Canberra universities reveal reopening plans

The Australian National University will be reopening for staff on June 2, but may open earlier for some researchers.

"We are looking to move researchers who need access to appropriate facilities and labs to continue their work back onto our campus in the next couple of weeks," a spokesperson from the ANU said.

Semester 2 begins July 27. There is no set date for students to return.

"Undergraduate students will be the last cohort to return to minimise any further disruption to their current remote learning environment" a spokesperson said.

The University of Canberra will begin to reopen on June 2 .

Winter term, which begins on June 1, will remain online except for some laboratory based classes.

Semester two orientation begins on July 27.

"We're working on what [reopening] might mean in Semester two." Vice Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon said.

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CIT Executive Director of Corporate Services Andrew Whale said that the planning for resuming on campus learning is ongoing, with no reopen date set.

"We are expecting to make some decisions in the coming weeks to enable face to face learning to transition back to campus in a gradual phased way," he said.

UNSW Canberra Rector, Professor Michael Frater has confirmed that all second semester courses will remain online with no date for reopening set.

"We are working with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we are fully prepared for any return, including a response to any outbreaks of the virus either on campus or in the ACT, and the re-introduction of tightened restrictions at very short notice," he said.

Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) trainee officers study their university courses at UNSW while also undertaking a joint military education and training (JMET) program.

A defense spokesperson said that the JMET program is running online where possible.

"ADFA trainee officers continue to live at the Academy while undertaking their studies online," the spokesperson said.

"ADFA has a plan in place to enable transition back to face-to-face education and training as conditions are deemed appropriate, but it will be based on conditions and not a specific time."

Charles Sturt University has not unveiled reopening plan for its Canberra campus.

Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann said that the university aims to communicate its reopening plan to staff and students before the end of May.

"The University is working on our phased recovery plan to ensure we can return to teaching, learning, research and working from the office with the appropriate safety measures in place." he said.

Australian Catholic University staff have returned to campus this week.

From May 25, some practical learning will be held at ACU Canberra, beginning with Nursing and Paramedicine.

"ACU is still developing plans for Semester 2 and at this stage anticipates a blend of on-campus and online delivery," ACU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Stephen Weller said.