February 4, 2022

UOW thrilled to welcome students back to campus

Students’ safe transition to in-person classes to spark return of vibrant campus experience

The University of Wollongong’s (UOW) vibrant campus environment is only weeks away from re-emerging from its pandemic-induced slumber.

Students will be welcomed back to all of UOW’s Australian campuses at the end of February, to coincide with Orientation Week and the beginning of Autumn session.

The much-anticipated return to campus will kick off with UOW’s inaugural Campus Fest.

Under the Safe Campus Transition Plan, which has evolved along with the COVID-19 situation in New South Wales over the past few months, students will be able to return to campus from Monday, 21 February. Professional and academic staff will also transition back to campus from this date.

The Safe Campus Transition Plan, for staff and students, has been developed in consultation with public health experts and will be implemented in line with public health orders, to prevent, monitor, and mitigate the risks of COVID-19.

The majority of classes will be held on campus, in person, reflecting students’ overwhelming feedback that they miss being able to engage in UOW’s dynamic campus experience.

However, the University will also continue to offer online options across the majority of courses, for students who are unable to travel to a campus.

Professor Theo Farrell, UOW’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life), said the entire University community was excited to be able to welcome students and staff back on campus.

“We know how tough the last few years have been, as students have been unable to make the most of UOW’s renowned on-campus experience. We know students have missed the rich, engaging environment of the lecture theatre and classroom,” Professor Farrell said.

“But after much patience and resilience, students will finally be able to enjoy our dynamic and vibrant campuses. And, for those who enjoyed the flexibility and benefits of studying from home, our new and improved online learning tools and channels are ready to go.

“We have the strongest possible COVID-safe protections in place, including occupancy limits, enhanced cleaning, and physical distancing. We are excited to be able to bring our campuses, which are such integral parts of their communities and cities, back to life.”

Orientation week begins on Monday, 21 February, with Autumn session to begin the following week, on 28 February.

For Campus Fest, UOW has partnered with Yours & Owls to present a series of free gigs by some of Australia’s biggest acts, including Montaigne, Ziggy Ramo and Touch Sensitive, alongside traditional O-Week activities, including markets, clubs and societies, movies, comedy, trivia, free food and important faculty and school information sessions. 

More information about UOW’s Safe Campus Transition Plan is available at https://www.uow.edu.au/coronavirus/