The University of Wollongong was lauded when it brought forward its mid-session recess to March 23.
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Management made the decision in response to the COVID-19 crisis and to allow staff to prepare for remote course delivery to start from Monday, April 6.
And in recent days the university has been quick to point out all of its Australian campuses were nevertheless still open and operational.
UOW is continuing to follow all government advice and directions in its response to COVID-19 and is maintaining the health and safety of students, staff and the community as its top priority.
But the university is also still keen to give overseas students stuck overseas every opportunity to study at UOW.
Late last week UOW deferred its census date.
Census date - the date after which students become financially liable for their enrolments - has been deferred from March 31 until April 16.
This will give students an opportunity to experience UOW's remote study offerings before they are financially committed to their chosen subjects.
The deadline to enrol in subjects has also been extended to Friday, April 3 in recognition of the disruption caused to the normal enrolment process by the COVID-19 outbreak.
When Autumn session classes resume from April 6 via online delivery, assessments will also be conducted in remote mode or via other arrangements.
"I am very proud of the collaborative work happening across all faculties to accelerate UOW's preparation for remote course delivery," UOW Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Wellings said.
"I am impressed by the commitment been shown by staff to ensuring our students continue to have a positive learning experience with us.
"As that work progresses, essential services for students-particularly student residents-and staff on campus are still being provided, albeit in a modified way."
Prof Wellings said following government advice UOW has implemented a range of closures and operational changes to some campus facilities.
However several cafes, the IGA supermarket, UniShop, hairdresser and banks remain open providing essential campus services, with arrangements in place to ensure appropriate social distancing.
"These are difficult times and we regret that these changes and closures must be made," he said.
"We are notifying affected staff and users, and offering what assistance we can.
"We will confront these changes together as we look forward to the time when the public health circumstances allow us to restore the enjoyable campus experience for which UOW is renowned."
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