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Kia ora koutou

Earlier this week the University Executive Committee (UEC) met to review current and future internal and external settings in the context of the anticipated widespread outbreak of the Omicron Covid-19 variant in our community. 

The discussion was informed by a review of our business continuity resilience across the different parts of the University, and extensive engagement with Deans, Associate Deans, and with further engagement with the representatives of the student body. We have also liaised closely with our counterparts in Universities NZ.

Throughout the pandemic it has been my intention to minimise uncertainty, to provide timely and clear communications, and to ensure that the University places the health, safety and well-being of our staff and students first and foremost. This, whilst simultaneously striving to maintain the quality of our teaching and learning experience and our research excellence.

In this context, and to give our students and staff clarity and predictability, we have made the decision, based on the information that we have to date, that teaching in Semester One from Monday 28 February will primarily be online until the mid-Semester break in mid-April. This setting will be reviewed in mid-March, or before, depending on Government and TEC guidance around the Covid-19 Protection Framework Plan and a possible move to Phase Two of the Red traffic light setting.

During this short period of online delivery, our campuses will remain open such that students will be able to enjoy, as much as possible, an on-campus experience.

There may be some exceptions to online delivery to allow for some on-campus teaching activities during this period, which will be approved by faculty Business Continuity Planning (BCP) committees.

Teaching activities currently underway, such as Summer School and Quarter One, can continue in person under Red settings, however if teaching staff wish to move their courses online earlier they can do so, in consultation with faculty Associate Deans (Learning and Teaching). A decision by the Government to move to Phase Two of the Omicron response in the interim will trigger an immediate move to online delivery.

Research activities, including for research students, will be unaffected at this point and will continue under Red settings as outlined in the University Covid-19 Protection Framework Plan (UCPFP).

Halls of residence will remain open, however our student residents will have the choice to delay their move into accommodation until after the mid-semester break. If they choose this option, they will not be charged for the period they are not in residence.

As per current guidance, staff who do not need to be on campus to perform their duties are encouraged to work from home where possible. Anyone who wishes to come onto campus to work, or to collect items required for home working, should discuss work arrangements with their Academic Head or manager in advance.

You can read more about the details of these settings on the website.

With the spread of Omicron, we are entering yet another period of Covid-19 uncertainty and concern. As we enter this third year under restrictions, albeit not in lockdown and with a different outlook, please continue to take good care of yourselves, your friends and yourwhānau.

Noho ora mai

Dawn

Professor Dawn Freshwater

Vice-Chancellor