The plan includes a phased return to face-to face classes in January 2022, and an anticipated move to ‘COVID normal’ from 21 February 2022.
The plan is in line with the University’s roadmap to reopening, and the Victorian Government’s directive that all higher education workers and students need to be fully vaccinated to be onsite from 1 November.
The University is working on a formal system and procedure to enable it to collect and validate vaccination details for all students and staff. Until this system is in place, staff, students, contractors and visitors to La Trobe campuses will be required to be fully vaccinated, and provide proof of their vaccination status on request.
The following is the University’s three-stage approach:
Stage 1: 1 November – 31 December
From 1 November, fully vaccinated students will have access to study and library spaces on La Trobe campuses. If someone would like to attend campus, they should be prepared to show proof of vaccination to COVID marshals on request.
During this period, the majority of the University’s subjects and examinations will continue to be delivered remotely, with on-site only for essential face-to-face activities. Graduate research students who have approved projects or specific research needs approved by the Head of School will continue to be able to attend campus to undertake their research.
La Trobe’s student support services will return to campus across this time and the University will continue to provide online options for students who cannot attend campus.
During this time, the University is also very pleased to be offering in-person graduation ceremonies for students and their families.
Stage 2: 4 January – 21 February (Orientation)
Before the start of Semester 1, the University will be increasing the number of teaching and learning activities that are provided face-to-face and support services will fully transition to the new hybrid delivery model.
La Trobe is excited to welcome new students as part of its re-imagined Orientation program in 2022.
Stage 3: 21 February – beyond
Health restrictions permitting, La Trobe will be back to ‘COVID normal’. This means that the University will resume face-to-face teaching across all campuses for Semester 1.
In some cases, the University will need to retain a hybrid delivery model to ensure that offshore international students and students who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons can continue to progress in their studies.
La Trobe is encouraging all its students, staff and contractors to get vaccinated as soon as possible so that it is able to return to the vibrant campus life that everyone has missed.
ENDS
