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Australian National University
On&Off Campus
Staff edition
Tuesday 19 October

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Hello everyone 

I know many of you are looking forward to getting back to campus as soon as possible, while others have concerns. We live in a rapidly evolving world, and we need everyone’s patience so that we are able to come back to campus safely, and in a way that satisfies our legal obligations.  

We are lucky to have one of the most vaccinated communities in the world. However, we have many families with unvaccinated children, and while the vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe reactions to COVID-19 – they are not perfect especially for people with compromised immune systems, and they are less effective at stopping its spread. This means, as we open up, we can expect COVID to be amongst us, and we need to do our best at making sure our campus is not a place where it can easily spread from household to household.  Lives depend on getting this right. 

Our overarching goal is to be well placed to have a fantastic campus experience in 2022. Between now and then, the ACT COVID Pathway asks employers to continue to let staff work from home even after restrictions ease further on 29 October. For the rest of this year I expect many of us will be working remotely. And that’s fine. It depends on the work you do, your circumstances and the needs of your work area.   

For those of you keen to get back before next year, given the heterogenous nature of the University and its working environments, each College and Service Division has carriage of who may return and when – noting this all has to occur within the context of a COVID-safe plan. Our leaders will prioritise safety, wellbeing and productivity, and the central administration of the University will provide support to meet the needs of the local areas. If your area needs to have more staff on campus before we come back in late January 2022, your dean or director will put arrangements in place. 

I ask that you please wait until you hear about your local area pathway from your local leadership team. Please be patient, noting any work that can’t be done remotely, can already be done on campus. Also, our campus has many wonderful outdoor spaces. Perhaps plan a picnic or gathering with co-workers or students at your favourite spot – noting the ACT Government's 25-person max and mask requirements.

I note many of our staff and students are outside the ACT and subject to different restrictions and timelines. Please follow your jurisdiction’s rules and, if you work at one of our sites outside the ACT, your work area will develop its own arrangements. 

The lockdown has taken an emotional toll on many of our staff and students, across Australia and beyond –  it can be quite isolating working and studying from home without the social interaction that we find on our campus. I miss campus too, and I want to get back because I work better on campus. But I don’t want to endanger myself and my co-workers by rushing back.  

We are nearing the end of lockdown. Please make sure you are reaching out for support if you need. I am optimistic about our new ‘normal’ from 2022. 

Brian
New cybersecurity requirement for all staff
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is now required on Office365 including Teams, Outlook and OneDrive. MFA enrolment is simple and easy and will protect your account and the whole ANU community. 

MFA rollout will occur gradually over the next week and you will be prompted and guided through the process when you log into Office365.  
Read more
October is National Mental Health Month
Mind Seeds: helping communities flourish
Experts at the ANU School of Psychology and ANU School of Population Health have collaborated on 'Mind Seeds', sharing their expertise and knowledge in the form of evidence-based wellbeing strategies for the ANU community.

Take 10 minutes out of your day to watch one of the short wellbeing sessions below.
Thinking flexibly
As humans we interpret situations quickly and automatically. If we can instead be flexible in our interpretations, our subsequent emotions and behaviours are likely to be much more positive.

Watch to learn more with Provisional Psychologist and PhD Candidate Timothy Hatfield.
Self-compassion
Many people engage in self-criticism when going through a rough time. But you can choose self-compassion instead. This means you are kind, aware and understanding when confronted with personal challenges.

Watch as Erin Brown and Paula Ozola suggest ways you can practise self-compassion, understand your emotions better, and be less judgmental of your experiences.
The five senses
Our brain is incredible, but sometimes it thinks a little too much. Sometimes our thoughts can get stuck on the past or the future, making us feel disappointed, sad or worried. 

Watch as Clinical Psychologist Dr Jo Lane explains how the five senses can help us be present in the moment using sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
2021 Chancellor's and VC Awards
Don't forget to nominate a colleague or team who has gone above and beyond to make our University great. Nominations close on Friday 29 October.
Finish the teaching period strong
New professional development program
Whether you're a course convenor or work in a student-facing support role, this program will give you the tools needed to holistically improve the student learning experience.
Not another essay
Tuesday 9 November
Join Dr Chris Browne and Associate Professor Catherine Frieman as they  discuss their experiences using innovative assessment pieces including learning portfolios and 'unessays', and how they can be applied to your course.
Register here
Bruce Hall. Image credit: ANU
Residential students on track to be fully vaxxed
As COVID-19 restrictions ease gradually in the ACT, our students living on campus have been getting their jabs at an impressive pace.
Keep reading
Contact
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