By Harry Mulholland and Pagan Harrison-Brown
KEY POINTS
- CSU is preparing to transition back to on campus learning
- Victorian students not able to attend universities in New South Wales
- Staged process to gradually return to campus
Melannie O’Dwyer is a second year Paramedic student who has recommenced her studies at CSU after studying online for three months due to COVID-19. Upon her return to Bathurst campus she has noticed some large changes on campus.
“I am living in a cottage by myself which is weird as they usually support eight people.” she says.
She comments that services such as Dining Hall have introduced strict new rules and that Rafters bistro is not open. New security measures have also been introduced to keep the students safe from COVID-19 and other security.
These changes include contact tracing at Dining Hall, and additional security cameras to give some extra peace of mind to the students living on campus. All students are also required to wear masks and gloves in class. Regular temperature and health checks are also being conducted.
Melannie also said that due to restrictions, there are not as many students on campus compared to pre-COVID times. “There is about fifty or so living on diggings (residence).”
At the moment, CSU is giving priority to degrees with high levels of practical components to be able to catch up on their studies. Some of these degrees include Paramedicine and Theatre Media.
All other degrees are continuing with online classes for the time being.
Students from Victoria who need to complete practical components of their degree are not being allowed into the state due to the ongoing COVID outbreak there.