardt Library entrance ground floor and reception in the Sylvia Walton Building
- Bendigo campus - LTSA Info Centre Monday to Thursday, 10am to 3pm and Security
- Albury-Wodonga campus - ASK La Trobe counter, Building 4 Level 1 and Library desk
- Shepparton campus - Ground floor reception desk, near main entrance
- Mildura campus - Main Reception in the Brian Grogan Building
- City campus – Reception
- Sydney campus - Reception
Exchange and overseas programs
Are there any impact international Exchange and Study Abroad program?
For La Trobe University mobility programs that commence on or after 1 July 2022, please check carefully the terms and conditions of your program costs (e.g. fees to the third party) to determine implications in the event of a cancellation.
All students will need to comply with local (ie overseas country’s) Covid vaccination requirements.
Students should check the country/city destination government rules and regulations before departing; check regularly whilst in country and again before they depart to return to Australia.
We strongly recommend securing flexible tickets and refundable accommodation given the high degree of uncertainty about when governments may change border restrictions.
If you are an overseas student interested in studying at La Trobe as an international Exchange or Study Abroad student, please contact the Study Abroad Team at Studyabroad@latrobe.edu.au
Help with studying online
Where can I get help with online learning?
To support students to feel confident learning in the online classroom, we have designed the La Trobe Guide to Studying Online available through our Learning Management System (LMS). The guide provides practical tips and guidance to support you as you begin studying online. This LMS subject is available for all students – enrol via LMS.
You can also access our learning support services through:
- the Learning Hub (academic skills, English language, Maths and Science) LMS page,
- access assignment feedback and online study support chat through Studiosity (from any subject LMS page), and
- access the Library services remotely through the library website.
Where can I access recorded lectures?
Your subject coordinator will provide information regarding the format of your classes. This may include live streaming or webinar at the scheduled class time or pre-recorded content. Your subject coordinator may also arrange Zoom sessions for tutorials and workshops or utilise the discussion board in the LMS.
If my classes are by Zoom will they be recorded, and can I opt out of being recorded?
As part of the University’s commitment to offering maximum flexibility for our students, and to accommodate those who are unable to attend onsite, including those who are immunocompromised, offshore international students, and students who are COVID-exposed or isolating, some activities may be recorded and published to the subject LMS. This will allow enrolled students to revisit learning materials and events online, or to catch up on classes they have missed because of illness or family caring commitments. Where an event is being recorded, we will let you know at the beginning of the session. To ensure appropriate privacy protections, recordings must not be distributed by students or staff outside of LMS.
If you do not wish to be recorded, you can either disable the video capability of Zoom or alternately connect with your subject coordinator or teacher, who will be able to advise if accessing the recording only will be appropriate in your case.
Student support
What wellbeing support is available to me?
A range of Student, Health Wellbeing and Inclusion services are available online, via telephone and in-person including Counselling Services and Student Wellbeing Connect. See the Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion webpage for details of all of the services available.
You can also access a range of self-help resources. An after-hours crisis service Uni Crisis Line is available by calling 1300 146 307 or text: 0488 884 100. This service operates between 5pm-9am on weekdays and 24 hours during weekends and public holidays.
What happens if I have a Learning Access Plan?
If you have a Learning Access Plan you are encouraged to reach out to your AccessAbility Advisor as soon as possible. Your AccessAbility Advisor will work with your subject coordinators to ensure your Learning Access Plan is updated as required, and reasonable adjustments are implemented where possible. Contact your Advisor via the AccessAbility Hub.
Am I eligible for financial assistance if I cannot work due to quarantine/isolation requirements?
The Federal Government has reinstated its Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment. The scheme will run between 20 July 2022 (back dated to 1 July 2022) to 30 September 2022. If you cannot work due to quarantining/isolation requirement you may be eligable for payment under this scheme (including international students). Please check the Services Australia website for specific eligibility and application requirements.
Students may apply to the University for additional support or financial assistance if they are experiencing significant hardship.
For more information, visit the Financial Counselling webpage.
Additional information is available on the Wellbeing support during COVID-19 webpage.
I am experiencing prolonged symptoms from COVID-19, who should I contact for help?
You should contact AccessAbility and Inclusion and discuss the support you may need to help you manage your studies.