With government restrictions gradually being lifted, Keighley Bradford explores UONs approach to returning to normal.

UON students are officially two months into remote learning and with restrictions beginning to ease, everybody is wondering the same thing: when can we return to campus?

UONs Australian campuses have remained open over the past several months, operating with the use of UON ID swipe access cards which give access to campus buildings. Some services have temporarily closed, with other selected UON services and food outlets continuing to operate at reduced hours. While remote learning is good in theory, UON recognised not everybody has access to WiFi or a computer, hence its decision to remain open.

On the 20^th of May UON confirmed that while some staff and students will be returning to campus over the coming weeks (in accordance with the Australian Government’s social distancing requirements), online learning will continue until the end of Semester 1 and Trimester 2; with limited labs and practicals being undertaken on campus in instances where they cannot be conducted remotely.

As previously advised, Semester 1 exams will be conducted online between the 6^th and 17^th of July and will take form in either in a fixed start or flexible start timed examination. Keep an eye out for information from your Course Coordinators for further details regarding your exams.

Also, in a recent announcement UON expressed its interest and aim to have face-to-face teaching for most of their courses return from Semester 2 and Trimester 3, however lectures over 80 people will continue to be held online. There have also been some timetable changes. Semester 2 will now be from the 3^rd of August to the 13^th of November, with the semester break remaining unaffected. Examinations for the second half of the year will now be held between 16^th and 27^th of November. Further information regarding Uni life in Semester 2 is expected to be provided by early-July.

Meanwhile, recent graduates should have received an email by now regarding the postponement of UON April and July 2020 graduation ceremonies. These former students will graduate in absentia, with their graduation documents being made available from June via My eQuals. Though UON is unable to provide information regarding future ceremonies due to COVID restrictions, graduates have been offered the opportunity to attend a future ceremony when the government permits larger gatherings.

It’s too early to know exactly what changes will be enforced on campus for the remainder of the year once face-to-face teaching resumes. Will sausage sizzles become a thing of the past? Will UON community events and traditions like Autonomy Day still go ahead?

Only time will tell, but it’s safe to say that 2020 will be a year at Uni like no other.

For further information regarding these changes, visit the FAQ section of the UON COVID-19 update page, or visit AskUON.

Feature Image by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Please note: All information is available via UON and was accurate as of 22 May 2020.