Support boost for University of Tasmania students during coronavirus crisis

Vouchers, advice, financial assistance and payment plans have been offered to University of Tasmania students struggling under the coronavirus pandemic.

UNIVERSITY of Tasmania students having difficulties with their studies will be given extra support including grants and payment plans for course fees.

UTAS executive director of student experience Steph Taylor said the safety and wellbeing of students and the community was the university’s top priority.

“We are committed to doing all that we can to support our students to remain engaged in their studies,” she said.

“This is a challenging time for all of us, but particularly our international students who are a long way from their homes and families.

“We are taking a flexible, case-by-case approach to address whatever challenges a student might be facing.”

The University’s COVID-19 Support Scheme began on Thursday.

UTAS CUTS NON-SALARY EXPENDITURE, INCREASES LEAVE

“The supports we provide include vouchers for necessities, advice and financial assistance for IT equipment such as laptops, a safety net grant scheme to support students facing financial hardship, waiving notice periods in our student accommodation, flexibility around submissions of assessments, and extending our payment due dates and arranging payment plans for course fees,” Ms Taylor said.

“We also have a range of free programs in place to support our students’ health and wellbeing, including counselling, fitness classes run online by Unigym, and we have extended the staff flu vaccination program to include students this year.”

Independent MP for Clark Madeleine Ogilvie said her office had been fielding calls from worried students.

“The stress and anxiety our students are experiencing, like others in our community, is distressing to see.

“I am really pleased to see UTAS moving to help students with a package of measures.”

Ms Ogilvie said students had been hit hard by job losses and many had additional uncertainty because of visa issues.

“I have been lobbying the Federal Government to resolve the concern about visas extensions and to try to get some emergency financial support,” she said.

Information about available support can be found at www.utas.edu.au