Construction continues at the physical campus while students attend the virtual
Our long-term client, Federation University, has paused traditional teaching activities from Tuesday 24 March and fluidly relocated teachings to online delivery platforms for the majority of higher education programs from Monday 30 March.
While this pause on in-campus education has seen teaching and learning activities adapted for an online, virtual campus, it has also allowed our Brisbane based construction team to accelerate their current programme. The project will deliver a state-of-the-art educational space to accommodate student and staff needs when the university resumes in-campus classes.
The virtual campus
Despite no longer attending traditional classrooms, students still have access to their courses, lecturers, and peers through their Moodle shell; including links to virtual classroom technologies and virtual meeting spaces.
“Federation University is a traditional yet progressive educational teaching institution. In 2017 we delivered an award-winning, technologically integrated fitout - it’s no surprise the university has adapted so gracefully and so quickly to meet the requirements of the changing landscape,” says Steven Kourevelis, Director and State Manager.
While it’s heart-breaking to see the facilities relatively quiet during the normal academic year, my team is working doubly hard to deliver the fourth-floor and second project for Federation University in an accelerated programme.
Supporting students beyond the academic
"The wellbeing of our students is always our number one priority," says Professor Helen Bartlett, Vice-Chancellor and President of Federation University. While the physical safety of students and staff are the university's main priority, they are also prioritising mental health and wellbeing. On Monday 6 April, the university announced a new financial assistance package for students impacted by the pandemic.
"This support package will help our students continue their studies during these difficult times, whether that's through financial assistance or providing emotional support through free counselling or other services," Professor Bartlett continues.
Eligible students will receive up to $300 per week for an initial five-week period to assist with circumstances that include reduced hours of employment and purchasing remote study technologies. In addition to financial support, students can also access free phone counselling services and local support services.
Now, more than ever, we need to support our students. They are our future teachers, nurses, social workers, and other vital professions that will help us recover from this pandemic.
The new normal
The global education sector has been dramatically transformed as a result of COVID-19; pushing us all out of our comfort zones and urging us to think differently.
As seen at Federation University, closures have created a new normal for the higher education sector while we weather the storm. We see the reshaping of the traditional learning experience and a refreshing sense of community – ensuring we can hold on to ‘normal’ routines best we can until we come back stronger.