This page has critical information about the COVID-19 crisis and the University’s responses as this situation evolves.
National Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 020 080
Victorian Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 675 398
Health advice
For general advice about COVID-19 including how to protect yourself and others, symptoms, and when to get tested, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health.
General adviceFactsheets for university students and staff
Factsheets for university staff and students are regularly updated on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
FactsheetsCOVID-19 graduations update
2020 graduation ceremonies to be virtual celebrations
Posted: 21 September 2020
Graduation ceremonies are milestones in the life of the University as opportunities to celebrate and recognise the academic achievements of our students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the time being graduations are unable to be held in the customary manner and will be replaced with online ceremonies. All students who are eligible to graduate will have their degrees conferred on the same date as the scheduled ceremonies and their graduation documents (testamur and academic transcript) will be mailed to them.
International Student Emergency Relief Fund
Update: 10:30am 27 August 2020
Fund Paused
International Student Emergency Relief Fund – New Eligibility Criteria
Applications for the Victorian Government’s International Student Emergency Relief Fund are temporarily closed to enable the University of Divinity to process existing applications. New eligibility criteria have been set to enable students who have lost employment but previously did not meet the requirements to now be considered for the Fund. The University of Divinity will reopen applications for the Fund as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you require further assistance please refer to our website at https://divinity.edu.au/study/overseas-students/ or visit Study Melbourne’s coronavirus support hub to find additional support.
The Victorian Government has announced a $45 million International Student Emergency Relief Fund for international students facing financial hardship.
If you are an international student in Victoria experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for support. For information about how to apply for support as a University of Divinity student, contact Mr Craig Boyd.
For more information about where to find information, practical help and confidential support available at Study Melbourne, visit www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/coronavirus www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au
New COVID-19 restrictions: Update for students in pastoral or field placements
As State restrictions are increased in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, if you are a STFE or CPE student in a pastoral or field placement this semester, please read the following:
In Greater Melbourne, regional Victoria and potentially elsewhere, STFE and CPE placements may need to be adjusted or changed. The priority remains for the safety and welfare of students and those they might interact with.
In Victoria, regarding STFE and CPE students and staff, no face-to-face group sessions, or meetings, or informal discussions in person are allowed. All contact for these tasks must be online. The restrictions must be followed. There are no exemptions or work permits for the education tasks that the University of Divinity and its Colleges and students are involved in.
However, depending on where the placement is and the details of the level of Restriction, some hospitals or denominations may be able to include field placement students in exemptions they may have. However this should not be assumed. It is important that both the student and the student’s College are clear that any task the student may be asked to do is permitted under the current restriction Stage and also through a relevant exemption that workplace holds.
Students should discuss their placement as soon as possible with their College or STFE Coordinator. Assessment tasks may need to be amended, or an alternative to part or all of the Unit found, so the semester can be successfully completed. If you are not feeling safe in your placement you should also discuss this with a staff member so an alternative can be found.
And for everyone:
The health, safety and wellbeing of students and staff is of primary concern. Please contact an appropriate support person or service if needed, and encourage and enable others to do so.
COVID Revelations: Research Theme
The University of Divinity has initiated a new research theme COVID Revelations, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
University of Divinity fully funds six-month extension for all HDR students
The University announces the following measures to support HDR students:
- An extraordinary extension of 6 months for all HDR students enrolled as at 1 April 2020, regardless of award, stage of candidature or of whether the student is part-time or full-time.
- A Research Fee Scholarship of 6 months for all HDR students who receive the extraordinary extension, to cover HDR student tuition fees for the period 1 July to 31 December 2020.
Students will need to register with the Dean of the School of Graduate Research to access the extension and to have their completion date updated.
Coronavirus Response
Please read an important statement from the Vice-Chancellor on the University’s response to Coronavirus. The university will be moving to online delivery as much as possible for the remainder of first semester. In addition, first semester will be extended by two weeks.
Library Services and COVID-19
Library Hub staff and librarians working at libraries associated with the University are committed to providing continued access to library services and resources as the global coronavirus (COVID-19) situation evolves.
The University continues to provide access to a huge number of online library resources via the Library Hub and library staff are still available to assist.
A LibGuide has been created as a central place to update the University community about any library-related developments, including access arrangements at the libraries associated with the University of Divinity, and tips for accessing library resources remotely.
Library Research Services for Academic Staff and HDR students
Library premises associated with the University are now closed to public access, although some libraries are able to support mediated loans (“Request & Collect”) or extended loan renewals.
On 16 April 2020 the University announced special research services available to support academic staff and higher degree by research (HDR) students. Services include:
- virtual document delivery service
- e-consultancy service to navigate electronic resources and assist with access to print collections
- A grant to the SGR for the purchase of e-books and digital resources required by HDR students
- A grant for the provision of document delivery and interlibrary loans services for resources held in library collections in Australia or overseas
Community Response: Reflection and Meditation
In a time of great disruption and uncertainty, members of the University community are responding to the COVID-19 crisis by penning reflections and meditations.