What you need to know about learning and student life at UOW during COVID-19.
COVID-19 information for students
To ensure the ongoing safe operation of our campus activities and the wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors, the University has implemented a COVID-19 Safe Plan. For these measures to be effective, we need everyone in the UOW community to share in the responsibility for its implementation.
- Do not attend campus if you have COVID-19 symptoms - follow the health advice and present to a COVID-19 testing clinic or do a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).
- COVID-19 (as well as influenza) vaccination is strongly encouraged for staff, students and visitors attending all our campuses.
- Students living in UOW residences, as well as workers or visitors in these facilities, are required to be vaccinated.
You can also visit AskUOW if you have any COVID-19 questions.
On campus and online study options
While most students are back on campus in 2023, some international students continue to face challenges as a result of VISA delays and isolated boarder restrictions. With this in mind:
- Face-to-face classes on our campuses will be carried out with COVID Safe measures in place.
- Wherever possible on campus lectures will have a live stream option and/or be recorded.
- Subjects with impacted international students will attempt to offer both on-campus and online modes in the 2023 Autumn and T1 sessions
- National Code face to face delivery requirements for international students will be reinstated for T2 and Spring Session onwards
- Students located in Australia who have health concerns and are considered vulnerable can be considered for appropriate adjustment by UOW's defined process of registering for an Access Plan.
- Shared indoor spaces will have mechanical or natural ventilation.
What you need to know
- If you have COVID-19 symptoms
- If you test positive to COVID-19
- Vaccinations
- Face masks
- Hygiene and ventilation
- COVID-19 status updates
If you have COVID-19 symptoms you cannot attend campus and are required to follow the health advice and get tested.
If you want to talk to someone about your symptoms first, call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080 for advice. You should seek medical attention if you have serious symptoms.
For information on how to seek medical attention visit the Australian Government Department of Health.
If you test positive to COVID-19 you are required to follow Public Health Order advice.
When to notify UOW:
- If your studies have been impacted (such as class attendance), please get in touch with your Subject Coordinator or Tutor. They will advise you on what options are available to you with regards to your studies.
Academic consideration may be available:
Academic consideration may also be considered if COVID-19 illness impacts your studies. You can find out more about Academic Consideration, including eligibility criteria and how to apply, on our website.
If you experience ongoing impacts due to COVID-19, please contact UOW’s Student Accessibility and Inclusion team for ongoing support and to apply for a reasonable adjustment.
We strongly encourage all students and staff to get fully vaccinated and get their booster shot as soon as they are eligible.
Students are required to be vaccinated if they are living in UOW residences, for professional experience and work-integrated learning placements where there is a Public Health Order requirement.
The University strongly advises wearing a mask indoors, in crowded places, when you cannot practise physical distancing, and of course, when it’s mandatory. This simple measure is an effective way to help protect everyone in our community.
Masks will continue to be required in laboratories and other clinical training settings.
Please remember to follow these safety precautions when you come to campus:
- Practise good hygiene by washing your hands often and well or using a hand sanitiser.
- Disinfect any shared equipment or surfaces with disinfectant wipes or sprays.
- Practise cough etiquette (coughing or sneezing into your elbow or tissue).
Extensive safety and hygiene processes are in place with cleaning, hand sanitiser, disinfecting wipes, cleaning supplies and gloves.
Natural and mechanical building ventilation is routinely checked to ensure air quality is in line with safety standards.
UOW continues to follow NSW Health advice on COVID-19 protocols and requirements. We encourage you to stay updated on the latest rules and advice via the NSW Health website.
