As you know, the impacts of COVID-19 are continuing, and things can change quickly. During this time, the health and wellbeing of UniSC students and staff continues to be our highest priority.
This page provides current information and advice for UniSC students, but please also stay up to date with the latest advice from Queensland Health.
Commencing and continuing international students should also refer to UniSC’s International Student COVID-19 FAQs.
- All UniSC campuses are currently open and operating as normal.
- To guide UniSC's safe and efficient response to the Queensland Government's COVID-19 public health directives, campus operations have been categorised into four levels of restrictions. All campuses are currently at Level 1, Green.
- If you are feeling unwell or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, you must not attend campus, placement or any other UniSC activity. Follow all advice and directives from Queensland Health and get tested for COVID-19.
- UniSC recognises that individuals may choose to continue to wear face masks based on their personal circumstances and supports their decision.
- It is a requirement that all students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. For more information, visit Fit testing for clinical placement.
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required to attend UniSC campuses.
- Some UniSC programs include placements in settings that require COVID-19 vaccination. For more information, visit COVID-19 vaccination information for placement students.
- In line with Queensland Government requirements, all UniSC staff who provide face-to-face health services to students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- If you are feeling unwell or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, you must not attend campus, placement or any other UniSC activity. Follow all advice and directives from Queensland Health and get tested for COVID-19.
- If you need advice on study arrangements or wish to apply for an extension on any coursework assessment items, contact your Course Coordinator/s as soon as possible.
- If you cannot attend placement because you are unwell, please fill out the UniSC WIL COVID-19 Reporting Form on Sonia Online and notify your placement supervisor ASAP. If you're on placement and need advice, contact the Fit for Placement Office.
- Rest and take care of your health and wellbeing. If you would like to access support during this time, please consider using UniSC’s free and confidential Student Wellbeing Counselling services.
- If you have tested positive to COVID-19, follow all advice and directives from Queensland Health.
- If you cannot attend placement because you have tested positive, please fill out the USC WIL COVID-19 Reporting Form on Sonia Online and notify your placement supervisor ASAP. If you're on placement and need advice, contact the Fit for Placement Office.
- If you are missing assessment, coursework or face-to-face practical classes, please contact your Course Coordinator/s to let them know of your circumstances so they can support you.
- Rest and take care of your health and wellbeing. If you would like to access support during this time, please consider using UniSC’s free and confidential Student Wellbeing Counselling services.
- If you are a close contact, follow all advice and guidance from Queensland Health. If you have or develop COVID-19 symptoms, test for COVID-19 as soon as possible and stay at home until your symptoms resolve.
- If you cannot attend placement because you have symptoms, please fill out the UniSC WIL COVID-19 Reporting Form on Sonia Online and notify your placement supervisor ASAP. If you're on placement and need advice, contact the Fit for Placement Office.
- If you are missing assessment, coursework or face-to-face practical classes, please contact your Course Coordinator/s to let them know of your circumstances so they can support you.
- Rest and take care of your health and wellbeing. If you would like to access support during this time, please consider using UniSC’s free and confidential Student Wellbeing Counselling services.
- We understand that for many students this is a challenging and uncertain time. Please know that UniSC is making every effort to ensure the safety of students and maintain continuity of your learning.
- We know that being unwell, and/or being away from campus, can have an impact on your studies. Our Student Success Advisers can assist you in managing unexpected circumstances, and are available to speak online.
- If you are concerned about your academic or personal circumstances, visit Student support during COVID-19.
- The UniSC Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students. Under the Student Charter, you are expected to respect the safety and wellbeing of others, and to refrain from behaviour that could reasonably be considered unsafe, intimidating, harassing or bullying, or disruptive to other members of the UniSC community.
- In the context of COVID-19, this means following all advice and directives from UniSC and Queensland Health. It also means treating your fellow students and UniSC staff with professionalism and respect.
- UniSC understands that this is a stressful and uncertain time, and that COVID-19 has disrupted many students’ placements, studies and lives. Staff are doing everything they can to support students, but it is important to understand that many factors, such as government directives and/or regulations, are outside the University’s control.
- Please remember to be kind to yourself and others, and to act with professionalism and respect when liaising with UniSC staff. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please ensure you take advantage of the support services available to you at UniSC.
- Commencing and continuing international students should also refer to UniSC’s International Student COVID-19 FAQs.
Commencing and continuing international students should also refer to the FAQs below.
Who can HDR students contact with questions about coronavirus?
Do HDR candidates still have access to campus facilities?
Are HDR students required to work from home?
Should HDR students create a research and study contingency plan?
Will HDR student be given automatic extensions to their candidature milestones?
How will impacts to HDR student scholarships be managed?
What leave entitlements to HDR students have?
Is the Graduate Research School still open?
How do I access and download software for my HDR studies off campus?
Can HDR students borrow IT equipment from UniSC?
What library resources and services can I currently access?
I’m due to deliver my Thesis presentation soon. Do I do this in person or remotely?
Has UniSC considered the impacts of COVID-19 on research activities?
Are HDR students still able to undertake travel related to their research?
Are HDR students still able to undertake face to face research activities?
How do HDR students determine if their research is critical?
Can HDR students still undertake fieldwork and other off campus activities?
What restrictions are in place for research that involves animals?
Safe and respectful behaviour
The USC Student Charter sets out what students can expect from the University, and what in turn is expected of students. Under the Student Charter, you are expected to respect the safety and wellbeing of others, and to refrain from behaviour that could reasonably be considered unsafe. In the context of COVID-19, this means following all advice and directives from USC and Queensland Health. If you are feeling unwell, have any cold or flu-like symptoms, or are required to isolate for any reason, you must not attend campus, placement or any other USC activity. Detailed advice on what to do is available on this page.
Support during COVID-19
COVID-19 continues to impact us all in different ways and it can certainly be challenging for many of us. If you have concerns about your academic or personal circumstances, there are many ways USC can support you.
Additional information can be found at COVID-19 advice for the USC community.
To guide UniSC's safe and efficient response to the Queensland Government's COVID-19 public health directives, campus operations will be categorised into four levels of varied restrictions.
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The Queensland Government's Check In Queensland app is now operating on all campuses; please be sure to check in with this app when attending any USC campus.
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UniSC is following the Queensland Government guidance for universities, TAFE and other educational institutions and have applied the following measures;
- Tutorial rooms and teaching computer labs – Normal room capacities apply to these spaces, however 1.5 metre physical distancing should be observed to the extent possible. All computers will be available in timetabled computer laboratories.
- Lecture theatres – Reduced capacities apply to comply with one person per 2m2 and physical distancing rules. Appropriate signage has been placed in these spaces.
- Technical, clinical and other teaching or research specialised facilities have specific COVID Safe plans.
- Staff and student common areas (including non-teaching computer labs) are required to adhere to physical distancing rules. Alternate computers in these spaces have been turned off to facilitate physical distancing. Check the latest open common areas on your campus.
- For information on particular UniSC facilities or services, please visit their webpage on the UniSC website.
- It is everyone’s responsibility to follow the signage and COVID guidelines around campus.
- Don't attend campus if you are unwell or have flu-like symptoms. Check Queensland Health's up-to-date guidance about the symptoms of COVID-19.
- If Queensland Health identifies that someone who has attended UniSC is a confirmed case of COVID-19, the University will follow their instructions on what actions to take. UniSC has the required contact tracing measures in place and will follow Queensland Health’s instructions on cleaning the campus to ensure the safety of students and staff when they return.
Take notice of the signage in all teaching areas. It is everyone’s responsibility to follow the signage and COVID guidelines in all campus spaces.
- Bring your student ID card to swipe in - You’ll need to swipe in with your Student ID card when you enter a room, regardless of whether the doors are open or not. If you don't have a student ID card or need a new one, find out how to get your student ID card.
- Space out in the classroom - If you’re waiting to enter a classroom, stand back and give other students plenty of room to exit before you enter. Don’t crowd doorways and take your time to find a seat, keep space between you and others. Class timetables have been planned to accommodate physical distancing, where possible.
- Clean your space - Wipe down your work area before and after use with the cleaning materials provided, so you know it’s clean and ready to go.
All student support services continue to be offered online and on-campus. Should the situation change, support will continue to be offered online and any updated details on how this is delivered will be made available on the specific services web page.
We understand that the current situation is challenging in different ways for everyone. Please remember that Student Wellbeing provides free and confidential counselling services to students, and there are other support services available during COVID-19.
If you require after-hours support, contact SafeUSC.
Commencing and continuing international students should also refer to UniSC’s International Student COVID-19 FAQs.
Lockdowns and previous restrictions have had an impact on learning and placement for many students. Another impact is the requirements for COVID-19 vaccination for certain students on placement.
- Queensland's Chief Health Officer, Dr Jeanette Young, has confirmed that with our COVID Safe plans, USC like other universities is exempt from ensuring the 1.5m physical distancing rule in our teaching spaces - although we will try to achieve this where it is possible. Evidence over several months now indicates there is a very low risk of transmission in classrooms. The Chief Health Officer also advised that outdoor cafes, with appropriate cleaning regimes, pose low risk because of the positive effects of air circulation, sunshine and seating, so more outdoor spaces will be made available on campus. As always, please stay up to date with the latest advice from Queensland Health.
- COVID-19 Reporting form - Your health, safety and wellbeing is important to us. A COVID-19 reporting form is now available to assist us to manage an appropriate response to the risk of COVID-19. Please use this confidential form to let us know if you have a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
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COVID-Safe plan for campuses - USC is following the Queensland Government guidance for universities, TAFE and other educational institutions and have applied the following measures;
- Tutorial rooms and teaching computer labs – Normal room capacities apply to these spaces, however 1.5 metre physical distancing should be observed to the extent possible. All computers will be available in timetabled computer laboratories.
- Lecture theatres (these are only been timetabled for tutorials and workshops) – Reduced capacities apply to comply with 1 person per 4m2 and 1.5 metre physical distancing rules. Appropriate signage has been erected in these areas.
- Technical, clinical and other teaching or research specialised facilities have specific COVID-19 safe plans, which will remain in effect.
- Staff and student common areas (including non-teaching computer labs) are required to adhere to one person per 4m2 and 1.5 metre physical distancing rules. Alternate computers in these spaces have been turned off to facilitate physical distancing. Check the latest open common areas on your campus.
- Student Central – Face-to-face services are available across USC campuses as per the hours listed below. Staff are also available via studentcentral@usc.edu.au or +61 7 5430 2890 between 8.30am and 4.30pm for all student enquiries. Students submitting forms to Student Central should send them via email to studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
- USC Sunshine Coast, USC Fraser Coast and USC Caboolture are open with modified hours - 10am–12pm and 2-4pm, Monday–Friday.
- The USC Moreton Bay Service Centre is open for face-to-face services Monday–Thursday from 8.30am–4.30pm and Friday from 8am–4pm.
- USC Gympie is open for face-to-face services Monday–Friday, 9am–12pm and 2–4pm.
- Face-to-face services are currently unavailable at USC SouthBank. Students needing assistance can contact Student Central via studentcentral@usc.edu.au or +61 7 5430 2890.
- Student IT HelpDesk – The Student IT Help Desk is open from 8.30am until 6pm Monday to Friday via email and phone. Contact the HelpDesk on StudentITHelp@usc.edu.au and +61 7 5459 4455. Starting from Week 5, face-to-face support will be available by appointment only at the Sunshine Coast campus. This is to help keep us all safe during Covid 19. The HelpDesk will additionally be open from 11am–2pm on Saturday and Sunday for remote support only.
- Student Wellbeing – We understand that the current situation is challenging for everyone and would like to remind you that Student Wellbeing provides free and confidential counselling services to students.
- AccessAbility Services - Students whose studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder, mental health issue, injury or illness, or if they are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged can connect with AccessAbility Services to receive access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice. For students impacted directly by COVID-19 (either unwell themselves or caring for someone who is unwell), they should contact their course coordinators directly to seek academic supports.
|
Service |
Support available |
Contact or book in |
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Student Central |
In-person (modified hours), phone and email |
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Student Wellbeing |
In-person, phone, email, Skype and Zoom appointments available |
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SafeUSC |
In-person, phone and email |
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Indigenous Services |
Phone and email; Phone appointments can be booked between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday |
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Library |
Phone, email and online chat |
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Student IT Help Desk |
In-person (Sunshine Coast only), phone and email |
|
| Learning Advisers |
20-minute phone call consults for quick targeted advice |
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Academic skills, assessment task analysis and document review |
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Career Development |
Phone call consults, job application and resume review, careers workshops, jobs |
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Contact a Student Representative |
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AccessAbility Services |
Phone call consults and email; Zoom consults available on request |
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Print Services |
Technical support by phone or email |
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USC International |
Phone and email, 10am-4pm only |
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International Student Connect |
Currently suspended |
If you require after-hours support, contact SafeUSC
Where can I get general health and travel information about coronavirus (COVID-19)?
How can I access mandatory training such as CPR and First-aid training through COVID-19 pandemic?
When will my deferred placements be timetabled in the future?
What will happen with placements and fieldwork?
Technology-enabled learning and videoconferencing technology (Zoom)
What is technology-enabled learning?
What help is available with technology-enabled learning?
What hardware do I require to run Zoom?
When setting up my Zoom app, should I log in using my USC username and password?
Do I need my own account to participate in Zoom activities?
What’s the difference between having a free Zoom account and logging in using my USC account?
Who can HDR students contact with questions about coronavirus?
Do HDR candidates still have access to campus facilities?
Are HDR students required to work from home?
Should HDR students create a research and study contingency plan?
Will HDR student be given automatic extensions to their candidature milestones?
How will impacts to HDR student scholarships be managed?
What leave entitlements to HDR students have?
Is the Graduate Research School still open?
How do I access and download software for my HDR studies off campus?
Can HDR students borrow IT equipment from USC?
What library resources and services can I currently access?
I’m due to deliver my Thesis presentation soon. Do I do this in person or remotely?
Has USC considered the impacts of COVID-19 on research activities?
Are HDR students still able to undertake travel related to their research?
Are HDR students still able to undertake face to face research activities?
How do HDR students determine if their research is critical?
Can HDR students still undertake fieldwork and other off campus activities?
What restrictions are in place for research that involves animals?
For information about Australia's immigration and border arrangements during the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic visit the Department of Home Affairs’ COVID-19 and the border website.
- If you are a Student visa holder refer to the latest information regarding COVID-19 and Student visas.
- If you are currently located outside of Australia and are intending to return to Australia to complete your studies at USC, review updates on travel restrictions and exemptions regularly.
- Students enrolled in a Nursing or Allied Health program may be eligible for an individual exemption. Refer to the travel restrictions and exemptions webpage for details on eligibility criteria.
- If you are in Australia and your current visa is due to expire soon, you must ensure you either depart Australia by your visa end date or make suitable alternative visa arrangements. If you have no other visa options and are unable to depart Australia due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, you may be eligible for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) visa.
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USC Libraries are open to students and staff to use the library spaces, and borrow from the physical collections on a self-service basis. Hours will differ between campuses so check online for access at your preferred campus library. We encourage students to continue use the Click and Collect service to select items for borrowing. Library staff will collect the item if available at time of requesting, then notify you when the item is ready to be collected. You will require your USC ID Card to access and borrow from library collections.
Library Help services remain available primarily via email, phone and online via live chat. Students are encouraged to engage with the Library online in the first instance where we can discuss with you the best way to provide you with the assistance you require. Visit the Library website for further updates.
- Quiet learning spaces and computer labs are still available on campus. For a full list of available spaces on your campus visit Computers on Campus and please be mindful of the social distancing guidelines when on campus.
- Campus food outlets - campus food outlets have amended their opening hours from 26 March 2020.
- Sporting facilities - The University has reopened the sport facilities within the USC Sports Precinct to our university community, members, user groups and the wider community. We want to ensure our USC students and staff, members, user groups and the wider USC community are COVID Safe. We’ve made some changes to our venue operations including what we need you to do to before, during and after your sport or exercise session to help us keep everyone safe and healthy.
- Parking ePermits - Paid parking is still in place for Semester 2. Any questions with regard to parking permits can be directed to Parking@usc.edu.au. Students that purchased an ePermit for parking during Semester 1, 2020 are now eligible to apply for a refund. This is due to the bulk of student teaching not being done on campus during the semester. Refunds must be requested via Parking@usc.edu.au and include name on credit card, type of card, and the first 6 and last 3 digits on card.
How can students practise social distancing on campus?
What will happen if someone at USC tests positive to the novel coronavirus?
What is USC doing to clean and sanitise the University?
How has USC responded to the coronavirus outbreak being declared a pandemic?
How can I help protect myself from being infected with coronavirus?
Can I use reusable cups at USC food and beverage outlets?
What are the changes to use of USC Sport facilities?
Will campus cafes and other food services remain open?
Technology enabled learning
You have been hearing a lot about technology enabled learning – but what does it mean?
Most USC course content is already available via Blackboard. The technology being used to enable off-campus teaching modes is the Zoom video conferencing system.
To ensure you get to most out of your online courses, the following resources have been developed to support you:
- To get the ins and outs of setting up Zoom, explore the How do I use Zoom? webpage.
- The Train(ing) Station, available on Blackboard, provides guides and assistance for a range of technologies used at USC.
- LinkedIn Learning is available to help you develop new skills or find solutions to specific problems. Find out which of the LinkedIn Learning courses could be relevant for you.
- Don’t have access to a computer or the internet? Find out how and where you can access computers on campus.
Assessment and academic skills support
- Learning Advising services have expanded online and over-the-phone learning support to help you with your studies.
- The USC Assignment Calculator is an online tool to help you successfully complete your assessments throughout the semester.
Health and wellbeing
USC is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Student Wellbeing has developed the following information to support you during this period of uncertainty and change:
- Balance study/home in a technology enabled learning environment.
- Stay happy and hopeful during self-isolation.
- Responding to your feelings during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Self-help strategies and information in a time where self-care is as important as ever.
Student Wellbeing is continuing to provide a free counselling service with appointments available in person, via phone, Zoom or Skype. Contact Student Wellbeing to book an appointment.
Stay connected
- Find out more about the resources and support available to you.
- Stay in the loop, get connected with us via Social Media, the USC Student Senate has also created a ‘USC Kindness Pandemic’ Facebook page to keep the USC community connected and supported.
- Contact Student Guild for all welfare and advocacy concerns.
Tips for studying from home
- Think about your workspace at home. Identify an area where you can sit and work comfortably with your computer and notes, in an area that is well-lit with limited distractions.
- Ensure you have the right tools to study. Find out what hardware you need to run Zoom, make sure you have the right stationery and the correct course materials to study from. Remember to check Blackboard for any course updates.
- Keep in touch with your tutors and lecturers.
- Stay connected with your classmates. Organise group chats via Zoom to set up study groups so you can spend time discussing ideas and swapping study tips.
- Take regular breaks. Keep your mind fresh, step away from your computer every hour or so, try to go for a walk and give yourself things to look forward to each day. Make sure you separate study and relaxing time with a clear finish time each day.