By Molly Magennis
Victoria University has announced it will do a staggered return to on-campus learning in 2022.
From Monday January 31, Victoria University Polytechnic, the University’s TAFE division, will welcome approximately 5,000 students to begin their practical training and assessments on nine campuses, with their attendance will be spaced out across the days of the week.
Victoria University’s 2022 orientation and other student based activities are set to begin from February 8, where more than 4500 new first year higher education students will have the opportunity to celebrate the start of the academic year.
Between February and April, the quantity of on-campus courses at VU and VU Polytechnic will increase steadily.
After eight weeks, the university expects the majority of its courses and activities across all campus will be held in-person and on-campus.
VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the aim of the staggered approach was to maximise personal and academic support for all students, while also maintaining COVID safety protocols.
“We have already run successful, COVID-safe classes for hundreds of Higher Education students over summer that included practical, on-campus activities.”
If the public health situation in Victoria was to worsen, Professor Shoemaker said the university will be ready to switch back to online learning.
“We understand nothing beats being on campus, and that students and staff are eager to return to campus. We can’t wait to have them back, but we need to ensure we open safely and carefully, and with minimal risk for future disruption,” he said.
“We have already contacted Western Health offering to host pop-up vaccination sites for third COVID-19 booster shots for students, staff and the wider community, and we will continue to run our annual influenza vaccine hubs for staff.”
“At the same time, student preferences and staff views will be canvassed in February and March to ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained,” he said.
