Phased Return to Campus Update #4
From next Monday 1 June, the Victorian Government will begin the gradual easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions for social events and ceremonies, fitness, sport and recreation, personal services, cafes and restaurants, travel and leisure, culture and entertainment. Further easing of restrictions are planned from Monday 22 June.
During this period, TAFEs have continued to be recognised as essential services by the Victorian Government and have continued to offer face-to-face training where necessary, ensuring the provision of hands-on skills-based learning is provided in line with health advice.
All of Box Hill Institute’s courses have transitioned to remote and flexible learning where possible but we are now offering some students the opportunity to return to campus to fulfil the practical training components of their course. The timing is right to provide select students with the opportunity to practise the skills they need to graduate. However, this is being done with strict social distancing measures and increased cleaning and hygiene practices in place to minimise the risk of transmission.
All students invited to attend a class on campus undergo a daily screening and must sign a student declaration to ensure the health and safety of all students on campus. Most of staff members and students continue to work remotely, ensuring there are minimal people on campus. Once a class is finished, staff and students are expected to return home.
There have been no reported coronavirus (COVID-19) cases at Box Hill Institute campuses as at 12.30pm, Tuesday 26 May 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Department of Education and Training has developed a thorough set of FAQs in relation to studying at TAFE and coronavirus, with specific responses for general students, apprentices and trainees, and international students. Find out more.
Services on Campus
The following services are available on campus:
·
Lilydale
o Point of View Café will be open 9:30am - 2:30 pm Monday to Friday and take away meals are available
o Main reception will be open 8am - 5pm coinciding with on campus screening station hours at LB/LC
o Lilydale Library will be open 9.30am – 2.30pm Monday to Friday
o Lilydale Lakeside Childcare Centre continues operation as normal
· Elgar
o Elgar Parkside Café will be open 8:30am - 2pm Monday to Friday for coffee, bakery, sandwiches, soup and limited hot foods
o Student Administration will be open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday
o Elgar Library/Student Hub will be open 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Student Life available on site
· Nelson
o Nelson Cafe will be open 8:30am-2pm Monday to Friday for coffee, bakery, sandwiches, soup and limited hot foods
o Nelson Library will be closed. Students are encouraged to use Elgar Library if required
The App
The Department of Health’s COVIDSafe app is available to help find close contacts of COVID-19 cases. The COVIDSafe app speeds up the manual process of finding people who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19. You can read more about it here.
Public Transport
Public Transport Victoria has information on its website about the measures it is taking to keep passengers safe, including increased cleaning and cashless transactions. It also outlines measures passengers can take including social distancing.
Feedback
While we are working through this phased transition to campus, we are encouraging students to share feedback with us about our processes and procedures on campus in response to COVID-19.
Students can send feedback to customerrelations@boxhill.edu.au. Collecting this feedback will enable our project team to ensure that our processes are working effectively in our goal to keep you safe.
Wellbeing
As the nature of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak evolves and we continue to be more confined to our homes, health and wellbeing should be a priority. The following organisations have web pages with advice on looking after your mental health:
Student Life
If you require support during this time, please contact Student Life on (03) 9286 9891 or email studentlife@boxhill.edu.au.
For International Students, please contact the International Student Wellbeing Officer, Nikki Singh on (03) 9286 9445 or via email at nikita.singh@boxhill.edu.au.
If you have questions about your academic progress and would like assistance with your assessments, please contact the International Academic Advisor, Faz Maghami on (03) 9286 9734 or via email at f.maghami@boxhill.edu.au.