Semester One at QUT saw the introduction of the COVID-19 5-Day Extension, designed to help students handle the increased volatility the University and wider community lockdown. This extension afforded students to opt in for added time to complete their assessments.
In an email to students, University Registrar Leanne Harvey announced that the COVID-19 Extension is no more.
The email, entitled ‘Semester 2 study arrangements and upcoming key dates,’ noted an increased prevalence of blended learning this semester, with online and in person classes taking place. It informed students about the importance of increased personal hygiene and social distancing, outlined key dates and announced the end of the 5-Day extension.
“Last semester we made some important changes to accommodate the significant challenges caused by COVID-19. This included a temporary 5-days assignment extension policy and removing fail grades from academic transcripts, however those changes will not continue for semester 2. Fees for semester 2 will apply as normal.”
Some students at QUT have expressed disappointment that the academic safety nets will not apply for semester 2 on Stalkerspace 2.1, with the Registrar’s email being the subject of rigorous debates and memes.
As universities across the country recommence classes, COVID-19 concessions are in the spotlight. Murdoch University in Western Australia, a state in a similar COVID-19 position to Queensland, is maintaining their academic (no-fail) safety net as well as continuing a Student Support Package. Many universities across Victoria are unsure of what policies they will put in place as coronavirus becomes more of a threat. Up north at the University of the Sunshine Coast and also at the University of Southern Queensland, students have not been informed about their academic safety net provisions for Semester 2, despite classes starting in the coming fortnight.
More to come.
