COVID-19 advice

The government of Western Australia has issued new public health directions, making it mandatory for all healthcare and support workers in Western Australia to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to access health facilities for work purposes.

These mandatory vaccinations will be introduced in a staged approach, with those in the highest risk settings needing to be vaccinated first.

Currently, this public health direction applies to health care and aged care workers, health support staff, placement students and employees who need to access health facilities for work purposes. 

Impacted staff and students at Murdoch University have been notified of these directions via email. Students are encouraged to check with their Unit Coordinators and staff are encouraged to speak with their line manager on how this may affect them.

COVID-19 vaccination rollout, safety and efficacy facts can be found on the WA Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine FAQs webpage.

The Western Australian Government has advised that from 12:01am on Saturday 3 July, the current lockdown will be replaced by a post-lockdown transition period for the Perth and Peel regions in a stepped process until 12.01am on Monday 12 July.

The two phases of post lockdown transitional measures post lockdown transitional measures for the Perth and Peel regions that will apply from:

• 12.01am Saturday 3 July until 12.01am Tuesday 6 July and;
• 12.01am Tuesday 6 July until 12.01am Monday 12 July

We encourage you to read the full government announcement online to familiarise yourself with these restrictions.

What does this mean for the Murdoch community?

To help us transition smoothly into next week, we are asking that you do not to come onto campus this weekend unless it is urgent. Staff who have permission to return to campus will be required to adhere to all WA Department of Health advice, as set out above, including observing physical distancing.

Face masks

From midnight tonight until 12.01am on Tuesday 6 July, you will be required to wear a mask at all times on campus, unless you are exempt based on the reasons supplied by WA Health.

From Tuesday 6 July to Sunday 11 July, you must continue to wear a face mask indoors, unless exempt by the reasons supplied by WA Health. During this period, masks only need to be worn outdoors if physical distancing isn’t possible.

On-campus classes and student services

All on-campus classes on Monday 5 July will be moved online.

From Tuesday 6 July to Friday 9 July, all on-campus classes scheduled will resume if they can occur in a space that fits the 2 square metre rule. Any classes that cannot fit the 2 square metre rule will be moved online and affected students will be notified separately.

The Student Centre and Library will re-open from Tuesday 6 July with capacity limits for face-to-face services. Students are encouraged to continue to use our comprehensive online and telephone services as required.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements can resume, provided students follow all mandated government disease protection measures and the host organisation has agreed to the placement.

Working from home

Staff are encouraged to check with their line-manager on whether they are permitted to return to work on campus or can continue to carry out their duties working from home during this transition period. More information is available on the Staff Intranet.

Sports, events and external bookings

University events can proceed as planned, provided they comply with the government restrictions and disease protection measures in place at the time of the event.

Outdoor community sports can recommence without spectators from this Saturday 3 July. Murdoch Sports and Recreation Centre (including the Gym) will reopen from Tuesday 5 July with government-mandated disease protection measures applied. Gym opening hours will be 6am to 10pm weekdays and 9am to 5pm over the weekends from Tuesday 5 July until Monday 12 July.

The Viking Kids Holiday Program will commence on Tuesday 6 July. Parents who have bookings for Monday 5 July can contact the Murdoch Sports reception for a refund or credit.

Requests to book Murdoch University facilities by external parties will remain paused until further notice.

Campus safety

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. It is the responsibility of anyone returning to campus to adhere to our COVID-19 Campus Protocols, so we can continue to ensure our campuses remain safe places for everyone.

These include wearing a mask unless you are exempt and scanning the sign-posted venue QR code upon entry to campus venues using the SafeWA mobile app.

Next steps 

Please stay safe and we thank you for your continued support in keeping our campus and community safe during these challenging times. We appreciate this is an uncertain time for the University community while we adapt to this ever-changing environment.

Staff and students are encouraged to check their emails for updates and monitor the Murdoch University intranet and student portal for specific updates.

Once again, we encourage you to speak to your friends and colleagues and support one another or access our support services.

The WA Government has announced a four-day lockdown for the Perth and Peel regions from 12.01am 29 June 2021, following another confirmed case of COVID-19 in the Perth community.

The restrictions will apply until at least 12.01am on Saturday, 3 July 2021.

The Government has advised that people in the Perth and Peel region are required to stay at home and work from home unless they must leave for essential reasons.

This means the Murdoch University Perth, Rockingham and Mandurah campuses will be closed during this period except for essential food and takeaway venues that choose to stay open. All internal and external events this week are cancelled.

As a result of the lockdown, all learning and teaching activities will revert to online for the remainder of this week. Affected students will be notified via email and the student portal.

We encourage everyone to continue to monitor the WA Health Department website for updates as more information becomes available. Please note, if you have been at any of these sites at the times specified you need to follow the advice of the WA Department of Health.

Your health is our priority and we are continuing to monitor the impact of COVID-19 as well as following the latest advice issued by the Federal Government and the WA and Australian Health Departments.

We understand the situation may change and if there are any further announcements from the WA Government, or as further decisions are made by the CIMT, appropriate communications will be issued.

Staff and students are encouraged to check their emails for updates and monitor the Murdoch University website, intranet and student portal.

We thank you for your continued support in keeping our campus and community safe during these challenging times.

The State Government announced that from 12pm on 27 June 2021, Phase 1 restrictions will apply. This includes the 2 square metre distancing requirement, the wearing of masks while indoors and on public transport, and a cap of 150 people at events. These restrictions will apply for the next three days.

If you are required to be on-campus for operational reasons, you must wear a face mask at all times while indoors and on public transport, unless exempt for reasons outlined by the WA Health and observe the 2 square metre distancing requirements.

Students

All on-campus classes will go ahead this week unless you are advised otherwise for particular units. Anyone affected by space timetabling changes to on-campus classes to conform with the 2 square metre rule will be notified.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements can continue as scheduled, under direction from relevant placement providers, if the activity can be conducted in accordance with WA Phase 1 health restrictions. The WIL Team will contact placement providers and students to confirm if arrangements will proceed during this initial three-day period of restrictions.

Staff

Accordingly, all staff are encouraged to work from home unless they must be on campus for operational reasons or retrieve items necessary to enable staff to work from home. Please check the Staff Intranet for further information.

It is also important to consider the following:

• Please continue to check possible exposure sites listed on the WA Health website.
• If you have been to any of the exposure sites within the relevant prescribed times and dates, you must isolate and get tested in accordance with WA Health Department advice.
• Please do not come to campus if you feel unwell in any way, and immediately seek advice from WA Health.

As always, we ask you adhere to our COVID-19 Campus Protocols, including scanning to into venues using the SafeWA app or register provided, if you are attending campus.

We do understand that the situation is evolving regularly, and further updates may be issued if restrictions are changed. Once again, we thank you all for your help in keeping our university safe.

The Western Australian Government has announced that WA will safely transition to Phase 5 of the state’s COVID recovery from 23 June.

The transition to Phase 5 ends the remainder of capacity and gathering limits for venues and events. This means the 2 square metre rule is removed for all venues. However, the Government has reiterated that maintaining good hygiene standards and COVID-safe principles will be upheld along with mandatory contact registers.

For everyone at Murdoch University, there remains a personal responsibility to maintain 1.5 metre physical distancing between each other, where possible, while moving around public areas. However, consistent with the Government’s advice, the removal of the 2 square metre rule removes the previous restrictions applying to University venues, staff workspaces and meetings, and the use of lifts.

With the easing of restrictions, it is important we do not get complacent and continue to scan the QR codes where required, and follow government health advice on COVID-19 testing, vaccinations and staying home if you are unwell.

The Premier has announced that there have been no further cases of community transmission of COVID-19 in the Perth and Peel region.

Accordingly, from 12.01am on Saturday 8 May, it will not be compulsory to wear masks, except for the following:

• on public transport
• at events where the venue will have more than 1,000 people
• at hospitals, and disability and aged care accommodation.

This means that from 12.01am on Saturday 8 May, masks will no longer be a requirement at our South Street, Rockingham or Mandurah campuses.

Please continue to follow the latest health advice from state and federal authorities including maintaining a physical distance where appropriate and ensuring you scan the SafeWA QR code or complete the register provided upon entry where signposted.

The University does appreciate that the events of the last year, and more recently may have been difficult to adapt to. We thank you all for your ongoing support in keeping our campuses safe.

The Western Australian Government has announced that from 12.01am Saturday 1 May the current COVID-19 restrictions will change.

The Government has advised Universities may reopen.

The post lockdown transitional arrangements include:

• Universities may resume delivery of on campus teaching with necessary COVID-19 safety measures in place.
• Everyone must continue to wear a mask in public indoor spaces or on public transport and public outdoor settings where physical distancing is not possible.
• Travel is permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA, with the exception of remote Aboriginal communities, however the mask rules apply to anyone who has been in Perth since 17 April.

The Government’s full announcement can be read online.

Murdoch University staff and students should check their emails and online portals for more detailed information as to how the change in restrictions applies to them.

Following the State Government announcement on Monday 26 April, the previous lockdown is being lifted, however transitional restrictions will apply from 12.01am, Tuesday 27 April 2021.

The post lockdown transitional arrangements include:

• Universities may deliver online learning only – accordingly, there will be no on campus teaching activities this week (26 April – 30 April). No visitors are permitted on campus.
• Everyone must continue to wear a mask in public and while at work, unless exempt or for outdoor vigorous exercise;
• A 4 square metre capacity rule and 20-person capacity rule applies at hospitality, entertainment and other public venues.
• Travel is permitted in and out of the Perth and Peel regions to other parts of WA, with the exception of remote Aboriginal communities.
• Gyms must remain closed

The Government’s full announcement can be read online.

Murdoch University staff and students should check their emails and online portals for more detailed information as to how the transitional restrictions apply to them.

In accordance with the directive of the WA State Government, Murdoch University University’s South Street, Rockingham and Mandurah campuses will be closed from 12.01am on 24 April until at least 12.01am on Tuesday 27 April.

The wearing of masks in public is compulsory from 6pm on Friday 23 April.

During the lockdown, the Geoffrey Bolton Library and 24-hour learning common will be closed.

With the lockdown to be lifted from 12.01am on Tuesday 27 April, it is expected we will return to pre-lockdown conditions from Tuesday. Communications will be sent over the weekend if these plans change or if any further announcements from the WA Government are issued. Staff and students are encouraged to check their emails for updates and monitor the Murdoch University website, intranet and student portal.

In accordance with the Government announcement on Friday 12 February, the previous restrictions that were in place will discontinue from 12.01am, Sunday 14 February 2021.

It will not be compulsory to wear face masks outdoors from 12.01am on Sunday 14 February and on-campus activities will recommence from Monday 15 February and take place in their allocated venues.

In line with the WA Department of Health’s COVID-19 contact tracing, everybody visiting or occupying key venues at our South Street campus will also be required to scan the sign-posted venue QR code. There are separate QR codes in place for different venues, so you may need to scan more than one throughout the day.

All people attending any Murdoch University facilities will be required to adhere to all WA Department of Health advice, including observing physical distancing and adhering to the 2 square metre per person rule, where possible.

Most on-campus support services, food vendors and amenities will be open.

Staff and students are encouraged to check their emails for updates and monitor the Murdoch University website, intranet and student portal.

As advised by the WA Government, from 6pm Friday 5 February, the current lockdown will end and be replaced by a post-lockdown transition period until 12.01am Sunday 14 February. As such, the Murdoch University’s South Street, Mandurah and Rockingham campuses will reopen.

From Monday 8 February, the Student Centre, My Murdoch Advice areas and Library will be re-opened with capacity limits. The Zone Fitness centre will reopen from Saturday 6 February. At this stage the University is continuing to plan for Orientation Day and the commencement of Semester 1 will go ahead as planned.

Students who have already started the 2021 year are encouraged to check their emails and student portal for updates on practicals and laboratories that will take place on campu from Monday 8 February to Friday 12 February. Tutorials and all other teaching activity that is not essential to be held face to face will be held online in the week commencing 8 February.

The safety of our students and staff is our number one priority. It is the responsibility of anyone returning to campus to adhere to the safety protocols outlined by the WA Government, so we can keep our community safe and healthy.

These now include wearing a mask while on campus, unless you are exempt based on the reasons supplied by WA Health until at least 12.01am Sunday 14 February.

Scanning the sign-posted venue QR code upon entry to campus venues using the SafeWA mobile app is essential. Please be aware that it is now mandatory to scan the SafeWA QR code at the entry to food outlets, even for takeaway only customers.

As always, it is essential you practice good sneeze and cough hygiene, wash your hands regularly, maintain physical distancing (1.5 metres), stay at home if you feel unwell and use the SafeWA App.

In accordance with the directive of the WA State Government, Murdoch University University’s South Street, Rockingham and Mandurah campuses will be closed from 6pm on 31 January until 6pm on Friday 5 February 2021. Staff and students are encouraged to check their email messages for updates and monitor the Murdoch University website, intranet and student portal.

The University has been preparing for this possibility and has a clear plan for this scenario. Only essential staff supporting critical University functions who cannot undertake such work from home can attend campus.

Students who were due to be on campus have also been advised to stay home. Future students who were due to be on campus for pre-commencement assessments will be contacted and alternative arrangements will be made.

Student services, including the Student Centre, MyMurdoch Advice and the Counselling service will revert to online services only. The Medical Service will operate a limited on-campus service for the lockdown period.

From Saturday 5 December, anyone visiting or occupying (excluding delivery persons) the following venues at Murdoch University will be required to scan the sign-posted venue QR code upon entry using the SafeWA mobile app:

• The Student Hub
• Sir Walter’s Restaurant
• The ‘Pop-up Ref’ Food Truck area
• Building 126
• The Zone Fitness Centre
• The Murdoch Sports Pavilions
• Campus Living Village Murdoch
• The Murdoch Worship Centre
• The Nexus Theatre
• The Mandurah Campus Library
• Perth Campus Veterinary Library
• The Geoffrey Bolton Library

If you are visiting or occupying one of the following venues and do not have a smart phone, you must manually sign-in as per the register provided in that location:

• Sir Walter’s Restaurant
• The Zone Fitness Centre
• Campus Living Village Murdoch
• The Geoffrey Bolton Library

Your efforts to continue to keep our community safe are appreciated—we look forward to your continued support and compliance with these important Government-mandated protocols.

The Commonwealth Government has announced new measures to support international students in Australia. The changes provide much needed support for current and prospective students and will help to continue to position Australia as a priority destination for study.

The five visa changes ensure international students will not be worse off due to COVID-19 and have been designed to give them confidence in their visa arrangements, so they can make plans to study in Australia when it is safe to do so.

As part of these changes, Murdoch University will be monitoring our students’ enrolment status, issuing new Confirmation of Enrolments (CoE) as needed and notifying the Department of Home Affairs.

Students who have specific questions about the impact of these changes on their visas should refer to the Department of Home Affairs website.

Semester 2 teaching and learning will proceed almost like any other year. All classes timetabled as ‘on-campus’ will take place in their allocated venues from week 1 of Semester 2. Lectures will take place online for the whole semester, as will all classes with an online class location.

This decision has been made in line with Government guidelines and keeps the health and safety of our staff and students at the forefront of our return to on-campus activities. Any future changes to health and safety guidelines may result in changes to class calendars, but we are striving to minimise any disruption.

Information about classes

All the teaching spaces are set up to comply with the 2 square metre rule and 1.5 metres separation as much as possible.  

For classes that have two or more tutorials (or equivalent), there will be at least one online option. This will be maintained to ensure students who are overseas, interstate or have health conditions that preclude them from returning can continue their studies with us.

Additionally, some units have no on-campus options and will be delivered online, as has been timetabled.

Maintaining a healthy physical distance

While we can be assured that Western Australia is among the safest places in the world for both staff and students, COVID-19 is likely to continue to be a presence in our lives and work for some time to come.

It remains extremely important that the whole University community continues to observe physical distancing and good hand hygiene, so we do not see the Government guidelines wound back.

Please visit the staff intranet and student portal for more details about returning to on-campus activities.

The below outlines how the University will resume on-campus activities effective from Saturday 6 June.

Returning to work on-campus

Our approach for staff returning to campus will continue to be leader-led and balanced against our health, safety and operational requirements, supporting flexible working arrangements as needed.

Staff returning to campus must adhere to the minimum of 2 square metres per person rule for venue capacity, maintain a 1.5 metre separation between people, and continue to hold meetings online where possible.

Learning and teaching

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

All lectures will run online for Semester 2, 2020. Face-to-face activities (including labs and tutorials) will proceed if they can adhere to physical distancing requirements. Students are encouraged to check their timetable to see if they are required on campus.

A list of all Semester 2, 2020 face-to-face activities that do not meet the above criteria will be made available through the staff Intranet and Student Portal later this week.

Research
Researchers resuming activities must ensure physical distancing, and hygiene and cleaning measures are met.  The Pro-Vice Chancellor Research and Innovation, or delegate, is responsible for providing guidance, direction and support to the resumption of research activities.

Events
All Murdoch and Guild events are restricted until further notice unless in exceptional circumstances and approved by the University.

Travel

Intra-state university travel for staff and students is limited to critical travel only and will continue to be reviewed as per government advice.

Murdoch University continues to monitor the latest Government direction and will advise our community of any further changes to on-campus operations.

More information for students and staff is available through the Murdoch Staff Intranet and Student Portal.

On Friday 29 May the State Government announced Western Australia will move to Phase 3 of their roadmap to ease COVID-19 restrictions. These changes will come into effect from Saturday 6 June.

Significantly, Western Australia will be the first state to implement a two square metre per person capacity rule for venues, replacing the previous four-square metre rule.

Murdoch University has a dedicated team coordinating our response to this evolving situation. As such, we are currently working through the implications of these changes for our staff and students, and will update our community on our evolving response soon.

To make sure we can keep our campuses a healthy and safe environment for all, the University strongly advises those attending campus:

• keep at least 1.5 metres away from others
• follow the Government’s physical distancing guidelines
• Stay home if you are feeling unwell and;
• Practice regular handwashing and coughing or sneezing hygiene
• For more information, visit the WA Department of Health website.

From Monday 18 May, Murdoch University is gradually resuming on-campus activities in response to the Commonwealth and State Governments easing restrictions.

The resumption of on-campus activities will be phased and incremental, with careful and balanced consideration of the priorities and risks associated with University teaching, learning, research and engagement.

As we return to campus, the University will strictly adhere to government direction regarding disease protection measures.

Priority activities include but are not limited to:

• Specified learning and teaching activities, practicals or labs that enable timely completion for graduating students, are for assessment or professional accreditation purposes or cannot be replicated online, as recommended by the Pro-Vice Chancellor Education; and
• Priority lab-based research activities with funding and outcome imperatives, as recommended by, Pro-Vice Chancellor Research & Innovation.

For anyone attending campus, the University strongly reiterates that one of the easiest things you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to:

• keep at least 1.5 metres away from others
• follow the University’s physical distancing guidelines
• Stay home if you are feeling unwell and;
• Practice regular handwashing and coughing/sneezing hygiene.

Murdoch University is supporting health care workers by making two car parks at its Perth campus available to staff delivering frontline health care during the COVID-19 outbreak.

A total of 960 bays in Car Park 1 and Car Park 7 were made available to staff from Fiona Stanley Hospital on Friday April 3, 2020.

The University is a key part of the Murdoch Knowledge and Health precinct and we are pleased to support workers on the front line of the response to the pandemic.

A recently announced reduction in public transport services means that the bays are needed by critical staff health staff now more than ever. It also minimises the need for frontline healthcare workers to share public transport services with members of the public. There will be no charge for the bays to Fiona Stanley Hospital staff and will give them greater choice about how they get to work during this challenging time.

FSH Parking will issue hospital staff with numbered Murdoch University permits to display on their vehicles.

Last Friday 27 March, the University wrote to our domestic and international onshore students to announce the development of a Student Support Package that includes:

• Access to a $2 million Student Assistance Fund for student’s ineligible for Commonwealth Government support.
• University support for the Guild Food Bank.
• An Essentials Bursary worth $25 per week to reduce food costs for international students.
• Online learning support, including a Technology Bursary for all students and access to a limited supply of laptops.

The University has also put in place an Academic Safety Net, which recognises the considerable disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. If a student fails any subject during this time, the failing grade will not be recorded on their transcript nor be included in their Grade Point Average.

The Academic Safety Net will not change the application of appropriate academic standards and is intended to give students encouragement as they transition to a new study mode. The Student Support Package – the result of a highly successful collaboration with the Student Guild - has been very well received by students, and is in addition to a suite of comprehensive health and wellbeing supports already in place, now expanded and online to meet our current needs.

The measures outlined above are just some of the ways the University is providing care and support to the communities we serve at this challenging time.

With limited staff now on campus to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the following operational changes will come into effect from Friday 27 March.

All deliveries to Murdoch University must now go to the Mail Room located in Building 193.

The Murdoch University switchboard service will continue to function with adjusted operating hours of Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.

The ramifications of the COVID-19 global pandemic on the University’s operations are constantly evolving which is having a considerable impact on all of our campus operations.

These are the latest measures put in place to help in the efforts to contain COVID-19. These measures will continue to be reviewed to ensure they are appropriate and effective, based on Government advice, as the situation continues to evolve.

Working from Home

All Murdoch staff that have the arrangements in place to work from home will be able to from COB Thursday 26 March.

Arrangements for Essential Campus Based Activities

From COB Thursday 26 March, until further notice, only essential staff supporting critical University functions who cannot undertake such work from home will remain on campus. This includes staff involved in:

• Student accommodation and essential student support
• Developing and/or implementing alternate arrangements to critical teaching labs and practicals
• Preparation to deliver virtual lectures and tutorials for online learning that requires university facilities
• Critical health, safety and security services
• Critical finance functions (include supplier payment processing and financial delegation management)
• Essential medical support via Murdoch University Health: Medical Service
• Campus maintenance, asset and utilities management
• Delivery of core IT services, system, incident management and application support
• Delivery of essential services at The Animal Hospital Murdoch University.

Senior leaders will maintain a presence on campus throughout this period on a rotational basis or as needed.

For those who need to attend campus, please be assured your safety is of paramount importance to us. 

To support this Murdoch University is ensuring:

• Normal Helpdesk and Security presence will be maintained
• All buildings will be accessible by swipe card access only
• Cleaning to areas being used will be maintained and continue to be enhanced as required
• Staff will be offered alternate workspaces to ensure and maintain physical distancing
• Food and coffee outlets on campus are operational for as long as possible

Campus operations

The following services and facilities will remain open after COB Thursday 15 March, under limited campus operations. As the situation evolves Murdoch University will continue to re-assess operations.

• Student accommodation
• Essential student support services
• The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (essential services only)
• The IGA and food outlets providing takeaway food
• The library, with stringent physical distancing and infection control measures in place
• Some research labs, as approved by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research
• Specific computer labs, which will be subject to stringent cleaning. Rooms will be rearranged to ensure appropriate physical distancing and gloves made available to students. Further details on affected labs will be provided at a later date.

Every decision that has been made is in consideration of what is best for the Murdoch University community.

Murdoch University is doing all possible to protect the health and wellbeing of its valued staff and students, while continuing to deliver high quality teaching and critical research.

In order to protect the health of staff and students and to limit the possible spread of COVID-19 a decision has been made to cancel face-to-face exams for Semester One and Trimester One for students studying on those timetables. This decision will affect most students.

For those who would normally have had exams, they will still be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Engaging with an alternative assessment plan will in no way impact one’s ability to successfully complete their studies at Murdoch.

The high academic standards delivered at Murdoch University remain unchanged under these revised, temporary arrangements.

For units that would have had centrally scheduled exams, Unit Coordinators are working through alternative assessment plans. As decisions are finalised and approved, Unit Coordinators will release this information to students.

Students will not be disadvantaged by any changes made to unit assessment plans.

Work integrated learning arrangements

Detailed conversations with employers and professional associations are currently underway to understand the impact on planned placements and to find creative solutions wherever needed and possible.

If a placement is affected, or becomes affected by evolving COVID-19 containment measures Murdoch University will contact students directly.

Murdoch is making every effort to enable students to be able to continue to be successful in their studies, even though many other aspects of life are being disrupted. We are currently working to put a student support and engagement package in place that will enable students to stay connected at this time, with activities to promote mental and physical wellbeing.

While these are uncertain times, our commitment to provide a high-quality education experience remains unchanged. The delivery and form of assessment may be different but what students learn during this period will allow them to succeed well beyond the grounds of University campuses and the current challenges faced by all.

The Australian Government has announced further significant changes that will have a major impact on the way we operate as a University.

It is in this constantly-evolving context that the following changes that will take effect at Murdoch as a result of the State and Federal Government’s latest advice, as well as some decisions the University’s Senior Executive Group has taken to keep our community safe.

Throughout this global pandemic, decisions are being made on the advice of the State and Federal Governments, including expert health officials. We are continuing to work with colleagues across the University on a range of contingency plans that will allow Murdoch University to adapt as the situation evolves.

Campus facilities

• The University remains open based on the advice of State and Federal Governments.
• The Murdoch University Library will continue to open for the time being, with enhanced hygiene measures and physical distancing protocols.
• The University is working to ensure computer labs remain open for students who do not have access to the equipment they need to support their studies. It is essential students and staff using these areas observe the appropriate distancing measures and hygiene measures outlined by the Australian Government.
• Murdoch University specialist public health clinics, including the Chiropractic Clinic, and Sports and Exercise Science Clinic will close at 5pm Tuesday March 24 until further notice. Murdoch Psychology Clinic and Caladenia Counselling Clinic will maintain their current service via tele-health but will not accept new clients.
• We are awaiting advice from the Australian Veterinary Association regarding The Animal Hospital, noting that we hope we will be able to continue to provide emergency care to the general community for as long as possible.
• Murdoch University Health’s Medical and Counselling services will remain open with a mixture of face to face appointments and tele-health services for the University community.
• The Zone Fitness Centre and all indoor and outdoor sporting facilities on campus closed at midday today until further notice, in accordance with Government advice.
• Campus food venues including the Student Hub and Sir Walter’s Café remain open, but only serve takeaway food from today.
• The Tavern, operated by the Student Guild, will remain open and serve takeaway food only until Government advice changes.
• UniSuper branches on campus are closed until further notice.
• From COB Tuesday 31 March, all UniBank branches on campus will be closed until further notice.

Research

• Critical research is continuing, with physical distancing and hygiene measures are put in place.

Teaching and Learning

• Murdoch University is working on arrangements to transition to online lectures and tutorials from Monday April 6.
• The majority of face-to-face laboratories and practicals will cease on this date, unless otherwise directed by government. We are looking at a number of alternative methods of delivery, as well as the possibility of rescheduling them to later in the year.

Further frequently asked questions are below for more general information.

In response to growing global concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is implementing a number of new measures to enable us to effectively engage students in learning.

Murdoch’s focus continues to be the health and safety of students and staff, the delivery of learning and teaching, and critical research.

After careful consideration, including liaising with the Student Guild, the University has decided that:

• The planned study break due to commence Monday, March 23 will be extended by one week to allow the University to prepare for a transition to more online learning. Therefore, the Semester One break will now run from Monday, March 23 until Friday, April 3 inclusive.
• In order to ensure continuity of student learning, the study break planned for Week 15 in June will become a normal teaching week.
• As large-scale end-of-semester examinations are likely to be affected, Murdoch University will use the upcoming two-week study break to review its approach and implement alternative assessment protocols.
• Throughout this period, or unless the government advises otherwise, the University will remain open for students who require on-campus services. Computer labs will remain accessible and the library will remain open, however appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures will be implemented.
• On the completion of this extended study break, from Monday, April 6, the University will resume with online-only learning and teaching for lectures and tutorials for the remainder of Semester One.
• Alternative plans for units that have labs, clinics, studios and other face-to-face requirements that are difficult to replicate online are being reviewed.
• The Easter Break (Week 8, commencing Monday April 13) will take place as usual.

The changes outlined above only apply to units taught in the Semester 1 teaching period. Units in other teaching periods (such as trimester 1 units and Semester 1 nursing) will continue as normal, while adhering to health advice and social distancing protocols.

These decisions have not been made lightly and may change further in line with government advice. They have also been designed to minimise disruption to students and help them stay on track with their studies.

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 where possible is a precautionary measure to limit contact during this phase of the pandemic and minimise the risk of community transmission of the virus.

The following frequently asked questions provide further information for staff and students. These FAQs will be updated as new information becomes available.

On Monday 16 March, Murdoch University’s Vice Chancellor Professor Eeva Leinonen announced several important decisions regarding the University’s management of issues related to COVID-19:

• Staff who are directly affected by COVID-19 (that is, staff who are required to self-isolate, have primary caring responsibilities, are classified as ‘at risk’) will be entitled to access up to 10 Working Days of Special Paid Leave (pro-rata). This arrangement includes casual staff and will be made available until the end of July, when the situation is reviewed.
• We have also endorsed temporary Working from Home guidelines to help leaders and staff implement alternative arrangements, should the need arise.
• At the moment we are continuing to teach as normal. Should suspension of University activities be required, we will aim to do this with minimal disruption to the current timetable.
• The President of Academic Council has approved temporary amendments to the assessment policy to allow for more flexibility in relation to student attendance and participation.
• All events have been cancelled until further notice.

Murdoch does not need to, and will not, accept liability for properly applying directions under the Public Health Act, whether in respect of students or staff.  This includes requiring that a student meet the requirements of such directions as a condition of undertaking a placement.

Murdoch will have no liability to any student who fails to complete their course due to: (a) a placement being a required component of the course; and (b) the student not being able to undertake that placement due to the student’s noncompliance with a direction made under the Public Health Act. 

The Western Australian Government has said it will announce the date that the State will welcome fully vaccinated domestic and international arrivals (including international students) with no quarantine period once 80% of Western Australians (aged 12+) are fully vaccinated.

It is expected the 80% target will be reached in early December 2021. The opening date will be based on modelling of when the State will reach the 90% vaccinated rate, and this is expected in early February 2022. This date will be fixed once it is announced.

The state’s borders will be open to all fully vaccinated international students without the need to quarantine once 80% of Western Australians (aged 12+) are fully vaccinated. This is expected to occur by late January or early February 2022. We are constantly seeking clarification and updates and will share further information as soon as it becomes available.

Airlines are expected to require passengers on international flights to be fully vaccinated at the time of travel with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Similarly, only students who are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised vaccine will be eligible to enter WA – this is to help protect the safety of the WA community and the students themselves.

Currently, the Australian Government requires international travellers to return a negative COVID-19 PCR test 72 hours prior to departure. When WA opens to international arrivals, fully vaccinated international students will not need to quarantine.

To qualify as fully vaccinated, you need to have received the recommended schedule of doses of a vaccine that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved or recognised.

A list of vaccines currently recognised and approved in Australia can be found online.

This is under consideration by the Australian Government, and we will provide an update as soon as information becomes available. Further information can be viewed at the Smartraveller website.

Only students who are fully vaccinated with a vaccine recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) are eligible to enter Western Australia.

We will wait for the WA government’s formal announcement on the procedures around the reopening of the borders. Information can be found on the WA Safe Transition Plan when they become available.

Yes, you will need to hold a valid student visa to enter Australia. You can check your current visa status and the expiry date through VEVO or their ImmiAccount. You can also use your ImmiAccount to apply for a new visa if your visa has already expired or is close to expiring. For further information, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website.

Murdoch University will directly contact any students eligible to return to WA and provide the information they require at every step of the process. This communication will ensure students understand their responsibilities and obligations as they travel and arrive in WA, as well as the support available to them.

Murdoch have resumed on-campus learning, including tutorials, workshops, libraries, and practical requirements with COVID-safe arrangements.

Murdoch will continue to provide online classes and support for those who are unable to commence or resume their studies next year on campus in Perth, until such time as travel is reasonably possible.

From 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption. Your entry into a specific state will be dependent on its border arrangements. Travel between Western Australia and other states is subject to travel restrictions (including testing and quarantine requirements).

The decision on entry to Western Australia rests with the WA Government, which requires all incoming international and interstate travellers to have a valid G2G pass to enter WA and meet the requirements listed on the ’International and interstate arrivals’ of the COVID-19 coronavirus: Travel to WA website. You can read more about the most recent entry requirements on the Department of the Premier and Cabinet’s dedicated G2G website.

Murdoch University and the rest of Western Australia are renowned for our diverse and welcoming community. We will ensure that we stay committed to your safety, enjoyment, and wellbeing during your time in WA.

International students are required to have health insurance. To provide further reassurance and to support the WA health response to COVID-19, the Minister for Health has confirmed that people who are not eligible for Medicare and who present to WA Health facilities for assessment in relation to COVID-19 infection will not be charged out-of-pocket expenses.

In the uncertainty of these times, Murdoch University’s and Western Australia’s focus on minimising the risks of COVID-19 means international students can be more confident of their experience here than just about anywhere else in the world. The WA Government is committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the WA community.

• Ensure you are fully vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine.
• Ensure you have a valid student visa.
• Contact your travel agent and start looking into their travel arrangements to Western Australia.
• Understand your local COVID-19 testing arrangements.
• Understand how to get a G2G pass.

If you secure approval to travel to Western Australia, please notify the International Office (by sending a copy of your G2G and flight details) via email to specialistadvice@murdoch.edu.au.

All costs associated with travel will be borne by returning current and commencing international students, as has always been the case. As quarantine will not be required for fully vaccinated international students, no extra costs are anticipated.

This will be subject to the Government’s advice at the time when the official announcement on borders opening is made.

We will wait for the WA government’s formal announcement on the procedures around the reopening of the borders. Information can be found on the WA Safe Transition Plan when they become available.

This will be advised by the Western Australia Government once the date for reopening of borders is set.

Yes, your parents or other family members can travel to Western Australia if they are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised vaccine, and as long as they have a valid visa for entry.

You are eligible to travel to WA as long as you are fully vaccinated with a TGA recognised vaccine and have a valid travel visa for entry.

No, you are required to get double vaccination.

Yes, you can.

You will need to show airline staff your International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC). The ICVC will be provided for you to print or hold electronically on your phone. You will also need a valid visa to travel to Western Australia. You can refer to the Department of Home Affairs for more information regarding Vaccinated Travellers.

You will need to contact Murdoch International Admissions at international.admissions@murdoch.edu.au for assistance to get a valid eCoE. If you applied through one of Murdoch’s authorized education agents, please contact them to assist with this process.