In response to growing global concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is implementing a number of new measures to support your continued learning.

The health and safety of our students and staff, the delivery of learning and teaching, and critical research are important to all of us.

After careful consideration, including liaising with the Student Guild, the University has decided that the planned study break commencing next week will be extended by one week.

This will allow us to plan for how we can best support your studies after the study break.

Therefore, the Semester One break will now run from Monday, March 23, until Friday, April 3, 2020, inclusive.

The majority of you are students who study in a two-semester pattern. This message is for you. If you are not sure of your study pattern, you can check here.

This message is not for nursing students or students who study in a trimester pattern. Your learning will continue as normal for the time being observing social distancing protocols and health advice. We encourage you to speak with your unit coordinator if you have questions.

So, for those who study a two-semester pattern (the majority of you) the following applies:

• This week all classes will continue as normal, observing social distancing protocols.

• For lectures this week you have the option of not attending class but we encourage you to engage with the lecture online through MyMurdoch Learning (LMS). The choice is yours. 

• Next week is a study break and you are not attending classes. 

• We are bringing forward a study week which is scheduled later in the year (week 15 in June). So, your study break is now for two weeks – 23 March to 3 April. 

• Week 15 in June will now become a teaching week.

• When you return to study on 6th April all lectures and tutorials will be online and you will not attend the University for them.

• You will be able to access lectures online as these will be recorded.

• Tutorial activities will occur online in a range of ways that best meet your learning needs and this will be decided by each unit coordinator.

• You are encouraged to check your unit pages on MyMurdoch Learning (LMS), look out for unit specific messages and actively participate in the learning experiences that have been planned for you.

• Delivering other learning activities online, such as labs and clinics, is much more challenging. The extra study break week will give your lecturers the time to plan for how best to support your studies in these circumstances. We will keep you informed of changes as further decisions are made.

• Arrangements for changes to assessment, including Semester One examinations, are currently being considered. More information will be shared soon.

• We will provide additional support to you as we transition to more online learning; your learning is important to us.

While there have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 connected to Murdoch University, the decision to extend the study break and move to online learning is a precautionary measure to limit contact during this phase of the pandemic and minimise the risk of community transmission of the virus.

The University values your learning and is following all advice from local and national health authorities to continue to deliver a safe environment. To help us stay in contact with you, we encourage you to update your contact details through the student portal.

If you need any clarification regarding this announcement, please contact the Student Centre by phone on 1300 687 3624 or email studentcentre@murdoch.edu.au.

I thank you sincerely for your ongoing understanding and support.

Eeva