The University of Divinity has established a course of action in response to the current Federal and State requirements to contain and minimise the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak. Please read carefully the information below, including the links, about changes that affect you immediately.
Last Step Restrictions
Victoria moved to Last Step restrictions at 11.59PM on 22 November 2020. We are at last able to move around and gather with family and friends again, and return to public worship in greater numbers. We are grateful for the public authorities and the whole community working together to contain the second wave of COVID-19 cases. At the same time, we are mindful of the many people and families who are still struggling with impacts on their health, relationships and livelihoods.
For higher education, the health direction remains to ‘work and study from home if you can’. In this Final Step, a limited return to onsite programs has been permitted for universities that offer summer programs. Students, researchers and faculty of CTC and other Colleges of the University of Divinity in Victoria will continue to study and work from home as far as possible.
CTC students are asked NOT to visit the College during Final Step Restrictions unless:
- you are invited to an appointment with a member of the College administration;
- you are coming to pick up or return ‘Click & Collect’ Library resources;
- you have made a booking to visit Mannix Library
For information on Mannix Library onsite services and Click & Collect service, visit the Mannix Library website.
If you come to the College, go directly to Reception, where you will be assisted to register your attendance and temperature checked. You will find contact registering, distancing and hygiene directions are installed in all areas of the building. Please do not use the common rooms at this stage.
You will not be required to visit the College if you feel unsure about travelling or have concerns about your health and safety at the College.
Please DO NOT come to the College for any reason if you are unwell or have contact with a suspected or confirmed case of the coronavirus.
Semester 1 2021
For a statement Towards 2021 from the Vice-Chancellor and College Principals, visit the VOX website.
It is expected that Victoria will transition to COVID-normal conditions before the beginning of Semester 1. A partial, staged return to onsite learning will be permitted at that time, within the limits of building capacity and density quotient. Of course, in the case of a further break-out of the virus and local hot-spot lockdowns, remote learning will need to continue as required.
CTC and the University of Divinity is committed to the health and safety of all members and of the wider community, and to the continuity of learning and research for all students, researchers, and faculty.
In Semester 1 2021 most units will be delivered onsite or in a blended mode of onsite and remote learning. Some units will be delivered in fully online mode. Priority for onsite teaching will be given to units with a praxis component, units that are more effectively conducted in person and seminary course units. Again, the requirements of building capacity and density quotient in learning areas and public areas will affect how much onsite delivery can take place.
You should enrol or re-enrol for Semester 1 2021 in the usual way. When you discuss your unit selection with the Academic Dean (undergraduate courses) or Postgraduate Coordinator (postgraduate courses), they will be able to give updated information on whether particular units will be available onsite, onsite and remotely, or fully online.
Seminary students should discuss their re-enrolment with their Seminary Dean of Studies, as usual.
If it is necessary for the College to adjust the Semester 1 Timetable or the delivery mode of units you are enrolling in, you will be advised as early as possible about those changes. Should new health restriction require a return to remote learning for a period of time, arrangements will be made in all units for you to continue your study through the semester.
At any stage, if you become unwell with flu-like symptoms, or have been in close contact with a confirmed or suspected case of the virus, you should not attend onsite classes. Contact the Assistant Dean John Bartholomeusz and your lecturers who will assist you to continue your studies as far as possible.
Taking care of yourself and others. Although the health crisis is being managed so well, the impacts on our mental health, employment security and study plans continue to be felt. We need to keep an eye on the wellbeing of ourselves and others. Information and support services are available at:
- CatholicCare Counselling Free Service
- Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support
- Praying for the world in a time of pandemic COVID-19 Prayer Resources Sisters of Mercy Australia and New Guinea
Featured Links
Coronavirus Alerts/Information
- Mannix Library
- University of Divinity
- Department of Education, Skills and Employment Factsheet for Universities
- Department of Health – Coronavirus Alert
- Smart Traveller Website
- World Health Organisation – Coronavirus
Enquiries
You are always welcome to contact directly your individual lecturers, Jude Caspersz for ARK support, or the ARO staff for administrative matters.
- Email: General Enquiries or call 9412 3333
- Undergraduate and Audit: Dr Rosemary Canavan
- Postgraduate and Audit: Rev. Dr Phillip Gleeson SDB
- Graduate Certificate in Teaching Religious Education: Dr Frances Baker RSM
- Higher Degrees by Research: Rev. Dr Max Vodola
- Assistant Dean: Mr John Bartholomeusz
- Academic Records Office: Rose Sultana or Jenny Delahunt
- Learning Support Coordinator: Mr Jude Caspersz
- Email: Daniel Mannix Library