As you are likely aware, restrictions around COVID-19 are now beginning to ease.

We have been carefully planning for a coordinated, safe and gradual return of some essential on-campus activities and would like to provide you with an update on this return, as well as Semester 2, 2020 learning.

As has been the case throughout this challenging period, Murdoch’s highest priority is safeguarding your physical and mental health and wellbeing, while also maintaining your access to high-quality learning and teaching.

What does this mean for Murdoch students?

Semester 1, 2020

There will be no change to learning and teaching for the remainder of Semester 1, 2020. As previously announced, Semester 1, 2020 exams will take place online between 9 June - 20 June.

The online exam timetable is now live, and we encourage you to visit our online exam support webpage to get prepared for exams.

Winter units

Classes for units in the Winter teaching period will run online. You will receive further advice from your Unit Coordinator with more detailed advice, including any variations, including any variations.

Semester 2, 2020

If you haven’t already, we encourage you to enrol in units for Semester 2, 2020 through MyInfo in preparation for Semester 2, 2020 class sign up, which?will open on Wednesday 3 June at 9:00am.

Class delivery (internal units) 

• All lectures will run online for the whole of Semester 2. 
• All on-campus classes will run online until Government restrictions on physical distancing are relaxed. 
• For some units, there will be an online class location option if you prefer to study online for the whole semester. Please note this is different to external mode of study (see below).

We will provide more information and advice for class sign up next week. We encourage you to enrol in your Semester 2 units as planned. If you are worried about your ability to complete a certain unit for reasons related to COVID-19, you can contact the Unit Coordinator for more advice on how classes will run.

External units 

External units are designed for self-contained and independent study, and do not require class sign up. If you are an international student, please note there are limitations on enrolling in external units.

While most external units have no requirement for on-campus attendance, some science and education units do require scheduled on-campus sessions. These details are included in the University Handbook, and you will be advised of arrangements closer to the date.

Placements, internships and work integrated learning (WIL)

Students who are enrolled in placement units that are an accreditation requirement of your course will receive specific communication from your Academic Chair, Unit Coordinator or Placement Officer. Where placement units are available as elective options, eligible students can expect to receive communication shortly to confirm in which teaching periods these units will be made available.

Library re-opening

We are pleased to let you know the Murdoch University Library is now open for Murdoch students and staff only, with measures in place to ensure the safety of you and others. Please visit the Library website for more information and opening hours, and remember to practice physical distancing and good personal hygiene when you are on campus and in the Library.

Student support

Our support teams remain available online to help you with any queries and help you make the most of your online studies. You can contact myMurdoch Advice at advice@murdoch.edu.au or find out how to access other Murdoch support services online, such as Counselling, Equity and Careers.

We will provide updates on the myMurdoch student portal when these services resume face-to-face support.

Please note the Murdoch University Medical Service is open for on-campus appointments. Find out how to make an appointment or how to access a free flu vaccination.

Unit feedback surveys

Thank you to all students who completed the mid-semester Pulse unit surveys. We received almost 7000 responses, and while most responses indicated you feel supported by the online learning environment, we have been implementing a number of changes based on your feedback, including more interaction, more visual content, and increased ability to talk and collaborate in your online classes.

The end-of-semester MyFeedback unit surveys will open on Thursday 28 May. We encourage all students to provide feedback so we can continuously improve and deliver you the best learning experience possible.

Best wishes,

Professor Kylie Readman  

Pro Vice Chancellor (Education)