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ACU welcomes students to campus for Semester 1 2021

Australian Catholic University’s (ACU’s) eight Australian campuses will be bustling with thousands of students beginning their university journey or resuming their studies when semester 1 begins on Monday 1 March.

Turnout for orientation activities across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Ballarat this week has been very positive, as students gravitate back to campuses where social activities and information sessions have been designed to maximise the experience while following COVID-safe practices.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer Dr Stephen Weller welcomed new and returning students with a reassurance that the university had safety plans in place that observed the COVID-protocols for each state or territory.

“Whether it’s welcome to ACU for the first time or welcome back to our returning students, we are delighted that our campuses are open and ready to start the year afresh. Already there is a real buzz as students are arriving on campus, bringing excitement and positive energy.

“We have scheduled a blended learning model featuring both on-campus and online classes for all campuses for 2021, and our students can come to campus to access our services and facilities and to enjoy social opportunities.

“ACU is following health advice at all times in an ever-changing environment; we remain committed to adapting teaching and learning environments, campus experiences and our operations to ensure the health and safety of our community.”

 COVID-19 FAQs, including on practical class attendance, placements, assessments, technology and IT support, health and wellbeing support, student accommodation and travel are available through the student portal and on the ACU website. These are updated regularly to reflect public health orders.

“We are looking forward to providing an engaging student experience as well as safe and healthy campuses,” Dr Weller said.

Each of ACU’s campuses has seen a growth in domestic students 2021, and there has been an extremely positive start for the university’s newest site at Blacktown in the heart of western Sydney, and for the launch of law degrees in Brisbane. Across the board, the university’s flagship education and health sciences programs have remained consistently popular, reflecting workforce demand in these sectors. ACU offers degrees in education, health, law and business, and humanities and social sciences.