Macquarie University suspends classes, moves online
Macquarie University has now suspended its classes and moved to online learning as a precautionary measure amid the “evolving” coronavirus outbreak.
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Macquarie University has suspended its classes and moved to online learning to promote social distancing and reduce the number of people on campus amid the “evolving” coronavirus outbreak.
“We have now decided to make a substantial move towards online learning, to support ongoing study. All face-to-face and online teaching will pause from midnight tonight as the University transitions to online delivery,” Macquarie University said in a statement.
“Macquarie is responding in line with the latest advice from the Australian Government and NSW Health.”
Staff who are able to work remotely have also been encouraged to work from home.
Classes will be suspended until March 30 to help transition to online delivery and redesign courses to support social distancing and remote support, according to the university statement.
The university’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Bruce Dowton has also established a taskforce to address the “evolving” nature of the coronavirus.
The decision to suspend classes comes after the University of New South Wales and the University of Sydney also made transitions to online learning in recent days.
April Graduation ceremonies at Macquarie University have also been cancelled yet the university assured graduates will graduate in absentia.
Non-essential events from March 23-April 18 will also be cancelled or postponed at the university.
Teaching will resume on Monday March 30.
During this time the campus will remain open including The University Library, childcare centres, sports centres, as well as study spaces and food service outlets.