Victoria University's (VU's) priority is always the safety, health and wellbeing of our students, staff and community.
To help keep the VU community safe, we have made changes to how we deliver our courses. Find out more about changes to course delivery and what this means for your studies.
In response to government advice about the importance of physical distancing measures to contain the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), VU has transitioned our Block 2 units to an equivalent level, digitally-supported delivery model that students will be able to access remotely.
VU is now running as many classes as possible digitally and remotely.
Remote learning enables students to not have to be physically present at a school, college or university in order to attain an education. VU’s remote learning incorporates a digital study component and includes access to online learning materials.
Digital and remote delivery at VU commenced for many classes on 30 March and will continue until further advice is provided.
Victoria University will continue to monitor developing news and departmental advice regarding COVID-19.
The University continues to make considered decisions on its class delivery model and will be in communication with all students as circumstances change over time.
Digital and remote delivery commenced for almost all classes in Block 2 from 30 March and will continue until further advice is provided.
All undergraduate and postgraduate units except:
All undergraduate and postgraduate units will be taught by remote learning except:
All undergraduate and postgraduate units in the College of Health & Biomedicine will be taught remotely with a few exceptions.
Units not taught remotely:
Units that will run remotely but have a component(s) of the unit deferred to a later date:
All undergraduate and postgraduate units in the College of Sport & Exercise Science will be taught by remote learning except:
All higher education diplomas and foundation studies in VU College will be taught be remote learning.
Yes, you can access Zoom in VU Collaborate and work together with your classmates on group assignments. Please check the Zoom student guide for step-by-step instructions on how to do this.
Students already studying remotely, via VU Online, will not be affected by the change.
Most VU Polytechnic students will have access to supported remote learning on the first day of classes in April 2020.
Read our information for VU Polytechnic students.
Along with our undergraduate courses, our postgraduate coursework units will also be taught remotely. Please see FAQ above: 'Which units & courses will be taught by remote learning' for a few exceptions. Students already studying their postgraduate degree remotely via VU Online will not be affected by the change.
VU has made some temporary changes to the management of Fail grades to avoid disadvantaging students whose progress may have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes apply to higher education students whose study has moved from on-campus to remote delivery. The changes do not apply to:
From the commencement of Block 2 until the end of Semester 1, higher education students who fail a unit will not have the 'Fail' grade recorded on their academic transcript. A 'Withdrawal' result will be recorded instead of a Fail, to ensure there is no academic penalty.
Fail grades for units undertaken during this period will not impact a student’s GPA.
If you fail a unit during this period, you will still be required to retake the failed unit or piece of assessment and to pay relevant study fees. You will not be able to progress to a unit for which the failed unit is a prerequisite.
You may request to be excluded from this temporary change and choose to have a Fail grade recorded rather than a Withdrawal. Please make your request in writing via AskVU.
Please check your VU email account to check for communication about how your college is managing block sequencing or alternative arrangements for placements.
You can also send a query to Work-integrated Learning, and the staff will direct your question to the appropriate college-based staff.
Email: [email protected]
VU Library’s onsite library collection areas are closed. Some adjacent study areas on campus remain accessible for students.
Library Services will continue to support students via chat services and the Library’s online resources continue to be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are still many options to access library resources, participate in workshops and stay connected with our support staff:
Students can still access the internet, PCs and printing facilities via a limited number of student spaces at these campus locations:
Strict social distancing is expected in these areas and will be monitored by Security.
During this time, please respect the need for social distancing and the job of Security as they ensure the health and safety of you and other students in our community.
Books can be returned to VU Library return chutes which are external to most VU campus libraries. At the same time, items can be renewed automatically as per current process.
Most core services will remain open.
Continuing services include:
If you require study and academic support outside of working hours contact:
VU Employ will now operate online. Students can email [email protected] (staffed hours are Monday–Friday, 11am–4pm) for career support.
We strongly require that social distancing occurs across the University. Please do not attend campus if you are feeling unwell.
You can access your virtual classrooms via VU Collaborate.
There are three ways of accessing your zoom virtual classroom, with both common steps and differences for each. Accessing the zoom virtual classroom varies depending on how your educator has set up your classroom.
The VU Collaborate Help Guide has information and step-by-step guides.
Webex Virtual Classrooms
To fully participate in a WebEx virtual classroom, we recommend that you work from a computer enabled with a webcam, speakers, and a microphone.
You may also like to use a headset or a headphone with an attached speaker.
A step-by-step guide can be found on the VU collaborate Help Guide.
You will be able to book and request the use of a laptop at any campus library service desk.
Victoria University will continue to monitor developing news and departmental advice regarding COVID-19.
Students can still access the internet, PCs and printing facilities via a number of student spaces on campus including:
For over-the-phone advice, use this Victorian Government service:
If it is an emergency, call 000 emergency and advise the ambulance service about your concerns regarding coronavirus.
Phone: 000
The Victorian Government’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline.
Phone: 1800 675 398.
If you are on campus and need first aid assistance contact security.
International students who have taken out the Allianz Global Assistance Essential Covers health insurance policy through Victoria University’s application process have access to specialised support services.
These include ‘Allianz Telehealth services’ powered by Doctors on Demand, a service which allows students to speak to a qualified Australian-based doctor 24 hours a day, seven days per week via phone or video call.
This service enables you to select a doctor based on gender or language spoken.
Students studying at our Sydney campus who are feeling anxious or distressed about the current situation can get in contact by email or phone.
If you are studying at our Victorian campuses and feeling anxious or distressed about the current situation, please get in touch.
As part of VU’s ongoing commitment to support our students through these challenging times, we have launched the COVID-19 Student Support Fund & Appeal.
The fund supports enrolled students studying in Australia in both higher and vocational education.
Three types of grants are available:
Find out more about the grants and apply through the application form.
The Victorian Government has announced a $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund for international students facing financial hardship. Find out more about your eligibility and how to apply.
Students who are experiencing financial difficulties and stress can access a range of support services including interest-free student loans of up to $500 and VU's COVID-19 Student Support Fund for eligible students. To discuss your options, please book an appointment with a Senior Advisor.
Appointments are currently being conducted by phone only.
Email your enquiry to [email protected]. One of the team will get back to you as quickly as possible.
The Federal Government also recently announced additional support that some students may be eligible for. For more information about the latest Government financial supports, visit the Australian Government Treasury website.
The Australian Government has announced that those students eligible for Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy will receive an increase in their payments up to $550 per fortnight.
An additional $750 stimulus payment on top of the previous stimulus payment that was announced on 13 March will also be paid. This will also be paid to those students who are not eligible for Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy but hold a valid Low Income Health Care Card.
For more information on Youth Allowance, Austudy and Abstudy please visit www.dhs.gov.au.
