Coronavirus

Are students required on campus? Can students return to campus yet?

Only students who have been invited, who are well, have no symptoms of COVID-19 and present no risk, are eligible to return to campus. 

What if I am a student with underlying health conditions or in a high-risk category? Can I come on to campus if I need to?

Students with underlying health conditions or in high-risk categories that mean they are vulnerable should talk to their Course Coordinator before returning to campus. 

If you are feeling unwell or have cold or flu symptoms, please do not attend campus. Thank you.

I have been invited to return to campus to attend a class, but is it safe for me to do so?

Increased health and safety measures have been introduced to ensure the safety of all people on site at each campus. This includes increased cleaning schedules and wiping of shared surfaces.

To assist with contact tracing, each building is marked with a QR code – either on the outside of the building or inside the building – which you must scan and complete the QR code before or when you enter a building.

• Scan the QR code – this will be on the outside of the building or inside the building – with the camera or QR code scanner app on your Smartphone
• Go to the link contained in the QR code
• Complete your details and press Submit

Your information will not be released publicly or shared with any third party, except the government agency responsible for contacting people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or where otherwise required for the purposes of contract tracing.

Your details will only be kept for the period specified by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Is Box Hill Institute using QR codes? Do I need to scan a QR code if I come onto campus?

We have introduced QR codes to make it easier to record details of everyone who comes onto our campuses. All students are required to scan the QR code on a poster on the outside of each building or inside the building, before or when they enter that building. You will need to scan the QR code with the camera or QR code scanner app on your Smartphone. Then go to the link contained in the QR code, complete your details in the form and submit.

What if I am unable to scan a QR code when I come on to campus?

If you are unable to scan the QR code, please make sure you record your details at the Entry Monitoring Screening station and please note the building or buildings you will be accessing while you are on campus.

What happens to the details collected via QR codes?

All details collected via the QR codes are collected for contact tracing in the event of a suspected Covid-19 case on campus.

Your information will not be released publicly or shared with any third party, except the government agency responsible for contacting people who may have been exposed to COVID-19 or where otherwise required for the purposes of contract tracing.

Your details will only be kept for the period specified by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Are campus cafés open?

The café at Elgar and Nelson café are open from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday.

Lilydale Point of View Café is open from 8:00am to 3:00pm Monday to Friday.

Are campus libraries open?

The Elgar, Nelson and Lilydale libraries are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. The City library remains closed at this point in time.

Can I access eBooks via Box Hill Institute library?

Yes, you can! If you are interested in finding out more about locating and accessing our library eBooks visit StudentWeb here.

What physical distancing measures are in place on campuses?

Box Hill Institute has implemented the physical distancing guidelines provided by the Victorian Department of Education and Training:

• keeping 1.5 metres distance between yourself and other people where possible
• avoiding crowds and large gatherings
• avoiding small gatherings in enclosed spaces
• non-contact greetings – no handshakes

We have also implemented the following measures at all Box Hill Institute campuses:

• Limiting class sizes to ensure that physical distancing requirements can be met
• Adjusting rooms where required
• Zoning off common areas
• Increased signage to support safe practices
• Limiting the number of people on campus at any given time
• Ensuring that everyone only remains on campus for the duration of their class 

What cleaning occurs on campus?

Box Hill Institute has implemented an increased level of cleaning across campuses in response to COVID-19. Cleaning is conducted in accordance with the Victorian Government’s COVID-19 cleaning guidelines.

Victorian DHHS Cleaning and disinfecting to reduce COVID-19 transmission

This includes:

• Increased frequency of cleaning in high traffic areas including building entrances, hallways, lifts, stairwells, bathrooms, canteens, and libraries
• Increased focus on cleaning high-touch surfaces including tables, benches, handles, switches, railings, taps, toilets, and sinks
• Use of hospital grade cleaner and sanitiser
• Hand sanitiser available in many building entrances, high traffic areas and classrooms
• Cleaning staff are required to wear gloves and follow all necessary hand hygiene and OHS protocols
• Increased signage around the campus to encourage good hygiene practices

We are continuing to monitor and review our cleaning measures to ensure strong standards and the health and safety of our community.

What does blended learning mean?

Blended learning at Box Hill Institute means that you will be connected to your learning and assessment through a combination of in-person and technologically enabled experiences.

Your study will be supported by teachers and resources available to you through scheduled classes and workshops held on campus and online.

Blended learning offers the best mix of the flexibility of online learning, with the benefits of the personal experience of face-to-face learning as well.

How can I find information on student support services available? Counselling, disability, and/or other services?

If you require support during this time, please contact our Student Life team on (03) 9286 9891 or email us at studentlife@boxhill.edu.au

We are here to help and answer your questions during this challenging time.

I’m an international student, who do I contact for help?

For international students, please contact our International Student Wellbeing Officer, Nikki Singh on (03) 9286 9445 or email Nikki at nikita.singh@boxhill.edu.au

We are here to help and answer your questions during this challenging time.

Is there financial help for international students who stayed in Australia over the pandemic?

Currently, Box Hill Institute is closed for applications to International Student Emergency Relief.

If you are an international student in Victoria experiencing financial hardship, you may be eligible for emergency financial support through the Victorian Government’s Extreme Hardship Support Program.

The program is for temporary and provisional visa holders and undocumented migrants, including international students who:

• Are experiencing significant hardship because of the coronavirus – COVID-19
• Have little or no income, savings, or community support

To apply for this program, please visit www.redcross.org.au/vicrelief

For further information on the range of support available to international students from the Victorian Government, please visit: www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au

What support is available for Apprentices and Trainees?

Apprentices and trainees who have been suspended or lost their job completely can register with the Victorian Government’s Program for retrenched apprentices and trainees.

You can apply for the new Jobseeker payments if both the following apply:

• you’re not receiving Youth Allowance (Apprentice) payments
• you’ve lost your job and are not receiving an income due to coronavirus – COVID-19

If you’re seeking Jobseeker payments, you do not need to provide an employment separation certificate. This means that if you’ve had your apprenticeship suspended but not terminated, – you are still eligible for Jobseeker payments.

If you’re looking for alternative employment, you can:

Register with the Victorian Government’s Working for Victoria program

Access the Australian Government’s Jobs Hub

I’ve got questions about my academic progress and/or I need assistance with my assessments, who do I contact about this?

If you have questions about your academic progress and need assistance with your assessments, please contact the International Academic Advisor, Faz Maghami on (03) 9286 9734 or email Faz at f.maghami@boxhill.edu.au