Monash U’s $15m student support package leads the COVID-19 wrap

Monash U offers a two-payment package, up to $7500, available to all enrolled students “affected by” COVID-19

There is also specific support for HDR students, with doctoral candidates on scholarship automatically qualifying for a three-month extension. Those in their final year who, “can demonstrate that their work has been disrupted by the current situation,” can apply for another extension, taking maximum funding to three years and nine months.

Uni Sydney announces student support

Vice Chancellor Michael Spence told students yesterday the university offers “general bursaries” for living expenses (no details) and interest-free personal loans up to $1000. There is also a “no-disadvantage” policy for assessments, assisting students whose studies are impacted by COVID-19, and an adjusted weighted average mark that excludes this semester for final academic transcripts.

 The NSW Government is funding vaccine R&D

Health Minister Brad Hazzard announces $25m for medical research and vaccine trials and $11m for commercialising research. There is no word on who decides where the dosh will go. Perhaps the NHMRC could help.

Peter Hoj makes student support a personal cause  

The Uni Queensland VC is contributing 20 per cent of his pay to the university’s student hardship fund.

TEQSA has advice for providers taking courses on-line

The Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency provides resources and expert advice, which it expects to expand over the coming months as more experts contribute. This might strike people who have just sweated blood to get content on-line at light-speed as a bit late, but there will be more courses to come. Plus, there’s another good reason to use TEQSA’s advice – sooner or later the agency will be around for a look at how universities are going.

Uni Queensland announces UQ marketplace

It’s for staff, “to register their available time and transferable skills so they can be matched to roles and work in other parts of the University … efficiently and at scale.