La Trobe University looks forward to welcoming its new and returning students and staff to its campuses from 21 February 2022, with orientation for new students commencing on the 21st and Semester 1 on the 28th.
“Reinvigorating our campuses is important for our students, who have sorely missed the rich atmosphere our campuses offer, and for colleagues who have missed the collegiality of campus life,” said Professor John Dewar AO, Vice-Chancellor.
“The health and safety of our students and staff remain our priority and the transition back to our campuses follows relevant standards and guidance.”
Teaching and Learning
Teaching and learning will be conducted on campus where it is safe to do so, but with online learning available in settings considered higher risk, such as lectures, and where there is a need to support students not yet able to return to campus. In many subjects, students will have the choice of either face-to-face or online.
Around 84 per cent of our subjects are offered either on-campus or with a mix of on-campus and online.
Health and Safety risk assessments
All on-campus environments and activities, whether for teaching and learning or other work, have been subject to a thorough, established Health and Safety Risk Assessment (SRA). In some settings defined as higher risk by the SRA, the University is providing appropriate face masks and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs). In these limited settings, RATs are being deployed as a monitoring control to support business continuity for teaching and learning, essential research and for critical operations.
Mandatory Vaccination
Double vaccination is mandatory in designated campus zones and at designated events across all of La Trobe’s campuses. Details can be found in the University’s Health & Safety Procedure – COVID-19 Vaccination, which was implemented following consultation with staff and students.
We are also encouraging staff and students to book their third shot once they are eligible.
COVIDSafe Marshals are checking vaccination status and encouraging face mask compliance across all campuses, particularly in high-traffic areas.
COVID Safety
Details of La Trobe’s COVIDSafe protocols can be found on the website.
Following both Victorian Government Department of Health and La Trobe health and safety requirements, this includes: getting fully vaccinated before attending our campuses; signing in to every building with the QR code using the Service Vic app; maintaining appropriate physical distancing of 1.5m; wearing masks as directed, and not attending the campus if feeling unwell.
As the COVID situation evolves, we will continue to regularly communicate any changes with our students and staff.
