La Trobe University will suspend all teaching activities until March 24 while it transitions its face-to-face classes to an online setting as part of their coronavirus prevention efforts.
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From March 24, affected face-to-face classes will be taught through the university's Learning Management System. Activities and subjects already delivered fully online will continue as normal.
The changes are one of many the university is implementing to benefit the health and wellbeing of students and teachers while working to continue operations.
In a statement, La Trobe vice chancellor John Dewar said the coronavirus pandemic was posing unprecedented challenges at the university.
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"The situation with COVID-19 continues to change at a rapid pace," he said.
"I would like to reassure you that we are committed to supporting our students, staff and wider University community in every way that we possibly can.
"Our top priorities are to ensure that members of our community are as safe as possible, while ensuring minimal disruption to teaching and delivery of your course.
"Although the public health advice was clear that universities could continue their core education and research activities, we are putting these plans in place to ensure you can continue to study while reducing the need for you to come onto campus.
"This approach is being taken, not because we have identified any new risks, but to ensure that we are best able to respond to changing circumstances in the coming weeks."
As well as increasing the online classes, La Trobe has cancelled or postponed all non-essential events that do not involve delivery or support of teaching or research activity will be cancelled or postponed until the end of June, regardless of the number of participants.
The changes comes a response to coronavirus events forcing a review of the university's response in relation to the ban on large scale events, compulsory self-isolation for visitors to Australia and a state of emergency being declared in Victoria.
"I must reiterate that our campuses are open and the University continues to operate as usual," Mr Dewar said.
"We remain aligned with the expert advice of the health authorities and will make further adjustments as necessary and keep you informed every step of the way."
It includes graduation ceremonies, sporting events, public lectures and events run by all Student Union Associations and student clubs and societies.
Sports facilities, libraries and student accommodation will stay open and La Trobe's research programs will continue but may be modified potential spread of the virus.
All international travel and non-essential domestic travel should should cease immediately.
For more information log on to www.latrobe.edu.au/about/novel-coronavirus
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