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Coronavirus (Covid-19) infection: University of Sydney advice

Last updated Tuesday 7 April 10am

The University is closely monitoring the situation, and will continue to follow the Australian Government's advice. We're committed to doing all we can to assist our students, staff and community members.

Important information

Assessments and exams

Most units of study will conduct assessments online and these will include quizzes, take-home exams and online exams.
The University has adopted a ‘no-disadvantage’ approach to assessment that is transparent, fair and supports academic progression.
Information about each of your units’ online assessments will be available on your unit of study Canvas site.
You can find out more details about ProctorU’s privacy and security in relation to University of Sydney online tests are on the online tests Canvas page.
Read more FAQs about online exams

Support for students

The University is providing a range of support measures and services for students all studying online as well as assistance for international students affected by travel restrictions.
Both domestic and international students can apply for general bursaries and interest-free loans to ease financial pressures.
There are laptops and computers that students can request to loan if they need to help with online study needs.
Peer support advisors are on hand to help students with questions via Zoom, on request.
Find out more about the University’s support offerings.

Latest updates

Tuesday 7 April

As part of the University's commitment to ensuring no student is academically disadvantaged as a result of the health crisis, a ‘no-disadvantage’ approach to assessment will be adopted for Semester 1, 2020.

Friday 27 March

For the safety and security of our community, given the significantly reduced number of people on campus, this evening we will move the campus to after-hours mode. You will need to use your student card to access buildings and study spaces.

Wednesday 25 March

Due to Government restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the University’s libraries will be closed from Thursday 26 March, see the Campus Operations section below for more details.
More information about how the University will host mid-semester online exams and tests is now online. Specific details for most units will be made available by this Friday 27 March, on Canvas and in Unit of Study Outlines.

Tuesday 17 March

From Monday 23 March there will be no face-to-face teaching on campus. All teaching and learning will be delivered online.
You do not need to make any changes to your enrolment.
This change in delivery will not impact compliance with visa conditions for international students.

Campus operations

We are taking all necessary steps to reduce the number of students and staff required to attend campus. It is important you know that it is safe to come to campus.

Our Wi-Fi network, computer labs, research and study spaces will remain open to staff and students, with social distancing measures in place. Our enhanced cleaning protocols will also remain in place across our campuses.

Make sure your contact details are up to date in Sydney Student (enrolled name and Australian mobile phone number). We will use your University email for most updates, but may need to send an SMS.

Access to buildings

For the safety and security of our community, given the significantly reduced number of people on campus, the campus is now in after-hours mode. You will need to use your student card to access buildings and study spaces.

Due to reduced activity, some buildings will be put into hibernation. Services such as air-conditioning, cleaning, waste removal and general maintenance will be reduced and focused on areas which are being utilised. Students and staff can still use their swipe cards to access hibernating buildings. Note you will need to turn lights and air-conditioning on manually.

Please contact Campus Assist via email at campus.assist@sydney.edu.au or call Campus Assist on 9351 2000 Option 4 or Campus Security on 9351 3487 if you require additional access or have any issues.

The Student Centre

Now that classes have moved online for teaching, from Monday 23 March, the Student Centre will transition to providing expanded online support. From Thursday 26 March we will be closed for in-person enquiries, but you can still get in touch by phone or by making an online enquiry. Find out how to reach us.

If you’ve submitted a photo for your student card and have been advised to pick it up, we’ll send your card out to your postal address instead. Make sure your address is up to date in Sydney Student.

Libraries

Due to Government restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19, the University’s Library spaces will be closed until further notice from Thursday 26 March.

The Library will remain open online to provide live support for research and study from Mon-Thurs 8am-10pm and Fri 8am-8pm.

Our online collection of over 1 million ejournals and eBooks is available 24/7 from any global location.

Other spaces remain open for students who require access to computers or other resources on campus. See below for details.

24/7 study spaces

Several spaces for all cohorts of students remain open at all hours for those who need to access resources across our campuses, whilst adhering to strict social distancing for community safety. You will need to use your student card to access buildings and study spaces.

Computer access labs

Carslaw Building
PNR Building

General teaching spaces

Camden Teaching Building
St Pauls Building
Mackie Building

Find directions for the above areas in our maps.

Student support services

To help students remotely, our student support services are available online.

Food and shops

Three USU outlets, Footbridge Station in the Holme Building, Snack Express in the Wentworth Food Court and the USYD Store (JFR), are open on campus for takeaway service only. In addition, Uni Bros and Subway (Wentworth Building) and Zibellis (Manning House) are currently open. Check the USU website for the latest updates.

Sport and fitness

Sydney University Sports & Aquatic Centre, Arena Sports Centre and The Ledge Climbing Centre are closed until further notice, and all sporting competitions and programs have been cancelled. Visit their website for further updates.

Study information

Health management

Support

Travel and student exchange

Contact our helpline

We have established a dedicated hotline to provide you with advice and support during this uncertain time. Note this hotline is available from 9am to 6pm on weekdays (local time AEDT).

Phone:

1800 SYD UNI (1800 793 864) if you are calling from within Australia
- Select '9' for the coronavirus hotline
+61 2 8627 0010 if you are calling from overseas
- Select '9' for the coronavirus hotline

Students can also submit a query via the Coronavirus Enquiry form.

Australian government helplines

You can call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

An Australian government hotline has also been established to assist international students with questions or concerns relating to their study and novel coronavirus: