February 17, 2021

Vibrant campus life restored as in-person classes return

Dual course delivery offers students safety with flexibility

The University of Wollongong (UOW) is restoring its vibrant campus life in 2021, with nearly half of all classes returning to campus and almost all onshore students being offered the opportunity to learn on campus.

Autumn Session 2021 will also see more COVID-safe student events being planned and all dining, social and sports facilities open, maximising opportunities for students to safely enjoy the rich campus experience for which UOW is renowned.

As staff work to safely restore campus life, efforts are also continuing to enhance UOW’s online teaching, providing flexibility to meet individual student needs and enabling the University to respond quickly to changing public health requirements as required without students’ progress being adversely impacted.

Dual course delivery

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Theo Farrell, says he is very pleased to be welcoming more students back to UOW’s Australian campuses in 2021.

“We’ve worked hard to prepare a 2021 timetable that provides dual delivery (a mix of face-to-face and online learning), which allows us to maximise the number of on-campus classes, while still prioritising the safety of our staff and students.

“I am pleased that we are returning nearly half of our classes back on to campus in this Autumn Session, and we expect to be able to offer the majority of onshore students the opportunity to learn on-campus,” Professor Farrell said.

The largest lectures will still be replaced by online resources and activities, but students are being encouraged to choose on-campus class options and to participate in on-campus events.

UOW’s blend of online and on-campus engagement that balances student safety with a rich on-campus university experience will be evident from the outset, with each campus offering new students online faculty welcome sessions and on-campus orientation event that complies with COVID-19 safety requirements.

COVID-safe campuses

Professor Farrell emphasised that students can come to UOW campuses confident that all safety precautions have been taken and arrangements made to comply with public health requirements.

“Safely returning our students and staff to a vibrant campus is our ongoing priority. We will continue to follow government health advice to ensure we provide COVID-safe learning and working environments.

“Physical distancing and other measures will remain in operation on campus and we’ve strongly recommended students wear a mask while in teaching rooms and mandated masks whenever 1.5m physical distancing cannot be maintained.

“We are requiring everyone who feels unwell to stay home and reiterate government advice that they get tested for COVID-19 if experiencing any flu-like symptoms.”

All classrooms are equipped with posted occupancy limits, QR code check-ins, hand sanitiser and cleaning materials, and pre-class safety briefings will remind students of social distancing and safety requirements.

Social distancing markers are in pace in public areas throughout campuses and student residences are receiving enhanced cleaning services in communal areas. The library remains open with occupancy limits and social distancing arrangements while offering a wealth of online resources, including live chat, to help students whether they are accessing the library in person or remotely.

Vibrant student life

“I am looking forward to seeing more students and teaching staff back on our campuses campus in 2021 to safely enjoy our dynamic learning environments, beautiful surroundings, social events and recreation opportunities,” Professor Farrell said.

Further information about Campus Life in 2021 is available online on UOW’s Studying in 2021 webpage.