Hardship support requests flood into Deakin

DEAKIN University has received more than 1500 applications from students for immediate financial and hardship support during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Deakin’s vice-chancellor said the full magnitude of the financial impact on the university was not yet known.

So far 730 applications by students for financial and hardship support have been assessed and approved, with the remaining to be processed next week.

Vice-chancellor Iain Martin said the university would continue to support staff and students through the difficult months ahead.

“From the outset, we have case managed our response to COVID-19, providing our people as much flexibility as possible in the circumstances while preserving the quality and integrity of our operations and educational offerings,” Prof Martin said.

“As for all universities, the full magnitude of the financial impact on Deakin remains unclear and will depend on our trimester one outcomes and for how long social distancing restrictions are in place.”

Prof Martin said students and staff had overwhelmingly embraced the transition to online study and working from home.

“It is not all smooth sailing, but with our digital pedigree and an already thriving Cloud Campus, we were able to make a reasonably seamless shift to fully online study,” he said.

Deakin’s census date was due to be March 31 but a further two-week grace period means students can change enrolment or withdraw from their course without incurring any academic or financial penalty.

The university has also made it easier to apply for special consideration, while the extension period for assignment due dates has been increased to up to three weeks. Trimester one exams will continue as planned with online assessments.