THE year of remote learning is nearly over for La Trobe University students as they head into their final exam period for 2020.
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Acting Head of the Bendigo campus, Dr Melanie Bish, said the second semester exams would be delivered as an online assessment to meet COVID-19 requirements.
"The exam period has been extended to allow students to have a clash-free schedule, but also to take into account the challenges of studying online," she said.
"It's a priority to ensure there is no overloading or assessment clashes."
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Dr Bish said the university had to be innovative in 2020 to educate students during the pandemic. But she said some regional students benefited from lighter restrictions in the second semester.
"It allowed us to be flexible," Dr Bish said. "We have been able to have some face-to-face learning.
"But obviously they were undertaking the classes in strict conditions to make sure they were compliant with the health advice."
Dr Bish said the Bendigo campus' library and study spaces would be open to students during the exam period.
"Making sure students are supported has been a priority," she said.
Dr Bish said the university also listened to students about their graduation preferences, with the 2020 ceremony deferred to early next year.
"We know traditional ceremonies are so highly valued," Dr Bish said. "We want to make sure we can offer that in person.
"Having said that, we will still make sure all regional students due to graduate will receive their digital certificate this year."
Dr Bish said while COVID-19 had hit the higher education sector hard, students shouldn't be deterred from starting or continuing studies in 2021.
"The university is strongly committed to the provision of education across regional Victoria," she said. "Now more than ever, we are committed to helping local students pursue higher education.
"Despite the challenges meaning we're going to be a smaller institute, we're still committed to providing an outstanding student experience."
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