INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR IIA STUDENTS
REGARDING COVID-19

This page is provided for student advice and update as regards to the Corona Virus situation and how it evolves into the future.

Please ensure you visit this page frequently in order to have up to date information relating to the Institute and your enrolment during this unprecedented time.

Update: 21 July 2020

Joint media release – Supporting international students to support Australian jobs

The Morrison Government is making a number of changes to student visa arrangements to ensure Australia remains a priority destination for international students as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.

International students are extremely important to Australia and our economy, contributing $40 billion annually and supporting 250,000 jobs. Many also go on to become great Australian citizens.

While the closure of our international borders has been critical to our success in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and Australia has been a leader in this regard, it has presented challenges to the education sector and students, both here and offshore.

These five visa changes will ensure international students are not worse off due to the coronavirus pandemic and that Australia remains competitive with other countries.

The changes include:

  • The Government will recommence granting student visas in all locations lodged outside Australia. This means when borders re-open, students will already have visas and be able to make arrangements to travel.
  • International students will be able to lodge a further student visa application free of charge, if they are unable to complete their studies within their original visa validity due to COVID-19.
  • Current student visa holders studying online outside Australia due to COVID-19 will be able to use that study to count towards the Australian study requirement for a post-study work visa.
  • Graduates who held a student visa will be eligible to apply for a post-study work visa outside Australia if they are unable to return due to COVID-19.
  • Additional time will be given for applicants to provide English language results where COVID-19 has disrupted access to these services.

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs Alan Tudge said the changes provide assurance to international students already in Australia and those who haven’t been able to travel due to COVID-19 border closures.

“These measures back the international education sector – our fourth largest export sector – and will assist its recovery,” Mr Tudge said.

“In making these changes, we have been guided by the principles that the health of Australians is key, but that international students should not be further disadvantaged by COVID-19.

“We are a welcoming nation with a world-class education system and some of the lowest rates of COVID-19 in the world. Students want to study here and we want to welcome them back in a safe and measured way when it is safe to do so.

“Doing so will not only support the education sector, it will also have flow-on effects for many local communities and businesses, including accommodation services, tourism, hospitality and retail.”

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the changes would give international students confidence in their visa arrangements so they can make plans to study in Australia when it is safe to do so.

“Our remarkable efforts in controlling the spread of the virus mean we can begin to welcome back international students in a COVID safe way once state borders re-open and face-to-face learning resumes,” Mr Tehan said.

“As well as supporting jobs, international education builds our connection to the rest of the world and supports a number of critical industries like health, aged and disability care.”

The Government has previously relaxed work restrictions for international students working in the health, aged and disability care sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also been flexible in cases where the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented international students meeting their visa conditions, such as not being able attend classes in person.

The Hon Alan Tudge MP

Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs

Update: 20 July 2020

Australian Industrial Systems Institute supports the wearing of face masks in line with DHHS advice and encourages students, staff, and visitors from restricted areas to wear cloth face coverings or surgical masks if it will be difficult to keep 1.5 metres distance from others.

Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire have now returned to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions. The Institute’s main priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our entire Institute community.

We are regularly reviewing our current activity on campus and return‑to‑campus plans to ensure that we continue to operate in line with the latest government advice.

In planning for this students will soon receive via email special health declaration forms for people with approval to return to campus.  Without the health declaration forms completed and signed, students and staff will not be able to return to campuses.

Specific arrangements for specialist classes, practical classes, performances, will vary from subject to subject.  Practical course areas are being given priority by IIA in commencement for Semester 2.

Given the Stay at Home Stage 3 restrictions that have been reimposed, this has now been delayed.  However, once students receive the Health Declaration forms they must complete and return in anticipation for a start after the 17th August 2020 when the six week restriction period ends.

Student Assessments

In selecting our assessment methods, we will ensure that your assessments fully assess the learning objectives for subjects and meet the usual high standards of academic integrity, with appropriate supervision, for validly and reliably assessing your learning. Our arrangements inclusive  of online learning, workplace assessment and appropriate remote assessment will allow the grading of student performance using the existing grading schema and the proper recognition of student learning.

Participation Requirements

Existing participation requirements were essential components of the teaching and learning — that is, necessary for meeting the intended learning outcomes — alternate means of assessment would need to be explored where practicable and are being practised across the board of our range of courses.

Studying from your home country

If you are unable to travel to campus due to COVID-19 travel or other restrictions, you can continue to study online until restrictions are lifted. International students currently in Australia who decide to return to their home country and study remotely should also be aware of the Australian Government’s travel advice and restrictions, which may prevent you from returning to campus depending on how the COVID-19 situation develops. For any visa enquiries, you should contact the Department of Home Affairs.

Returning to campus

We’ve begun a phased return to campus, which means that some teaching and learning will take place on campus and some will be delivered wholly online during Semester 2.

Participation and engagement requirements for synchronous classroom activities should be waived in most circumstances, though there may be situations in which these requirements are necessary for meeting the intended learning outcomes. Affected students will be advised.

Please visit the State Government of Victoria website below for further assistance.

https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/support-for-students-coronavirus#

Please also email our office should you have any queries.

IIA Management

Update 16: 8 July 2020

Australian Industrial Systems Institute’s main priority is the health and safety of all at the Institute.

We note and bring to our Institute’s attention the announcement by the Victorian Premier on Tuesday 7 July 2020 that Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will return to Stage 3 SAY AT HOME RESTRICTIONS from 11.59pm Wednesday 8 July 2020.

Please note that the Institute is reviewing its current activity, especially given enrolment week this week and Semester 2 scheduling, along with return to campus plans to ensure that we continue to operate in line with the latest government advice.

The Australian Industrial Systems Institute continues to adhere to the advice of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Australian Government, the Victorian Government and health experts. Our number one priority is the health, safety and wellbeing of our Institute community and we are doing everything that is in our power to reduce the rates of infection in the community.

Given the current and new restrictions imposed, Australian Industrial Systems Institute will continue to operate remotely overall for the six week lock down period.

All face-to-face learning and teaching activity on IIA campuses has been suspended until further notice. A gradual and phased return to campus was currently underway, but has now needed to be reviewed given the governmental authorities further restrictions and suburb lockdowns – in particular from suburbs which affect a good number of our students.

We are prioritising the transition back to campus of essential practical based learning activities, but these too will need to be postponed yet again until such times as restrictions are lifted by the authorities.

Please note that the institute will inform each student when the return of practical activities can recommence. In the meantime, all students are to take advantage of the one to one trainer consultations and indeed the Work Placement assessments that can also be undertaken for student who are working in their field.

Our trainers are busy attending workplaces to verify the work placement assessments where those have been provided.  Please email admissions for further information through a completed Student Request Form for either trainer consultations or Work Placement Assessment Records that need to be completed.

All lectures and tutorials will be delivered remotely in Semester 2, with some campus access available by previously scheduled appointments only.  Any changes to this notification will be advised both directly to students and via this website information channel.

Students are reminded that in order to remain current in Semester 2, re-enrolment must take place from the 6th July 2020 to 10 July 2020.  This is to be done remotely as previously advised.  Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. A reminder also that should students require extensions to their courses a Student Request Form needs to be submitted to admissions for this assistance to be provided.

Premier of Victoria Announcement, 7 July 2020

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-07/melbourne-lockdown-daniel-andrews-key-points/12431708

“Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire will re-enter lockdown from Wednesday.”

“We’re on the cusp of something very, very bad if we don’t take these steps today,” he said.

Mr Andrews was clear that he did not want to impose these lockdowns again, but the alternatives were just too dangerous.

“This is challenging. I get it. I know that. I understand it. I didn’t want to be in this position. No Victorian does,” he said.

“Let’s not see it as simply an inconvenience. It’s much more than that. It’s a pandemic. And it will kill thousands of people if it gets completely away from us.

“That will be more than inconvenient. It will be tragic. We don’t want that.”

Mr Andrews said there would be some differences to this stay-at-home order compared to the one imposed on Victorians earlier this year.

“You will be able to go out to go to work if you have to, to go shopping for the things you need when you need them, to study, to provide care or to get care,” he said.

“Daily exercise will be treated differently. You can’t leave metropolitan Melbourne to get your daily exercise.

“There’s a number, on the advice of the chief health officer, of very low public health risk activities that will be permitted that were not permitted last time, but the most important point to make around exercise is that you can’t be going on a four-hour bushwalk hundreds of kilometres away from Melbourne.”

Victoria has to ‘be realistic about the circumstances’

Mr Andrews said there was no doubt today’s announcement was tough to swallow, but it was necessary.

“If we were to fail to take those steps, then it won’t be a couple of hundred cases per day, it will be many more than that and spiral well and truly out of control,” he said.

“‘Cusp of a second wave’, ‘second wave’, what people want to call this is entirely irrelevant.”

He said not taking significant action now would mean thousands more cases, and most likely more deaths.

“We have to be realistic about the circumstances that we confront. We have to be clear with each other that this is not over,” he said.

“And pretending that it is because we all want it to be over is not the answer. It is indeed part of the problem.”

“I think a sense of complacency has crept into us as we let our frustrations get the better of us.

“I think that each of us know someone who has not been following the rules as well as they should have. I think each of us know that we’ve got no choice but to take these very, very difficult steps.”

The timing is crucial

These stay-at-home orders will come into effect at 11:59pm on July 8 and are set to last for six weeks.

Mr Andrews said there was not much chance of this latest round of restrictions ending early, even if cases got under control before the end date.

“I want to be clear with you. We could have gone for a shorter period,” he said.

“Three weeks is not enough data. The life cycle of this virus is about the 14-day period. The six weeks means we have three of those full cycles.

“If you are starting to see stability in low numbers, we’d have much greater confidence those are real numbers, rather than a false sense that the virus was not there anymore or at such low levels that a suppression strategy would be able to work.”

Metro residents shouldn’t be travelling to regional Victoria

Mr Andrews said the number of cases in Mitchell Shire was concerning, and it was crucial the virus did not spread further into regional areas.

“Regional Victoria has very, very few cases and vast parts of regional Victoria have no cases. This is designed to keep it that way,” he said.

“I hope very soon to be able to be before you again talking about further easing of restrictions in regional Victoria. That’s not for today. I do hope that is quite soon.

“And we’ll only be able to achieve that if we continue to contain within metropolitan Melbourne and not see large outbreaks or additional cases in regional Victoria.”

The Premier was clear that now was not the time for people to be travelling to regional areas — and the Defence Force would be on the ground helping to ensure that.

“I’ll appeal to Victorians, don’t for a moment think that you could flout these rules and travel into country Victoria,” he said.

“There will be every chance you’ll be stopped and asked. If you don’t have a lawful excuse, then there are significant penalties that will apply.”

For people who do live in regional Victoria, not much of today’s announcement applies to you.

“There’s no change to the rules in regional Victoria but there are still rules and they need to be followed,” the Premier said.

What is Metropolitan Melbourne?

Areas that will be affected by the new lockdown restrictions are (in alphabetical order):

Banyule, Bayside, Boroondara, Brimbank, Cardinia, Casey, Darebin, Frankston, Glen Eira, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Kingston, Knox, Manningham, Maribyrnong, Maroondah, Melbourne, Melton, Mitchell Shire, Monash, Moonee Valley, Moreland, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Whitehorse, Whittlesea, Wyndham, Yarra Ranges, Yarra

People in these areas can only leave their homes for the purposes of:

Shopping for food and essential supplies

Medical care and caregiving

Exercise and recreation (but they cannot leave the restricted areas for this)

Study and work if it cannot be done from home

There will only be three reasons to cross the border into these areas:

 

Shopping for food and essential supplies

Medical care and caregiving

Study and work if it cannot be done from home

Update 15: 2 July 2020

Dear Students and Staff of Australian Industrial Systems Institute

The face-to-face learning and teaching activity on IIA campuses has been suspended until further notice. A gradual and phased return to campus was currently underway, but has now needed to be reviewed given the governmental authorities further restrictions and suburb lockdowns – in particular from suburbs which affect a good number of our students.

We are prioritising the transition back to campus of essential practical based learning activities, but these too will need to be postponed yet again until such times as restrictions are lifted by the authorities.

Please note that the institute will inform each student when the return of practical activities can recommence. In the meantime, all students are to take advantage of the one to one trainer consultations and indeed the Work Placement assessments that can also be undertaken for student who are working in their field.  Our trainers are busy attending workplaces to verify the work placement assessments where those have been provided.  Please email admissions for further information through a completed Student Request Form for either trainer consultations or Work Placement Assessment Records that need to be completed.

All lectures and tutorials will be delivered remotely in Semester 2, with some campus access available by previously scheduled appointments only.  Any changes to this notification will be advised both directly to students and via this website information channel.

Students are reminded that in order to remain current in Semester 2, re-enrolment must take place from the 6th July 2020 to 10 July 2020.  This is to be done remotely as previously advised.  Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. A reminder also that should students require extensions to their courses a Student Request Form needs to be submitted to admissions for this assistance to be provided.

In closing, we want to emphasise that the safety and well being of all our students and staff, our entire Institute community is of the greatest priority at his difficult time.

Should you require any specific assistance please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

We ask that our students pay attention to the Premier’s statement below especially if you are a student or staff member who reside in the suburbs listed as restricted areas below:

Premier of Victoria Statement 29 June 2020

Very clearly, we are not where we wanted to be. And as today’s case numbers show, Victoria is experiencing significant community transmission of coronavirus.

As a result of genomic testing, the Chief Health Officer has today advised the Government that a number of our cases through late May and early June can be linked to an infection control breach in the hotel quarantine program.

Clearly there has been a failure in the operation of this program.

The whole way through this, I’ve been upfront with the people of Victoria. And to say I’m disappointed about what’s happened would be an understatement.

I have today ordered the establishment of an inquiry, led by a former judge, into the operation of the hotel quarantine program.

I’ve also asked the Prime Minister to divert flights to other cities for the next two weeks while we reset the program under the supervision of Corrections Victoria.

The inquiry will report in eight to ten weeks.

I want to assure Victorians: no stone will be left unturned. No lead will be left neglected.

But while that is happening, we need to focus on the health situation in hand.

In just five days, some 93,000 Victorians were tested – at community centres, shopping centres and at their own front door. I want to thank everyone who came forward and did their bit.

This represents the biggest and most comprehensive testing effort in Australia.  Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of nurses, ambos, doorknockers and community volunteers, we – quite literally – took testing to people’s front doors.

But sadly, frustratingly, it’s just not been enough. Too many people are still going out when they’re sick. Too many people are ignoring rules about physical distancing and pretending restrictions don’t matter. Yet still, somehow, more than a thousand people, when asked, refused to be tested. It shows us that still, somehow, too many people are not taking this seriously.

That means some tough decisions. And a return to tougher restrictions.

From 11:59pm tomorrow night, postcodes linked to these outbreaks will go into local lockdown. For now, that includes the following: 3038, 3064, 3047, 3060, 3012, 3032, 3055, 3042, 3021, 3046.

These “hot zones” will be required to return to Stage 3 Stay at Home restrictions – until at least 29 July. If you live in these locations, there will again only be four reasons to be out:

Shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.

Wherever you can, you should do these things as close to home as you can. But if you do need to leave your postcode, those same restrictions – those same four reasons – travel with you.

We know close personal contact has been the source of the spread. That’s why we need local residents to do the right thing: assume you may be infectious – and act accordingly.

If you live outside these locations, there’s only four reasons to come in: shopping for food and supplies, care and caregiving, exercise, and study or work – if you can’t do it from home.

The businesses and facilities in these areas that have been able to recently reopen – from beauty parlours to gyms to libraries to swimming pools – will again be restricted. Cafes and restaurants will again only be open for take-away and delivery.

And regular police patrols, both in these zones and outside them, will make sure people are abiding by the restrictions.

We know this will have a very real impact on local businesses trading in these communities. We’ll help them get through this with an initial $5000 in dedicated support for businesses previously eligible for a Business Support Fund grant or a payroll tax refund.

For those parents who’ll no doubt be asking, and based on the advice of the Chief Health Officer, we expect that schools will return as planned from 13 July.

And for those families who live in these locations but have already left for their holidays – you can continue as you’d planned. But when you come home, these restrictions will apply.

My message to everyone in restricted postcodes is this: I know this will be terribly disruptive and difficult but if everyone sticks to the rules and we see transmission come down, then in four weeks the restrictions can lift.

We’re also asking for Victorians for their help to get this information out. If you know someone in one of these areas who doesn’t have the internet, who might be a bit more isolated, who might perhaps miss this message – please pick up the phone, send them a text or a message online and let them know.

And for everyone outside these zones: please, be smart, be safe and pay attention to the directions. If you don’t then your local area might be next into lockdown and no one wants that.

Very clearly, this is not where we wanted to be.  I understand people are tired. We’re all frustrated. We all just want things to go back to how they once were.

And the sooner we all do the right thing, the sooner we can beat this.

We all have a part to play.

And it’s up to all of us to make this work.

Restricted Postcodes

Following analysis of testing results over the past two weeks including the surge in tests over the past 5 days as part of the Suburban Testing Blitz, the following postcodes have been identified as postcodes of concern and requiring additional restrictions.

Postcode Suburbs
3012 Brooklyn, Kingsville, Maidstone, Tottenham, West Footscray
3021 Albanvale, Kealba, Kings Park, St Albans
3032 Ascot Vale, Highpoint City, Maribyrnong, Travancore
3038 Keilor Downs, Keilor Lodge, Taylors Lakes, Watergardens
3042 Airport West, Keilor Park, Niddrie
3046 Glenroy, Hadfield, Oak Park
3047 Broadmeadows, Dallas , Jacana
3055 Brunswick south, Brunswick west, Moonee vale, Moreland west
3060 Fawkner
3064 Craigieburn, Donnybrook, Mickelham, Roxburgh Park, Kalkallo

 

These postcodes will return to Stage 3 Restrictions at least until 29 July.

The criteria established by the public health team to determine areas with high rates of transmission that required additional containment was:

STEP 1: Identify priority LGA with more than 2x to state case rate

STEP 2: Review all postcodes within this LGA

STEP 3: Identify priority suburbs with more than five cases AND rate greater than 20 per 100,000

This gives:

3038, 3064, 3047, 3060 (>50 rate)

3012, 3032, 3055, 3042 (>30 rate)

3021, 3046 (>20 rate)

Update 14: 25th of June 2020 

Dear Students

IIA remains operational and we want to reassure you that despite the challenges posed to all of us, IIA continues to provide quality training and education for our students and community. IIA is following advice from the Australian and Victorian Governments in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19). The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and wider community continue to be our highest priority.

The COVID-19 situation continues to change the way we operate, and while there is a continued easing of restrictions somewhat, IIA supports that we must all continue to comply with the current restrictions in place.

Semester Break

IIA is currently on mid year semester Break.  Students wishing to receive holiday letters to assist with their workplaces can submit a Student Request Form to request this.  Please note that tuition fees must be kept up to date, and contact details must also be up to date along with student USI number before any letters are issued.

Students please note that the process for requests remains to complete and submit the Student Request Form for all that is required.

Re-enrolment Week

Re-enrolment Week for Semester 2 of the academic year 2020 Commences on Monday 6th July and ends on Friday 10th July 2020.

This year, given the COVID19 restrictions and conditions, all re-enrolments will be conducted online.  All forms MUST be submitted via email to our administration office

An email will be sent to all students with the forms that are required to be completed and sent.

Semester 2

Semester 2 formally commences on the 13th July 2020 and ends on the 12th December 2020.

Classes for all upcoming study periods commencing in Semester 2 will continue to be held online due to physical distancing rules for COVID-19.

IIA is considering some exceptions to this for a very small number of courses with crucial practical elements, and these students will be contacted directly.

IIA continues to adjust its operations as necessary and will communicate regularly with the Institute community both via its website and direct email contact where necessary.

Should there be updated government department changes to restrictions, IIA is prepared to make immediate adjustments to the programs delivery methods across all its course areas.

Contact Details

Please note that during these times of COVID19 governmental authority restrictions, the Institute must hold all records of communications with students.

As such, all communication must be via the Student Request Form

The following are contact emails for the different areas within the Institute that students may want information for:

  • Admissions/COEs/Extensions/Withdrawals  queries to go to Admissions Office
  • Assessments/Administration/Statements of Attainment/Certificates/Client Enrolment Reports/Trainer Consultations  queries to go to Admissions Office
  • Payments/Receipts/Payment Plans queries to go to Finance Department
  • Practical sessions with trainers queries to go to Admissions Oficce

 

STUDENTS PLEASE ENSURE

Students are asked to ensure that they are aware of their course end dates and ensure that all is done to the best of their ability to complete your course on time.

Students are also asked to ensure that they are aware of their visa end dates and ensure that all is in place to ensure that this date is not breached.

Students requiring extensions for courses and for visa applications must email Admissions Team

 

Update 13: 4th of June 2020 

Notice to all

Public Holiday in Victoria:

Please note that Monday the 9th of June 2020 is a Public Holiday in Victoria and as such the institute staff are not operation on that day, even from remote access.

Should you have any queries please email admissions and your email will be answered as soon as possible.

IIA Management

Update 12: 31st of May 2020 

The following is a statement from the Premier of Victoria, Mr Andrews’ office:

“The State of Emergency in Victoria will be extended for another three weeks to slow the spread of coronavirus and keep people safe as restrictions are cautiously eased across the state from tomorrow.

Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos today announced the State of Emergency will be extended until 11.59pm on 21 June 2020.

This extension will allow the Victorian Government to continue to enforce strict physical distancing and isolation requirements, as well as other directions from the Chief Health Officer relating to businesses, working from home, mass gatherings and recreational activities.

The continued high testing rate in Victoria, coupled with the current low rate of community transmission, means restrictions will be further relaxed from tomorrow – but the battle against coronavirus is far from over.

Through this pandemic, the advice to Victorians has remained the same: stay home. As we begin to settle into a new normal, the message is: stay safe. That means continuing to maintain physical distance from others, take appropriate hygiene precautions, avoid crowds, stay home and get tested if you’re unwell.

A vital part of this is continuing to work from home if possible – to limit the number of people moving around our state and help protect those who do have to go to work.”

As such, the Australian Industrial Systems Institute offices and campuses will remain closed.

Students are advised to refer to our COVID19 notifications on our website for further notice as to when the office will re-open.  Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to email our office on [email protected]

Update 11: 25th of May 2020 

Dear Students of IIA

We hope this finds all our students safe and well. This is to let you know that, Australian Industrial Systems Institute has commenced taking steps to re-open all its physical offices and delivery campuses.

The Institute wishes to congratulate all its students for working together to ensure that there were/are zero COVID19 cases related to the Institute and its operations across all campuses.

We have all worked together to play a part in keeping everyone safe, and I thank our entire Institute community for this.

We are now going from a “Stay Home” to a “Stay Safe” mode of thinking and operating.  We will be easing the restrictions slowly and carefully, but some measures must still remain in place. Restrictive measures will still be in place in terms of physical distancing and hygiene measures in the workplace and training facilities.  This is in line with the governmental and health authorities guidelines.

All must adhere to the 1.5m distance rule between all persons.  Therefore, limits of how many people can be on premises will be a requirement of operation.  All that attend must adhere to this rule.

The Building Corporation attached to Level 1 Lonsdale Street campus,  has reopened the lifts but has now imposed restricted lift access with only two persons in the lift at any one time.  All attending the Institute office must adhere to these conditions.

Temperature monitoring is in place at reception, and all that attend will be required to allow temperature monitoring before commencing any interaction.

Each of our measures has been cautiously and carefully considered.  The appropriate easing of measures has been implemented by ensuring that all is in line with the health and government authorities of the state of Victoria.

Please note the following important dates and changes:

  1. Monday 1stJune IIA Administration office reopens at Level1, 398 Lonsdale Street Melbourne  at 9.00am but with restrictive measures on numbers of persons on premises in line with the 1.5m physical distancing rule.
  2. Mid year semester breakcommences on the 13th June to the 6th July
  3. Monday 6thJuly is Semester 2 Re-enrolment Week
  4. Week commencing 13thJuly is Semester 2 Commencement.  All classes will return to the classroom and practical class areas.
  5. Please note that in the meantime, classes will continue to be delivered online and your submissions must continue to be done by email via the Student Request Form.
  6. Where trainer availability is possible,the Institute is allowing trainer consultations by appointment during Semester break to assist student to continue and complete studies.
  7. Please note that trainers will continue to be available for training consultations on an appointment basisuntil the commencement of Semester 2.  The Institute is allowing trainer consultations by appointment during Semester break to assist student to continue and complete studies.  Student are advised to take advantage of this, to ensure that enrolment status is up to date and compliant.
  8. Students should ensure that all theory assessments are submitted to the office before Friday 16thJune in preparation for practical class commencement week commencing  Monday 13th
  9. Students requiring extensions on their courses, must ensure that applications are submitted promptly during the semester break in preparation for re-enrolment week.
  10. Students must ensure that payment plan fee payments are up to date so as to not delay any distribution of assessments, completed certificates or any other requests from the Institute.

Further updates will be provided as we move through this recommencement adjustment period.  Please ensure you keep up to date by checking your emails regularly and by checking the institute website which hosts all the institute updates, information and advice.

We look forward to a healthy re-commencement of operations soon, and we look to our Institute community for support in following all the guidelines so that we will be able to do this sooner rather than later.

Keep safe and well.

Update 10: 14th of May 2020

Premier Andrews made an important announcement on the 11th May 2020 outlining plans to start to ease restrictions in Victoria. For the first phase of changes – which will be in place from midnight (12 May 2020) until the end of May – the key message for employees continues to be that if you can work from home then you must work from home.

I ask everyone to maintain their current working arrangements until the end of May unless otherwise advised the Institute Management.

The Premier advised that there are now five reasons you may leave your home:

  • shopping for food and other necessary goods and services
  • accessing medical services or providing care giving
  • exercising
  • working or studying that cannot be done from home
  • visiting friends and family – with a maximum gathering of up to ten outdoors and up to five visitors in your home (effective from 11.59pm on Tuesday 12 May)

The Premier suggested that face-to-face learning in schools is likely to resume before the end of term two, but no details were announced on the 11 May 2020.. We will continue to investigate the implications of this revised approach for our organisation and our Institute community.

For more details on the changes announced, please visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Update 9: 11th of May 2020

Dear Students of IIA

We hope this email finds you all safe and well.

This email is to inform you that the Victorian Government announced this morning there will be a Student Emergency Relief Fund for those students who have lost their jobs.

Please find the information in the link below:

https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/support-for-students-coronavirus/international-student-emergency-relief-fund

If you are financially affected please access this support.

Update 8: 8th of May 2020

Dear Staff and Trainers of IIA

The Prime Minister has made an important announcement today following the National Cabinet meeting to develop a framework for easing restrictions. We will now wait to hear from the Victorian Government to understand how and when those changes will be implemented in Victoria.

Please see the details in the link:

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/update-coronavirus-measures-08may20

Once again, I encourage you to download the COVIDSafe app onto your CoM devices. This will play an important role in ensuring any future outbreaks can be traced accurately and quickly, which will help as restrictions are eased.

As we look ahead to changes in physical distancing rules, I want to remind everyone that we’re working proactively on a plan to enable a safe return to work. The transition will be managed in a staged and controlled way, and the timing is yet to be decided.

We will keep you informed of these plans as they develop, based on state and federal advice. In the meantime, I ask everyone to maintain their current working arrangements until advised otherwise.

The Return to Work Planning Team will lead this task, focusing on:

  • prioritising the health, safety and wellbeing of our people
  • following government and Safe Work Australia guidelines
  • using the lessons we have learned during our current working arrangements to ensure we remain a safe, effective and highly-regarded employer of choice.

I want to acknowledge your flexibility and willingness to adapt to the current work arrangements we’ve put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve learned a lot from your feedback so far. I encourage you to keep sharing updates with us on what’s working and what can be improved to help shape the way we work now, in the immediate future and beyond so that we are fully prepared for anything similar like this again.

I will be in further communication with you all as to the plan to resuming work on premises as soon as possible and in line with all Australian government authorities, both national and state.

Until then, keep safe and well.

Update 7: 30th of April 2020

Notice to student regarding tuition fees:

Students who are enrolled and participating in the distance learning models of study at this time are obliged to adhere to all conditions of their enrolment.  This includes payment of fees on time and keeping up to date with monthly  tuition payment plans.

Fees must be deposited in the Institute’s account with your student ID as clear reference

Account Name:  Kontea P/L

BSB: 033389

Account number: 206701

Once your payment is made send a receipt confirmation to [email protected] so that a receipt can be issued to you.

Please be informed that On 29 April 2020, the Victorian Government announced a $45 million fund to support international students in Victoria facing hardship as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Please find the information in the link below:

https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au/help-and-support/support-for-students-coronavirus/international-student-emergency-relief-fund

You may also wish to consider deferring or cancelling your studies during this time, the details of which again must be written in the Student Request Form.  Please note that should you make such a decision it will impact your current visa status in Australia and you should obtain professional migration legal advice.

Update 6: 21st of April 2020

Dear Students of IIA

We hope this email finds you all well and safe.

This email is to commend all students who are following the assessment request and submission procedure as notified over two weeks ago.  Please continue to adhere to the process to ensure quick and secure assessment and consultation during the closure of the Institute in line with government regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many students have asked when the Institute will be open again.  Unfortunately at this time there is no date foretold by the Australian Government authorities for us to follow and communicate to our students.  As soon as we are notified we will be informing our students immediately.

Students are reminded to use the Student Request Form for all requirements to ensure quick and secure processing.

Pleae also note that students who are finding it difficult to maintain their studies at this time do have the option to defer, but this may affect visa conditions and durations which may also lead to further costs.  Students are advised to seek the advice of a qualified migration lawyer in such instances.

We reiterate below the submission and consultation processes during the distance learning phase.

CLOSURE OF LONSDALE CAMPUS OF AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS INSTITUTE DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Further to the email sent earlier today regarding cancellation of classes please note the below:

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly, Australian Industrial Systems Institute provides the following important update.

In line with the current health advice and guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic, and along with our other campus closures announced last Thursday 19 /3/20, The Institute will be closing its Lonsdale Street Campus, until further notice to preserve everyone’s health and help fight the pandemic.

The Institute’s last day of direct physical contact of operations is Monday 23 March 2020.

On Sunday 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced new measures to protect the Australian community in its response to the COVID-19 virus and all masures are continually updated daily.

This includes the requirement that all individuals arriving in Australia from an international destination must self-isolate for 14 days.

This is in addition to social/physical distancing measures which prevent non-essential static gatherings.

These are undoubtedly testing times for all Australians, given the impact COVID-19 is having on the way we live. According to the Governmental experts, we still have a long way to go.

At the Institute, we accept that this is no longer business as usual. So the following will apply to all submission and re-submission of assessments.

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION AND RE-SUBMISSION

In light of the unfolding COVID-19 situation, EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY, Australian Industrial Systems Institute will NO LONGER BE ACCEPTING PAPER BASED assessment submissions.

We are sure that our Institute community will support the measures that are being put into effect   in implementing a more safe, streamlined and efficient submission process as we move forward. 

At this stage all Assessment SUBMISSIONS and RE-SUBMISSIONS will need to be sent in via EMAIL.

Submission process is outlined below for each submission method:

FIRST ASSESSMENT SUBMISSIONS

  1. Address an email to [email protected]
  2. In the SUBJECT LINE include the following information:

Assessment For:

▪ Insert Student Number

▪ Insert Student Name

▪ Insert Unit Code

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

  • Attach COPY of the following Assessment documents:
  1. Unit Cover Sheet completed
  2. Assessment Document

These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

Save each file with your Student Number, Student Name & Unit Code at the

beginning of the document title

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

In order for all assessments to be issued students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

ASSESSMENT RE-SUBMISSIONS

  1. Address an email to [email protected]
  2. In the SUBJECT LINE include the following information:

Assessment For:

▪ Insert Student Number

▪ Insert Student Name

▪ Insert Unit Code

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

  • Attach COPY of the following Assessment documents:
  1. Unit Cover Sheet completed
  2. Assessment Document

These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

Save each file with your Student Number, Student Name & Unit Code at the

beginning of the document title

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

With Resubmission of Assessments you must:

Re-attach the ORIGINAL scanned Assessment pdf file you received

Attach all ASSESSMENT RESUBMISSION FILES clearly saved using the following

protocol as an example:

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-RE-SUBMISSION

In order for all assessments to be issued students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS:

Students, whose courses have practical assessment components which are mandatory, may need to be deferred until such time that it can be conducted. The Institute will notify students of when this will take place as soon as it is in a position to do so.

All practical components of course assessment requirements allow for assessment to be conducted in the workplace or a simulated environment as per the Institute’s Training and Assessment Strategy.

As such students are invited to utilise the Practical Placement Summary Forms and document all details of the practical assessment as per the form.

This can be submitted to the Institute along with the assessment submission in the one file document as PDF. These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

TRAINER CONSULTATIONS:

During this time of online assessments, trainers are available to assist with your work.

Students requiring online assistance from trainers must submit a Student Request Form clearly outlining the requirements and a time will be scheduled with your trainer for a consultation to assist you.

In order for consultations with trainers to be scheduled students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

Should you have any queries about assessment submission, re-submission, issuance or trainer consultation, please complete a Student Request Form so that your query can be attended to by the right member of staff.

No queries will be addressed

Update 5: 23rd of March 2020

CLOSURE OF LONSDALE CAMPUS OF AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL SYSTEMS INSTITUTE

Further to the email sent earlier today regarding cancellation of classes please note the below:

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly, Australian Industrial Systems Institute provides the following important update.

In line with the current health advice and guidelines on the COVID-19 pandemic, and along with our other campus closures announced last Thursday 19 /3/20, The Institute will be closing its Lonsdale Street Campus, until further notice to preserve everyone’s health and help fight the pandemic.

The Institute’s last day of direct physical contact of operations is Monday 23 March 2020.

On Sunday 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced new measures to protect the Australian community in its response to the COVID-19 virus and all masures are continually updated daily.

This includes the requirement that all individuals arriving in Australia from an international destination must self-isolate for 14 days.

This is in addition to social/physical distancing measures which prevent non-essential static gatherings.

These are undoubtedly testing times for all Australians, given the impact COVID-19 is having on the way we live. According to the Governmental experts, we still have a long way to go.

At the Institute, we accept that this is no longer business as usual. So the following will apply to all submission and re-submission of assessments.

ASSESSMENT SUBMISSION AND RE-SUBMISSION

In light of the unfolding COVID-19 situation, EFFECTIVELY IMMEDIATELY, Australian Industrial Systems Institute will NO LONGER BE ACCEPTING PAPER BASED assessment submissions.

We are sure that our Institute community will support the measures that are being put into effect   in implementing a more safe, streamlined and efficient submission process as we move forward.

At this stage all Assessment SUBMISSIONS and RE-SUBMISSIONS will need to be sent in via EMAIL.

Submission process is outlined below for each submission method:

FIRST ASSESSMENT SUBMISSIONS

  1. Address an email to [email protected]
  2. In the SUBJECT LINE include the following information:

Assessment For:

▪ Insert Student Number

▪ Insert Student Name

▪ Insert Unit Code

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

  • Attach COPY of the following Assessment documents:
  1. Unit Cover Sheet completed
  2. Assessment Document

These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

Save each file with your Student Number, Student Name & Unit Code at the

beginning of the document title

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

In order for all assessments to be issued students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

ASSESSMENT RE-SUBMISSIONS

  1. Address an email to [email protected]
  2. In the SUBJECT LINE include the following information:

Assessment For:

▪ Insert Student Number

▪ Insert Student Name

▪ Insert Unit Code

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

ASSESSMENT DOCUMENT

  • Attach COPY of the following Assessment documents:
  1. Unit Cover Sheet completed
  1. Assessment Document

These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

Save each file with your Student Number, Student Name & Unit Code at the

beginning of the document title

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-FIRST SUBMISSION

With Resubmission of Assessments you must:

Re-attach the ORIGINAL scanned Assessment pdf file you received

Attach all ASSESSMENT RESUBMISSION FILES clearly saved using the following

protocol as an example:

FOR EXAMPLE: MELB11502-JOHN SMITH-BSBCMM401-RE-SUBMISSION

In order for all assessments to be issued students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

PRACTICAL ASSESSMENTS

Students, whose courses have practical assessment components which are mandatory, may need to be deferred until such time that it can be conducted. The Institute will notify students of when this will take place as soon as it is in a position to do so.

All practical components of course assessment requirements allow for assessment to be conducted in the workplace or a simulated environment as per the Institute’s Training and Assessment Strategy.

As such students are invited to utilise the Practical Placement Summary Forms and document all details of the practical assessment as per the form.

This can be submitted to the Institute along with the assessment submission in the one file document as PDF. These must be saved in PDF format ONLY and attached as ONLY ONE FILE

TRAINER CONSULTATIONS

During this time of online assessments, trainers are available to assist with your work.

Students requiring online assistance from trainers must submit a Student Request Form clearly outlining the requirements and a time will be scheduled with your trainer for a consultation to assist you.

In order for consultations with trainers to be scheduled students must ensure that payment plans are up to date in line with Student Visa financial viability requirements.

Please note that payment of fees must be made by EFT or directly by visiting a bank where possible.

Payments must be made to:

Account Name:  Kontea P/L

BSB: 033389

Account Number: 206701

You must send a receipt of payment of fees.

Should you have any queries about assessment submission, re-submission, issuance or trainer consultation, please complete a Student Request Form so that your query can be attended to by the right member of staff.

No queries will be addressed unless they are on a completed Student Request Form.

.

Update 4: 18th of March 2020

Dear Students

Further to the email sent earlier today regarding cancellation of classes please note the below:

As the COVID-19 situation continues to change rapidly, Australian Industrial Systems Institute provides the following important update.

On Sunday 15 March 2020, the Australian Government announced new measures to protect the Australian community in its response to the COVID-19 virus.

This includes the requirement that all individuals arriving in Australia from an international destination must self-isolate for 14 days.

This is in addition to social distancing measures which prevent non-essential static gatherings.

As a consequence, the Institute must adjust its approach to protect the health and wellbeing of our staff and student community:

From and including tomorrow, Thursday 19th March 2020 and until further notice, Australian Industrial Systems Institute  is pausing all on-campus teaching, including theory classes and practical classes, so we can meet the revised social distancing requirements and remain aligned with the advice of the State and Federal health authorities.

The IIA city campus and facilities will remain open and will operate in-line with the social distancing advice, until further notice.

This temporary stop to on-campus teaching will give us time to alter timetables for those students whose studies include on-campus practical activities that are difficult to deliver online.

The Institute will avail timetables as soon as they are finalised to all students via email.

Students should continue their studies by ensuring that units of assessments are applied for and submitted.

This can be done by:

  1. Keep the Institute up to date with your health and well-being, including providing medical certificates where necessary.
  2. Keep the institute updated on any contact details changes such as address, email or phone number.
  3. Keep the institute updated on your student (or other) visa status that may impact your enrolment.
  4. Submitting requests for units of assessment.
  5. Submitting completed units of assessments for assessment.
  6. Submitting completed Work Placement Record Sheets to assist in the practical component of units of assessment.
  7. Keep up to date with fee payments.
  8. Whilst the Institute recognises that there may be some delays in course progress, it is important to keep COE end dates in mind, and communicate with the Institute if you feel you may need an extension or a deferment of your course.
  9. Ensure that you request a Workplace Practical Assessment Sheet from the IIA office if your workplace allows for supervision of practical tasks

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Update 3: 10th of March 2020

COVID-19 and student travel:

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has issued updated guidance on travel restrictions and exclusion periods in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak in affected countries, including mainland China, Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea.

We encourage providers to consider flexible arrangements for students who have been directly impacted by travel restrictions or isolation periods. Examples include flexible course delivery, such as through online delivery of courses or additional sessions to make up for days missed by students who are prevented from attending classes in Australia.

Providers may also need to adopt a flexible approach to student attendance. Directly affected students may need to exclude themselves from their place of study for a period. A period of isolation like this may be considered as consistent with a period of illness with respect to student attendance under Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 requirements.

ASQA acknowledges that due to circumstances surrounding COVID-19, providers may not be in a position to fully comply with the requirements of Standards under the National Code 2018.

Providers should document all flexible arrangements made on a student-by-student basis. This is particularly important for arrangements that would usually be considered non-compliant with the ESOS Act.

ASQA acknowledges the current challenges take many forms for different providers and will work with providers on a case-by-case basis to minimise the impact this situation has on both providers and those students affected by travel restrictions or isolation periods.

Source: https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-events/news/update-covid-19-and-student-travel

Update 2: 31st of January 2020

The Department of Health has released updated advice to RTOs in relation to the Corona virus outbreak.

If a student or staff member has travelled to Hubei Province, China, within the past 14 days, isolation is recommended for 14 days after leaving Hubei Province.

If a student or staff member has been in close contact with a confirmed case of novel coronavirus, isolation is recommended for 14 days after last contact with the confirmed case. Students and staff in these circumstances should not attend college and must avoid contact with other students and staff.

If a student or staff member travelled to mainland China in general but not Hubei Province, the Department does not currently recommend self-isolation. The development of cases outside of Hubei Province is being closely monitored and this advice will be updated if necessary.

Sources:

https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-events/news/advice-china-travel

https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-universities-higher-education-and-vocational-education-facilities

UPDATE 1: 28TH OF JANUARY 2020

IIA NOTICE IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES

The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has shared a notice from the Department of Health for vocational education and training providers regarding the coronavirus situation.

If a student or staff member has been informed by health authorities that they are a close contact of a confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and have developed symptoms, they are advised to contact their local Public Health unit for assessment.

They cannot attend their vocational education facility until Public Health informs them that it is safe for them to do so. If they have not developed symptoms, they should monitor their health closely but should not be excluded from attending their vocational education facility.

If a student or staff member has a recent travel history to mainland China and develops symptoms, they should contact their primary care provider. Their primary care provider will liaise with Public Health units and determine whether or not the student/staff member needs to be excluded from their vocational education facility.

If a student or staff member has travelled to mainland China and has not developed any of the symptoms, they may attend their vocational education facility and should not be excluded.

Source: https://www.asqa.gov.au/news-events/news/coronavirus-advice-rtos