UOW Coronavirus Update - 7 September

Hello Everyone.

The coronavirus has presented societies, and in particular our universities, with one of our most significant challenges in modern history. This pandemic is the toughest thing I have seen facing UOW in my 35 years here. We have had to quickly adapt to new ways of working and living our lives.

What has impressed me most of all, is how well our students and staff have adapted. A truly remarkable success.

Not only have we continued to deliver our excellent education but have created high impact innovative ideas and processes for remote delivery. We have pivoted very quickly to a digital online environment. We should all reflect and take a moment to celebrate this success so far.

Unfortunately, it is not over; we will continue to face ongoing challenges across the board.

As always, the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, and the University continues to evolve our Returning to Campus plan in response to changing coronavirus public health guidelines and government directives.

Following NSW Health requirements, the University is rolling out QR codes across classrooms and other key areas on campus to assist with contact tracing. QR code posters will be located at key entry points. Students, staff and other visitors will be asked to scan the QR code using their phone camera when entering these areas. This will not replace any current class attendance keeping records and will only be used in the event of contact tracing as directed by NSW Health.

We are following government recommendations which state that face masks are only required on campus when it is hard to maintain 1.5-metres physical distance from others. The University will supply masks to students and staff where the 1.5-metre distance is not able to be achieved in classes or other activities. Please remember that wearing a mask is not a substitute for physical distancing. Staying home if unwell, physical distancing and good hand hygiene remain the most effective ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Our Returning to Campus web page has all the latest information about teaching and accessing campus facilities in line with current government advice.

This Thursday marks our national RU OK day. It’s about how we can look out for one another, and a perfect reminder to reach out to our fellow students and colleagues to ask whether they ARE OK. For any students or staff who may be feeling overwhelmed, please use the mental health and wellbeing resources and support services available to you. This information can be accessed via the University’s COVID-19 response page.

In addition to the urgent changes required to maintain student and staff health and safety, the University's leadership is focused on identifying those operational changes that are necessary to return the University to a sustainable financial position. These decisions will be difficult but will ensure we can continue to be an integral part of our communities in the coronavirus recovery phase. In making operational changes, UOW will remain focused on our key priorities.

We will continue to deliver:

An outstanding student experience,

Protect research and teaching standards,

Preserve as much employment as possible, and

Emerge as a stronger institution, prepared for a very different world than we imagined.

Universities have never been more important to community recovery, as we fulfil our vision to inspire a better future through education, research and partnership. In the coming weeks, we will reveal our core University Strategies. These University Strategies outline our collective ambition over the next 5 years to 2025 when UOW celebrates its 50th Anniversary.

The three strategies focus on:

Education,

Research and innovation,

and our role as a civic university.

Each Strategy provides a roadmap of the priorities, actions, and measures that will see us realise these intentions as we near 2025, and onwards to 2030.

Maintaining the can do culture of our institution and supporting each other is crucial to our success. Can I finish by thanking you for your commitment, and support as we continue to confront the challenges that lie ahead of all of us.

Stay safe and keep well.