At this time of year, Canberra's universities would usually be busy preparing to welcome school-leavers, their parents and other prospective students on campus for their August open day.
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This year, the institutions are still preparing to give the public a taste of university life but in a virtual format.
While people won't be able to set foot on the University of Canberra campus due to COVID-19 restrictions, vice-chancellor academic Professor Geoff Crisp said virtual tours would give people the chance to look around the campus.
"The other highlight is of course the students will be able to have an individual real-time discussion with either an academic or with someone from students support area or with another or with a current student," he said.
"So there's a variety of activities we've got just to make it feel as much like the on campus experience as we possibly can."
Professor Crisp said the university put safety above everything but a positive side-effect of going virtual was that people who lived outside Canberra would be able to participate in the open day.
It's likely that restrictions on large gatherings will extend into 2021, meaning first year students may need to be prepared for part of their course to be delivered remotely.
Studios, laboratory work and other hands-on activities are likely to be delivered in person but in smaller groups to allow for physical distancing.
"We're very keen on having our students back on campus as much as possible or as much as we're allowed to for them to be able to continue their studies," Professor Crisp said.
People must register online to attend the open day on August 22, but one-on-one appointments can be scheduled for the following week so nobody misses out.
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Australian National University's virtual open week also starts on August 22 with more than 300 live and on-demand sessions covering study pathways, career outcomes, accommodation options, and the university's campus lifestyle and facilities.
Virtual campus tours will be led by current students and panel discussions with recent graduates and alumni will provide more information about the ANU experience. Online registration is required in order to attend the ANU open week events.
The Australian Defence Force Academy began its virtual open week via social media on Monday, which is set to culminate in a Facebook Live session on August 22.
Minister for Defence Personnel Darren Chester said while the traditional ADFA Open Day couldn't happen this year, young Australians interested in a career with the Australian Defence Force could still have all their questions answered.
"In these uncertain times, the virtual Open Day provides more young Australians and their families the opportunity to learn about the military training and academic programs on offer without travelling to Canberra," he said.
"As young people look to take the next step in their lives through further study and building a career, I encourage them to participate in the virtual Open Day and see what Defence has to offer."
University Virtual Open Days
University of Canberra
When: August 22, 9am-4pm
What: Live streamed content will be available and then posted online with live chat support until Friday, August 28. Students can sign up for one-on-one sessions with academics and student ambassadors and access a virtual campus tour.
Register online at https://www.canberra.edu.au/openday
Australian National University
When: August 22-28
What: Panel discussions, virtual campus tours by current students and over 300 live and on-demand sessions on study pathways, career outcomes, accommodation options, and the university's campus lifestyle and facilities.
Register online at www.anu.edu.au/study/events/virtual-open-week-2020
Australian Defence Force Academy
When: August 17- 22
What: The Australian Defence Force Academy will host activities on its Facebook and Instagram page, including virtual tours, interviews with current trainee officers and live question and answer sessions.
Australian Catholic University
When: 9am-3pm on August 29, September 5 and September 12.
What: Prospective students can sign up for live webinars and one-on-one consultations on their areas of interest over three virtual open days. Videos, galleries and virtual tours will provide a glimpse into ACU's campuses, including Canberra.
Register online at openday.acu.edu.au/opendays2020/home
Charles Sturt University
When: September 15, 16 17 and 26
What: Sign up to the virtual open day platform to watch information sessions about courses and participate in live chats. Videos will show virtual tours of the various Charles Sturt campus locations.
Register at https://study.csu.edu.au/life/events/open-day
Sarah Lansdown
Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education. Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.lansdown@canberratimes.com.au
Sarah covers all stages of education in the capital, from early childhood to higher education. Previously she was a general news reporter at The Advocate in North West Tasmania. She was named Best New Journalist at the 2019 Tasmanian Media Awards for a series on paramedic shortages. Email: sarah.lansdown@canberratimes.com.au
