The emergence of Covid-19 has left education organisations across Australia and around the world facing unprecedented challenges. Kent is deeply committed to maintaining its teaching standards and delivery, while keeping students and staff safe.
Kent appreciates your patience with all Kent staff who are continuing to provide the best possible service during this difficult time.
Information regarding class delivery has been emailed to students and a Frequently Asked Questions regarding Online/Remote Teaching and Learning has been made available HERE for students.
Please continue to monitor your emails for further updates.
Our primary focus during this time, is the health and safety of our students and staff. As we continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation closely, we are taking actions and precautions based on recommendations from the Australian Government and NSW and VIC Health.
Kent understands the importance of doing what we can to provide a safe environment in order to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. Preventative measures undertaken on campus include:
- Increased frequency of cleaning and sanitising procedures
- Increased signage regarding hygiene practices
- Circulation of up to date information from health authorities on how to monitor for signs of illness
- Students and staff asked to refrain from coming to campus if they exhibit symptoms or are at risk
Kent will continue to work closely with the health authorities in this matter and will follow all recommendations for how we can adapt to ensure the safest environment possible.
We understand many of you are concerned and ask you to refer to the following frequently asked questions:
I am overseas, should I travel back?
Please contact us regarding current entry conditions and requirements, and any impact his may have on your study.
Please refer to the Can I defer or take leave from study? section below.
If you will be impacted by these measures you must contact Kent as per the below contact details to seek advice regarding your study plan.
Do I still need to enrol?
Students should maintain enrolment as per their Course Plan. Non-enrolment without permission places students at risk of breaching their visa conditions and being reported for non-commencement.
I have commenced studies and need to self-isolate – what should I do?
Alternative continued study and learning support and methods of study are being implemented for students who have demonstrated symptoms or are self-isolating. Once Kent staff receive the report of your status, arrangements will be made direct with you to ensure you are informed of class progress and the Lecturer will be in direct contact you after each class to assist you with your learning and studies by electronic communication.
Students will not be disadvantaged financially or academically if they are impacted by needing to self-isolate for identified reasons.
Please contact Kent Academic Unit staff as per the below contact details to seek advice regarding your study plan.
Can I defer or take leave from study?
Deferral or suspension of study will only be granted under compassionate and compelling circumstances. Requests for deferral or suspension must be accompanied by supporting documentation as detailed in the Student Suspension and Cancellation of Enrolment Policy & Procedures or Student Deferral of Enrolment Policy & Procedures. Also available are the Student Request Leave or Suspension of Enrolment Form and Student Deferment Request Form.
For further information please contact Student Services StudentServices@kent.staging-sites.com.au.
Who can I contact if I have an urgent or immediate query?
Please contact Kent staff using the below contact details:
- VET Administration:
- VET.Administration@kent.staging-sites.com.au
- 02 9093 5140
- Higher Education Administration – Sydney:
- HEAdmin.syd@kent.staging-sites.com.au
- 02 9093 5130
- Higher Education Administration – Melbourne:
- HEAdmin.Melb@kent.staging-sites.com.au
- 03 8353 0840 or 03 8353 0830.
I am unwell, should I visit campus?
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, please do not visit campus.
If you have severe difficulty breathing, call triple zero (000) immediately and tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival about your recent travel history.
If you have developed a fever or respiratory symptoms, it is very important that you call before visiting your doctor or local hospital emergency department.
To locate your nearest doctor or emergency health service, visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse.
Please contact Kent staff to keep us updated of your status.
Where I can get tested?
Testing is free and Medicare Card is not required. To find your nearest Covid testing clinics please follow links below for NSW and VIC respectively:
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/clinics
- https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19
Can I get a Covid-19 Vaccine?
The Australian Government is committed to ensuring everyone in Australia will have access to the vaccination when it’s their turn – this includes international students who are studying in Australia.
The COVID-19 vaccines are voluntary and free for everyone in Australia. You do not need a Medicare card if you get your vaccination at Commonwealth vaccine clinics and state or territory vaccine clinics.
To find out when it is your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you can use the Eligibility Checker at https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-checker
The Department of Health has information on the COVID-19 vaccines available in 63 languages.
Visit http://www.health.gov.au/covid19-vaccines-languages if you’d like information in your language.
We will continue to update students as new information becomes available and ask that students continue to take the precautions advised by public health experts including:
- frequently clean your hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
- when coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue, then throw tissue away immediately and wash hands
- avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough
- if you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider
Information on the Federal Government’s COVID-19 National Health Plan can be found by visiting www.health.gov.au.
Kent is doing its best to provide current information and offering support to all those affected with support and counselling. If you need to talk to someone, contact:
- Wellbeing – Sydney wellbeing.syd@kent.staging-sites.com.au
- Wellbeing – Melbourne wellbeing.melb@kent.staging-sites.com.au.
Related Documents:
- Frequently Asked Questions regarding Online/Remote Teaching and Learning
- KENT COVID-19 HANDOUT
- Staff and Students Returning to Kent Campuses in Response to COVID-19 Document