University of the Sunshine Coast will suspend classes across all its campuses next week

University of the Sunshine Coast will suspend classes across all its campuses next week, though campuses will remain open.

Students explore their new courtyard at USC Moreton Bay's orientation day. Picture: Marcel Baum

USC has suspended classes at all of its Queensland campuses, including Petrie, next week as part of the university’s response to the coronavirus epidemic.

USC will use the time to develop resources that can be delivered via technology in environments where people can maintain social distancing measures.

Acting vice-chancellor Professor Robert Elliot notified students and staff about the temporary suspension of classes.

“This includes all lectures, tutorial, lab classes, fieldwork, online assessments and all exams

(both on campus and online) that were scheduled to occur next week,” Professor Elliot said.

He said suspending classes for a week would enable USC to redesign face-to-face teaching and assessments to modes that do not require students’ personal attendance on campus.

“All our campuses will remain open,” he said.

“The library and study spaces will be operating and staff will be working, with additional hygiene and sanitation measures as well as

enhanced social distancing measures.

“We recognise that for some of our students, food services on campus are also vital.

“These will remain operating, again with additional hygiene, sanitation and social distancing measures implemented.”

Professor Elliot said USC students would receive details next week regarding new arrangements for their remote learning and teaching and assessments.