Reminder – VC's update from 1 May about returning to campus

The way the COVID-19 pandemic is unfolding around the world is perplexing. Here in Australia and New Zealand, our public health measures have been highly effective at limiting the spread in our communities. Meanwhile, Europe and the US have now seen confirmed deaths from the disease rapidly rise beyond 150,000 - with the total number of excess deaths apparently more than 50% higher.

Australia's public health response has been effective, particularly here in Canberra, but seasonality might also be a factor. If so, we are going to have to work harder to limit the spread of COVID moving into the cooler months. But we have the benefit of advances already on our side, including our ability to test for COVID-19 increasing rapidly. Australia's borders are sealed - and some state borders are restricted - against importation of the disease, and the restrictions appear to be working.

» Read Vice-Chancellor's full update here

Your feedback is important

It’s important we deliver communications relevant to our community, but it’s also important you receive all the information you want and need. If you have any feedback or suggestions for content you’d like included in On&OffCampus, or the frequency of editions, please email covid19comms@anu.edu.au.

» Send feedback here

Vice-Chancellor's student forum

The Vice-Chancellor held his first virtual 'Ask Me Anything' student forum last week to gain a better understanding about our new campus and remote learning environment.

HDR candidates have the opportunity to ask questions about the University, meet other candidates and provide feedback on anything that may be impacting them at tomorrow's HDR forum.

» Watch VC's student forum here

SWiRL survey coming soon

The new SWiRL survey is due to be deployed in mid-May. This survey is your chance to provide feedback on your experience of learning remotely.

Your involvement is important as responses will assist the University to most effectively plan the path beyond COVID-19 at ANU.

» More information about SWiRL

GradWISE launch

The EmployAbility Hub, part of ANU Careers, is launching their new program, GradWISE. Developed in conjunction with Australian universities to provide support and improve employment opportunities for students living with a disability, illness or injury.

Join the upcoming virtual events on Tuesday 5 May and Wednesday 6 May to celebrate the launch of this exciting new partnership.

» More information here

COVID-19 survey

ANU is launching a new national survey in an effort to find out what the public know about COVID-19 and help improve health guidance.

Everyone's responses will provide ANU with an overall picture on what the common beliefs and practices are around COVID-19.

» Participate in survey here

Reminders

Wattle now has great resources to connect parents and carers with a platform to share ideas about how to keep children educated and occupied while you work, study or research from home.

Watch the Vice-Chancellor's Zoom-cast with Professor Andrew Norton on the impact COVID-19 has on the university sector.

Students can connect socially with other students via weekly Zoom chats. Each week will explore different aspects of maintaning wellbeing during COVID-19. Register here.

Student Central is offering their ANU Student Card service for Canberra-based students that require computer or library access for the remainder of Semester 1, 2020.

Researchers including HDR candidates and Early Career Researchers, can participate in weekly Shut Up and Write! sessions to help add structure to their days and weeks.

The Resilient Researcher program supports HDR candidates and Early Career Researchers throughout their research by building and maintaining psychological wellbeing, enhancing communication and relationship skills and developing career confidence Webinars.

Illustrated with beautiful images from artists within the Research School of Population Health, Feeling good at home is a brief, evidence-based summary of ways to stay connected and be kind to yourself, family and friends to help maintain your wellbeing during this time.

ANUSA, PARSA and other student societies and clubs have worked hard to collate great online events for students. View events here.

Please continue to update your circumstances using the eform while studying remotely. All information is kept completely private.