Victoria University suspends on-campus teaching for one week

Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Dawkins today announced that the University will suspend its on-campus classes for one week for its Melbourne and Sydney campuses due to the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation, effective Monday 23 March.

The suspension will include both higher education and vocational (TAFE) courses with exceptions for higher education students undertaking placement units, and vocational education students undertaking civil engineering or trades courses.

VU will use the suspension time, from Monday 23 March until Friday 27 March, to ensure a smooth transition to a digitally-supported remote delivery model that maximises the personal health and safety of everyone in the VU community.

“We believe this change will help us to be as prepared as possible for any long-term disruption to classes as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19),” Professor Dawkins said.

“We have considered the impact of this decision on our resources and systems and are working with relevant departments within VU to advise our students and stakeholders, and prioritise actions to enable this change.”

Classes will resume on Monday 30 March, and as many classes as possible will be delivered digitally and remotely at that time.

Students who are already studying remotely or via VU’s VU Online system will not be affected by the change, nor will Higher Degree Researchers (HDRs).

The decision to suspend classes for one week is consistent with advice from the Australian and State Governments.

Victoria University thanks everyone in the VU community for their understanding and patience during this challenging time, and will provide regular updates to staff and students directly, and via its website. See VU’s response to the Coronavirus.