From the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

Dear colleagues

This is a quick update on Semester 2 teaching mode, exams and where to refer students for support services.

Many thanks again to everyone for moving so quickly to remote teaching earlier in the semester, I’m sure you are making good use of the teaching break. It’s been another taxing year and I know we each have different challenges while working from home. I very much appreciate all that you have done, and I’m sure your students do too.

I want to reassure you that even if the ACT transitions out of lockdown before the end of Semester 2, we will not require staff to move back to the hybrid teaching model. If people want to teach in person if/when we are allowed back on campus, for example, to do laboratory activities, studios, fieldwork, or even regular teaching, please talk with your Associate Dean Education.  We will also provide for students who want to come back to campus with learning spaces in the libraries and Melville Hall, for example. However, if you want to continue teaching remotely for the remainder of Semester 2, regardless of the ACT restrictions, we will support you.

As you are aware, Semester 2 exams are scheduled for remote participation. PVCE, Professor Maryanne Dever, and the Exams Office have been working to reschedule exams to midday and late afternoon sessions so that our international students will not have to participate very early in the morning local time.  This was a clear point of feedback from international students and we are pleased to be able to make these adjustments. It will also reduce the need for course convenors to make individual arrangements for offshore students. This is a major shift in practice for the University, so please check carefully the draft exam timetable that is due for publication on Friday 10 September. If you have any questions please contact your ADE, your school/college student administration staff or the central exams team on  examinations.officer@anu.edu.au.

Finally, I understand that teaching and student support staff are often the first people our students turn to if they are stressed or anxious, especially when assessments are due. With R U OK? Day on Thursday this week, it is an opportunity to remind yourself about where to refer students if you feel they need additional professional support.

You can learn more about R U OK? Day here; I found their information sheets and other resources very helpful.

A few links to other information you might find useful can be found below:

I’m looking forward to our ‘ANU holiday’ on Friday 17 September, I’ve challenged my husband, Adam, to a Scrabble championship. I hope you are able to do something special.

Kind regards
Grady

R U OK? Day

Thursday 9 September

With most of us working remotely and experiencing reduced opportunity for social connection, this year's R U OK? Day couldn't have come at a better time.

This day is a timely reminder to check in on your colleagues and friends, to ask them if they are really OK.

You may also want to join this webinar to learn more about when and how to ask the question.

Living in lockdown

I need items from campus in order to do my work. Can I get them?

Your College Dean or Service Division Director will make decisions about one-off visits to the Acton campus.

Sneezing or wheezing? Don’t get sprung this spring

With COVID and pollen both in the air, it is vital that we don't assume that our symptoms are related to allergies.

Don't turn your 5 into 25

It's great news for our wellbeing that we can now meet outdoors with a small group. But remember to use common sense when deciding who to meet, and avoid meeting with different groups every day - this increases your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

ANU 'holiday' - Friday 17 September

This day has been declared a rest day to give as many staff as possible an extra day to recuperate. If you're an essential worker who can't take that day off, or a casual wondering about your pay, don't worry, you won't be left out.
Find out more

Chat rooms to TikTok: How queer people find a sense of belonging online

As a teenager, Dr Gemma Killen found support and friendship among queer-friendly spaces of the Internet. More than a decade later, she explored that sense of belonging for her PhD.

Keep reading

Security updates from our Cyber Sense team

Effective tomorrow, you will be able to report phishing, junk or suspicious emails to ITS directly through your Outlook ribbon using the ‘Report Message’ button - how easy! Remember that reporting these emails when you receive them is vital to keeping our ANU community safe.

Worldwide, our sector is increasingly being targeted for ransomware attacks, but you can help prevent these. Set up two-factor authentication using these instructions to ensure you’re playing your part to keep our community safe.

ACLF 2021: How to renew a damaged world

The 2021 ANU Crawford Leadership Forum wrapped up today, having brought together some of the best and brightest minds from across Australia and the globe to tackle the big questions facing us post-pandemic.

Director of the Forum, Richard Maude, has reflected on the Forum and how policy choices Australian governments make in this difficult time will determine the country's future direction for years to come.

Keep reading

Stay engaged

Catch up on last night's JG Crawford Oration presented by His Excellency Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Hear the Minister's perspective on Indo-Pacific and India-Australia relations at a time of strategic change, heightened power contestation and the rising economic and human toll of the pandemic.

Thursday 23 September, 11am-12.30pm
Join PhD candidate Kyuri Park as she provides an analysis on China's security cooperation within the region as part of the Women In Asia-Pacific Security Research series.

Wednesday 15 September, 10-11.30am
Are you a researcher? This is your opportunity to hear from other researchers who have been part of incredible collaborative teams. How did they make it work? Has it helped in their career success?
Join the discussion

Contact

on.campus@anu.edu.au

www.anu.edu.au

The Australian National University,
Canberra

CRICOS Provider : 00120C
ABN : 52 234 063 906