ICYMI: USyd Is Shutting Up Shop, Classes Are Moving Online

The time has come! It’s finally happened.

Coronavirus has forced USYD to close it’s campus doors.

This afternoon, the Office of the Vice Chancellor has sent a message to students, announcing the cessation of face-to-face teaching on campus.

The announcement comes after a students tested positive to COVID-19, amongst the hundreds of other positive cases around the state.

But, finally, the Uni has taken action, announcing that classes will be moving online.

“From Monday 23 March there will be no face-to-face teaching on campus. All teaching and learning will be delivered online.”

Vice Chancellor, Dr. Michael Spence, says the decision comes “to help ensure the wellbeing of our community and minimise disruption to your studies.”

For students with labs, studio classes and other practical components, “online or remote arrangements will be put in place or will be suspended to later in the semester, or the year.”

The only exception to the campus-wide shut-down are some clinical placements and workshops – “in which social distancing and other health precautions will be put in place.” Find out more on USyd’s website.

And if you’re desperate to come to campus, know that it is still safe. The Uni’s “Wi-Fi network, libraries, computer labs, research and study spaces will remain open,” with social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols in place.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community is paramount. We continue to work closely with NSW Health to ensure we are doing all we can to help slow the spread of the virus in our community.

“We are taking all necessary steps to reduce the number of students and staff required to attend campus.”

Keep an eye on your Canvas pages and emails for updates and class arrangements. Unit of Study pages will be updated with details about these.

So don’t go changing your enrolment, because besides ‘attending’ (if that’s what we’ll call it) lectures and tutes in your PJ’s from the comfort of your bed, everything is as normal.