Extended enrolment date, deferral options and changes to uni orientation

Vice Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the University’s priority is to ensure the ongoing health and well-being of all staff and students:

“We are taking a prudent and considered approach to dealing with these issues, following the very best advice available.”

For new students the traditional Orientation course welcome events, from February 24 to 28, will now largely be delivered online; with only a few face-to-face events scheduled. Most ‘meet and greet’, and other face-to-face events will be held as the teaching session begins from the March 2.

Additionally, the enrolment deadline for Session 1, 2020, has been extended to March 16. This only applies to those who have been directly affected by restrictions and issues associated with COVID-19. It will allow greater flexibility for students who are currently unable to travel to Australia because of such restrictions.

For those unable to arrive by March 16, because of those restrictions, Southern Cross is providing the option to defer studies to later periods.

For students who had intended to commence studies in Session 1, who are unable to travel to Australia and enrol by March 16, 2020 due to the virus; and for whom the option of deferral is not practicable, The University will examine other alternatives on a case-by-case basis.  The withdrawal-without-penalty period has been extended.

Students who are concerned their capacity to undertake a scheduled assessment task, particularly an examination or practical assessment, has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, should contact the University at SCUAssist@scu.edu.au.

The University has established a dedicated webpage that is regularly updated with our latest advice for staff and students regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) www.scu.edu.au/coronavirus