English Language Centre Response to Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Yes.

The ELC appreciates that it is a challenging time globally with the COVID-19 situation creating many difficulties and as a result of the current travel restrictions, we understand many international students will be unable to arrive in Adelaide by the commencement date of their program.

However, the English Language Centre is committed to assisting students to commence their study plan as scheduled and therefore will be offering students the opportunity to commence their studies in their ELC Program, while offshore, through online remote learning.

The English Language Centre will continue to monitor the situation and will be looking to return to face-to-face classes, when it is considered safe to do so.

From Monday 30th March, all ELC Programs are being delivered via online remote learning.

Classes will be delivered using online tools, such as MyUni and Zoom and students will be provided assistance as to how to access their classes and resources online. Students will be required to attend and actively engage in all elements of their remote learning classes to assist their academic progress through the program and to provide the greatest opportunity for them to continue on their intended study plan as scheduled.

To participate in the online remote learning classes, students need access to a computer or device with audio and video capabilities; and reliable internet or data access.

Once enrolled, students will be provided with a guide to assist them to activate their University of Adelaide account and gain access to all the University of Adelaide online resources. The guide will also assist them to organise access to MyUni and Zoom, which will be used for classes.

Students based in Adelaide who do not have access to this equipment at home, can use the computers and internet services available in Hub Central at the University of Adelaide.

Students can also contact the ELC staff for additional support and assistance via elc@adelaide.edu.au or phone: + 61 8 8313 4777.

If you have any difficulties studying from home, please contact the ELC staff via elc@adelaide.edu.au or phone: + 61 8 8313 4777, so we can assist you to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

During COVID-19, the ELC is minimising face-to-face contact and therefore the reception area of the ELC is currently closed. Instead, students are encouraged to contact the English Language staff initially via elc@adelaide.edu.au or phone: + 61 8 8313 4777.

Students who study in ELC Programs through online remote learning will complete the necessary assignments, tasks and assessments required for that program and upon successful completion of the program will be able to progress to the next stage of their study plan.

Regarding the Pre-Enrolment English (PEP) program, students completing the program will be assessed and evaluated for entry into their chosen degree program at the University of Adelaide. For students who successfully pass their PEP at the required level, this result is valid for 12 months.

In the situation that students are unable to arrive in Adelaide by the end of their ELC Program, the University of Adelaide will be supporting students to continue their studies by offering alternative study plans. These may include online remote learning courses or assistance with deferring programs to the next available intake.

Yes.

As the programs are currently being delivered through online remote learning, study in these programs can be completed from Adelaide, within Australia or while located in other countries overseas

Students who would like to defer their studies to a later intake, should contact the ELC staff via elc@adelaide.edu.au or phone: + 61 8 8313 4777.

ELC staff will then provide students with further information regarding their deferral and assist them with the deferral process.

The English Language Centre will continue to monitor students’ attendance and academic progress throughout the program, taking into consideration compassionate and compelling circumstances. Reasonable adjustments to overcome challenges that students’ may experience in connecting into online remote learning will be taken into consideration as compassionate and compelling circumstances.

The English Language Centre will continue to monitor the situation and will be looking to return to face-to-face classes, when it is considered safe to do so. This decision will be made in accordance with the advice of the state and national authorities on their response to COVID-19, and the timing of when social distancing rules and travel bans will be lifted.

Further information will be sent to students as the situation progresses to enable adequate time for students to organise travel to Adelaide to continue their program.

Students will have access to the range of services and resources available at the University of Adelaide, including:

• counsellors and advisors
• university library
• medical and health services
• overseas student health care (OSHC) advice
• careers services.

Given the current situation with COVID-19, access to these services is currently available to students via different technologies, rather than physically face-to-face, but remains open for students to access.

In addition, the ELC is continuing to provide students with a range of ‘out of class’ support during their studies, including online individual academic support, intercultural skills development workshops and social activities.

If you are unwell, please do not attend any of the University's campuses. If you are experiencing symptoms including fever, breathing difficulties, cough, sore throat and fatigue, you can:

• use the Department of Health's healthdirect online symptom checker
• call the National Coronavirus Helpline (open 24/7) on 1800 020 080
• call 000 if it is a medical emergency
• visit one of SA Health's fever clinics if you meet the testing criteria.

The Australian Government is taking measures to protect the people living in Australia from the spread of the Coronavirus. One of these important measures is the requirement for people to practice ‘social distancing’.

All travellers arriving in Australia must now undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival.

Anyone who has been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is also required to self-isolate for 14 days after the last contact. Please follow the guidelines of the Australian Government Department of Health factsheet regarding self-isolation.

Please don’t hesitate to also contact the ELC for assistance or support during self-isolation via elc@adelaide.edu.au or phone: + 61 8 8313 4777.

The following websites will provide the latest information about Coronavirus in Australia:

• South Australian Department of Health
• Australian Government Department of Health

You can also download the ‘Coronavirus Australia’ government app in the Apple App Store or Google Play or join the WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.