Flinders University staff to go back on campus but student will wait until July for face-to-face lectures
Staff at Flinders Uni are heading back to the campus from next week, but all three SA universities will continue online classes for some months.
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Staff at Flinders University are expected back on campus next Monday but face-to-face learning for students will mostly only resume for the second semester in late July.
All three major universities want to avoid further disruption for students and are sticking to plans for online learning and assessments this semester.
Universities also are supporting students financially with emergency funding and special scholarships already exceeding millions of dollars.
Federal health advice has cleared universities to bring students back on site, so Flinders will reopen services such as the library from May 25.
“We have been seeing increasing numbers of students and staff back on campus suggesting that our community is keen to return to greater normality,” Vice-Chancellor Colin Stirling said.
“(However) some students will be unable to return to campus due to continuing travel restrictions so all teaching, learning and assessment activities which moved online will stay online for the remainder of Semester 1.”
The changes come as more than 1400 special Matthew Flinders scholarships of $2000 each have been awarded to struggling students and more than 1000 emergency assistance grants of $500 paid.
UniSA has begun to ease restrictions with researchers able to conduct fieldwork around the state since Monday.
Lectures and tutorials remain online but there will be an increase in face-to-face practicals, studios and workshops. UniSA’s library has always remained opened.
UniSA has assisted more than 1100 students through its hardship fund, provided financial counselling to 200 students and lent out more than 100 computers.
The University of Adelaide will resume some face-to-face practicals in coming weeks but not lectures or tutorials.
“Students have … indicated their preference to stay online for the remainder of Semester 1 to minimise disruption, especially in the lead up to exams,” a spokeswoman said.
Adelaide has supported 2040 students with IT, food, accommodation and emergency cash.
TAFE SA on Monday resumed practical lessons for VET in schools courses.
From next Monday priority will switch to practical classes for its students on campuses.
From June 1, “the majority of courses will resume on-site access for only the practical components of training that can’t be effectively delivered digitally” a TAFE spokesman said. This would apply where equipment or software was only available on campus.
TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman welcomed the transition but said advantages now implemented through remote learning would continue.
“Students, particularly those in regional areas, will be able to participate in courses that are being delivered using blended, digitally enabled learning activities from wherever they are,” he said.
“These will be complemented by on campus practical sessions that access our specialised equipment.”