We're here for you
The wellbeing of USC students, staff and community continues to be our main priority. This page provides up-to-date information, advice and support available to USC students during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Sporting facilities - Given recent Government directives, all USC sporting facilities are now closed (excluding sports fields, athletics track and outdoor hardcourts). This closure extends to all USC community users including the High Performance teams and athletes as well as USC learning/teaching/research requirements that were previously exempted. The closure will remain in place until Government directive announces otherwise.
- Emergency Bursary - USC has increased the number of emergency bursaries to provide immediate financial support to approved students. This money will not need to be repaid. Applications are open now and close at midnight Sunday 19 April 2020. For more information and how to apply visit Emergency Bursary.
- USC Student Senate - The USC Student Senate has created a ‘USC Kindness Pandemic’ Facebook page to come together and support each other as a USC community. The Student Senate encourages students to join and engage.
- Academic calendar – The semester will still finish in Week 13 which is the week starting 25 May. Course Coordinators will ensure all content is delivered to students by the end of that week. All dates in the Academic Calendar remain unchanged, including the mid-semester break scheduled for the week starting 13 April.
- USC shuttle - Due to government restrictions placed on travel, all USC shuttle services will temporarily cease from Monday 6 April 2020.
- Parking ePermits - As the bulk of student teaching will not be done on campus for the remainder of the semester, students that have purchased an ePermit for parking are now eligible to apply for a refund. Refunds must be requested via Parking@usc.edu.au and include name on credit card, type of card, and the first 6 and last 3 digits on card.
- Student Central – Face-to-face services at Student Central offices have closed, but staff are still available via studentcentral@usc.edu.au or +61 7 5430 2890 between 8.30am and 4.30pm for all student enquiries. Students submitting forms to Student Central should send them via email to studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
- Student IT HelpDesk – Student Helpdesk counters at all USC campuses are now closed. Contact the HelpDesk on StudentITHelp@usc.edu.au and +61 7 5459 4455. To support students adjust to a new learning environment, the Student IT Help Desk will be open from 8.30am until 9pm Monday to Friday until further notice.
- Student Wellbeing – We understand that the current situation is challenging for everyone and would like to remind you that Student Wellbeing provides free and confidential counselling services to students.
- AccessAbility Services - Students whose studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder, mental health issue, injury or illness, or if they are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged can connect with AccessAbility Services to receive access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice. For students impacted directly by COVID-19 (either unwell themselves or caring for someone who is unwell), they should contact their course coordinators directly to seek academic supports.
Face-to-face support services may have closed but we're still here to support you to succeed. Please note below how you can access support services:
Service
Support available
Contact or book in
Student Central
Phone and email
Student Wellbeing
Phone, email, Skype and Zoom appointments available
SafeUSC
In-person, phone and email
Indigenous Services
Phone and email
Library
Phone, email and online chat
Student IT Help Desk
Phone and email
Academic Skills
Quick targeted academic skills advice
Academic skills, assessment task analysis and document review
15-minute phone call consults for quick targeted advice
Career Development
Phone call consults, job application and resume review, careers workshops, jobs
Contact a Student Representative
AccessAbility Services
Phone call consults and email; Zoom consults available on request
Print Services
Order online, delivery only
International Student Connect
Currently suspended
If you require after-hours support, contact SafeUSC
Where can I get general health and travel information about coronavirus (COVID-19)?
What will happen with assessments?
What will happen with placements and fieldwork?
How will the pause impact the rest of Semester 1?
Am I entitled to a fee reduction or refund for Semester 1 due to the change to teaching delivery?
Technology-enabled learning and videoconferencing technology (Zoom)
What is technology-enabled learning?
What help is available with technology-enabled learning?
What hardware do I require to run Zoom?
How do I get Zoom and set it up?
When setting up my Zoom app, should I log in using my USC username and password?
Do I need my own account to participate in Zoom activities?
What’s the difference between having a free Zoom account and logging in using my USC account?
Who can HDR students contact with questions about coronavirus?
Do HDR candidates still have access to campus facilities?
Will HDR students need to work from home?
Should HDR students create contingency plans?
Will HDR student milestones be impacted?
Will there be impacts to HDR student progression?
Will HDR student scholarships (stipend payments and fee scholarships) be impacted?
What leave entitlements to HDR students have?
Can I still contact the Graduate Research Office?
How can I download the software I need onto my own laptop or PC for my HDR studies?
Can HDR students borrow IT equipment from USC?
Can I still get assistance from the library for my research?
What are the study options for international students at this time?
I’m an international student and want to withdraw from USC to return home. What do I need to do?
- Library – USC library buildings/spaces at all locations are closed, but the 24 hour spaces at USC Sunshine Coast, USC Moreton Bay and USC Fraser Coast remain accessible via swipe card. Visit the Library website for further updates.
- Quiet learning spaces and computer labs are still available on campus. For a full list of available spaces on your campus visit Computers on Campus and please be mindful of the social distancing guidelines when on campus.
- Campus food outlets - campus food outlets have amended their opening hours from 26 March 2020.
- Sporting facilities - Given recent Government directives, all USC sporting facilities are now closed (excluding sports fields, athletics track and outdoor hardcourts). This closure extends to all USC community users including the High Performance teams and athletes as well as USC learning/teaching/research requirements that were previously exempted. The closure will remain in place until Government directive announces otherwise.
How can students practice social distancing on campus?
What will happen if someone at USC tests positive to the novel coronavirus?
What is USC doing to clean and sanitise the University?
How has USC responded to the coronavirus outbreak being declared a pandemic?
How can I help protect myself from being infected with coronavirus?
Can I use reusable cups at USC food and beverage outlets?
Why has USC decided to cancel the April graduation ceremonies?
What are the changes to use of USC Sport facilities?
Will campus cafes and other food services remain open?
Technology enabled learning
You have been hearing a lot about technology enabled learning – but what does it mean?
Most USC course content is already available via Blackboard. The technology being used to enable off-campus teaching modes is the Zoom video conferencing system.
To ensure you get to most out of your online courses, the following resources have been developed to support you:
- To get the ins and outs of setting up Zoom, explore the How do I use Zoom? webpage.
- The Train(ing) Station, available on Blackboard, provides guides and assistance for a range of technologies used at USC.
- LinkedIn Learning is available to help you develop new skills or find solutions to specific problems. Find out which of the LinkedIn Learning courses could be relevant for you.
- Don’t have access to a computer or the internet? Find out how and where you can access computers on campus.
Assessment and academic skills support
- The USC Assignment Calculator is an online tool to help you successfully complete your assessments throughout the semester.
- Academic skills services have expanded online and over-the-phone learning support to help you with your studies.
Health and wellbeing
USC is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Student Wellbeing has developed the following information to support you during this period of uncertainty and change:
- Balance study/home in a technology enabled learning environment.
- Stay happy and hopeful during self-isolation.
- Responding to your feelings during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Self-help strategies and information in a time where self-care is as important as ever.
Student Wellbeing is continuing to provide a free counseling service via phone or Skype. Contact Student Wellbeing to book an appointment.
Stay connected
- Find out more about the resources and support available to you.
- Stay in the loop, get connected with us via Social Media, the USC Student Senate has also created a ‘USC Kindness Pandemic’ Facebook page to keep the USC community connected and supported.
- Contact Student Guild for all welfare and advocacy concerns.
Tips for studying from home
- Think about your workspace at home. Identify an area where you can sit and work comfortably with your computer and notes, in an area that is well-lit with limited distractions.
- Ensure you have the right tools to study. Find out what hardware you need to run Zoom, make sure you have the right stationery and the correct course materials to study from. Remember to check Blackboard for any course updates.
- Keep in touch with your tutors and lecturers.
- Stay connected with your classmates. Organise group chats via Zoom to set up study groups so you can spend time discussing ideas and swapping study tips.
- Take regular breaks. Keep your mind fresh, step away from your computer every hour or so, try to go for a walk and give yourself things to look forward to each day. Make sure you separate study and relaxing time with a clear finish time each day.
The wellbeing of USC students, staff and community continues to be our main priority. This page provides up-to-date information, advice and support available to USC students during the coronavirus pandemic.
- Sporting facilities - Given recent Government directives, all USC sporting facilities are now closed (excluding sports fields, athletics track and outdoor hardcourts). This closure extends to all USC community users including the High Performance teams and athletes as well as USC learning/teaching/research requirements that were previously exempted. The closure will remain in place until Government directive announces otherwise.
- Emergency Bursary - USC has increased the number of emergency bursaries to provide immediate financial support to approved students. This money will not need to be repaid. Applications are open now and close at midnight Sunday 19 April 2020. For more information and how to apply visit Emergency Bursary.
- USC Student Senate - The USC Student Senate has created a ‘USC Kindness Pandemic’ Facebook page to come together and support each other as a USC community. The Student Senate encourages students to join and engage.
- Academic calendar – The semester will still finish in Week 13 which is the week starting 25 May. Course Coordinators will ensure all content is delivered to students by the end of that week. All dates in the Academic Calendar remain unchanged, including the mid-semester break scheduled for the week starting 13 April.
- USC shuttle - Due to government restrictions placed on travel, all USC shuttle services will temporarily cease from Monday 6 April 2020.
- Parking ePermits - As the bulk of student teaching will not be done on campus for the remainder of the semester, students that have purchased an ePermit for parking are now eligible to apply for a refund. Refunds must be requested via Parking@usc.edu.au and include name on credit card, type of card, and the first 6 and last 3 digits on card.
- Student Central – Face-to-face services at Student Central offices have closed, but staff are still available via studentcentral@usc.edu.au or +61 7 5430 2890 between 8.30am and 4.30pm for all student enquiries. Students submitting forms to Student Central should send them via email to studentcentral@usc.edu.au.
- Student IT HelpDesk – Student Helpdesk counters at all USC campuses are now closed. Contact the HelpDesk on StudentITHelp@usc.edu.au and +61 7 5459 4455. To support students adjust to a new learning environment, the Student IT Help Desk will be open from 8.30am until 9pm Monday to Friday until further notice.
- Student Wellbeing – We understand that the current situation is challenging for everyone and would like to remind you that Student Wellbeing provides free and confidential counselling services to students.
- AccessAbility Services - Students whose studies are affected by a disability, learning disorder, mental health issue, injury or illness, or if they are a primary carer for someone with a disability or who is considered frail and aged can connect with AccessAbility Services to receive access to appropriate reasonable adjustments and practical advice. For students impacted directly by COVID-19 (either unwell themselves or caring for someone who is unwell), they should contact their course coordinators directly to seek academic supports.
Face-to-face support services may have closed but we're still here to support you to succeed. Please note below how you can access support services:
|
Service |
Support available |
Contact or book in |
|
Student Central |
Phone and email |
|
|
Student Wellbeing |
Phone, email, Skype and Zoom appointments available |
|
|
SafeUSC |
In-person, phone and email |
|
|
Indigenous Services |
Phone and email |
|
|
Library |
Phone, email and online chat |
|
|
Student IT Help Desk |
Phone and email |
|
| Academic Skills |
Quick targeted academic skills advice |
|
|
Academic skills, assessment task analysis and document review |
||
|
15-minute phone call consults for quick targeted advice |
||
|
Career Development |
Phone call consults, job application and resume review, careers workshops, jobs |
|
|
Contact a Student Representative |
||
|
AccessAbility Services |
Phone call consults and email; Zoom consults available on request |
|
|
Print Services |
Order online, delivery only |
|
|
International Student Connect |
Currently suspended |
If you require after-hours support, contact SafeUSC
Where can I get general health and travel information about coronavirus (COVID-19)?
What will happen with assessments?
What will happen with placements and fieldwork?
How will the pause impact the rest of Semester 1?
Am I entitled to a fee reduction or refund for Semester 1 due to the change to teaching delivery?
Technology-enabled learning and videoconferencing technology (Zoom)
What is technology-enabled learning?
What help is available with technology-enabled learning?
What hardware do I require to run Zoom?
How do I get Zoom and set it up?
When setting up my Zoom app, should I log in using my USC username and password?
Do I need my own account to participate in Zoom activities?
What’s the difference between having a free Zoom account and logging in using my USC account?
Who can HDR students contact with questions about coronavirus?
Do HDR candidates still have access to campus facilities?
Will HDR students need to work from home?
Should HDR students create contingency plans?
Will HDR student milestones be impacted?
Will there be impacts to HDR student progression?
Will HDR student scholarships (stipend payments and fee scholarships) be impacted?
What leave entitlements to HDR students have?
Can I still contact the Graduate Research Office?
How can I download the software I need onto my own laptop or PC for my HDR studies?
Can HDR students borrow IT equipment from USC?
Can I still get assistance from the library for my research?
What are the study options for international students at this time?
I’m an international student and want to withdraw from USC to return home. What do I need to do?
- Library – USC library buildings/spaces at all locations are closed, but the 24 hour spaces at USC Sunshine Coast, USC Moreton Bay and USC Fraser Coast remain accessible via swipe card. Visit the Library website for further updates.
- Quiet learning spaces and computer labs are still available on campus. For a full list of available spaces on your campus visit Computers on Campus and please be mindful of the social distancing guidelines when on campus.
- Campus food outlets - campus food outlets have amended their opening hours from 26 March 2020.
- Sporting facilities - Given recent Government directives, all USC sporting facilities are now closed (excluding sports fields, athletics track and outdoor hardcourts). This closure extends to all USC community users including the High Performance teams and athletes as well as USC learning/teaching/research requirements that were previously exempted. The closure will remain in place until Government directive announces otherwise.
How can students practice social distancing on campus?
What will happen if someone at USC tests positive to the novel coronavirus?
What is USC doing to clean and sanitise the University?
How has USC responded to the coronavirus outbreak being declared a pandemic?
How can I help protect myself from being infected with coronavirus?
Can I use reusable cups at USC food and beverage outlets?
Why has USC decided to cancel the April graduation ceremonies?
What are the changes to use of USC Sport facilities?
Will campus cafes and other food services remain open?
Technology enabled learning
You have been hearing a lot about technology enabled learning – but what does it mean?
Most USC course content is already available via Blackboard. The technology being used to enable off-campus teaching modes is the Zoom video conferencing system.
To ensure you get to most out of your online courses, the following resources have been developed to support you:
- To get the ins and outs of setting up Zoom, explore the How do I use Zoom? webpage.
- The Train(ing) Station, available on Blackboard, provides guides and assistance for a range of technologies used at USC.
- LinkedIn Learning is available to help you develop new skills or find solutions to specific problems. Find out which of the LinkedIn Learning courses could be relevant for you.
- Don’t have access to a computer or the internet? Find out how and where you can access computers on campus.
Assessment and academic skills support
- The USC Assignment Calculator is an online tool to help you successfully complete your assessments throughout the semester.
- Academic skills services have expanded online and over-the-phone learning support to help you with your studies.
Health and wellbeing
USC is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Student Wellbeing has developed the following information to support you during this period of uncertainty and change:
- Balance study/home in a technology enabled learning environment.
- Stay happy and hopeful during self-isolation.
- Responding to your feelings during the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Self-help strategies and information in a time where self-care is as important as ever.
Student Wellbeing is continuing to provide a free counseling service via phone or Skype. Contact Student Wellbeing to book an appointment.
Stay connected
- Find out more about the resources and support available to you.
- Stay in the loop, get connected with us via Social Media, the USC Student Senate has also created a ‘USC Kindness Pandemic’ Facebook page to keep the USC community connected and supported.
- Contact Student Guild for all welfare and advocacy concerns.
Tips for studying from home
- Think about your workspace at home. Identify an area where you can sit and work comfortably with your computer and notes, in an area that is well-lit with limited distractions.
- Ensure you have the right tools to study. Find out what hardware you need to run Zoom, make sure you have the right stationery and the correct course materials to study from. Remember to check Blackboard for any course updates.
- Keep in touch with your tutors and lecturers.
- Stay connected with your classmates. Organise group chats via Zoom to set up study groups so you can spend time discussing ideas and swapping study tips.
- Take regular breaks. Keep your mind fresh, step away from your computer every hour or so, try to go for a walk and give yourself things to look forward to each day. Make sure you separate study and relaxing time with a clear finish time each day.