Transitioning online classes back to campus

Transitioning online classes back to campus

Transitioning online classes back to campus

From 30 June 2023, RMIT will progressively transition all remaining online classes in on-campus programs back to face-to-face, on campus delivery.

In 2020, in response to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, RMIT University shifted to delivering classes online. This was a temporary measure introduced to ensure the safety of our students and staff and, thankfully, it did much to protect our community. 

Since then, as the global and local response to COVID-19 has shifted, we have seen the considered return of many on-campus classes and activities. At present, in Semester 1 2023, most classes in RMIT programs are already being delivered face-to-face on our campuses, with a small number of courses continuing to offer some online classes during this transition period. 
 

Transitioning remaining online classes back to campus from 30 June

From 30 June 2023, RMIT will progressively transition all remaining online classes in on-campus programs back to face-to-face, on campus delivery. 

There may be some limited exceptions where a course is not able to transition to face-to-face delivery in time for the start of Semester 2 2023. If a course will have online classes in Semester 2 2023, it will be shown in myTimetable once the Semester 2 read-only class timetable is available (see Class timetables for exact dates).

The RMIT experience is about practical hands-on learning; and by returning to on-campus class delivery, students will be able to make the most of RMIT's world-class specialist learning spaces and equipment, as well as the many vibrant opportunities that exist outside the classroom, including student clubs, events, fitness facilities, Library locations and more.

While classes will return to campus, digital learning will still form a core part of the learning experience at RMIT. Students will continue to use Canvas to access digital learning resources (such as readings and videos) to support their learning.
 

Students currently outside Melbourne

For the majority of students who are already studying on campus, the return to full face-to-face delivery of timetabled classes will make no difference to their current learning experience. However, if you are one of the smaller number of students still studying remotely from outside Melbourne or Australia, we encourage you to plan for returning to Melbourne to continue your studies.

This is in accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and directives announced by the Australian Government in October 2022 which require international students who hold an Australian student visa to return to study in Australia from 30 June.

A range of services are available to help students settle into life in Melbourne, including accommodation options and support and Make friends at RMIT (aka RMIT Kirrip) to help students connect with one another and explore Melbourne. 

Students with questions can also Talk to our students about what life at RMIT is really like.

Frequently asked questions

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From 30 June 2023, RMIT will progressively transition all remaining online classes – such as tutorials, workshops, etc – back to face-to-face mode through on campus delivery.  

During Semester 2 2023, there may be some limited exceptions where a course is not able to transition to face-to-face learning in time for the start of Semester 2 2023. If a course will be delivered online, this will be shown in myTimetable once Semester 2 class times are made available in myTimetable.

To find out when you can view Semester 2 2023 classes in read-only mode in myTimetable, go to the Class timetables page.

In 2020, RMIT shifted to offer remote and online classes temporarily in response to the uncertain early stages for the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a temporary measure introduced to ensure the safety of our students and staff and, thankfully, it did much to protect our community.

Since then, as the global and local response to COVID-19 has shifted, many classes have gradually returned to campus. In Semester 1 2023, most timetabled classes are already being delivered face-to-face on our campuses, with a minority of courses continuing to offer some online classes. 

We feel it is prudent to transition back to full on-campus class delivery from 30 June 2023 to ensure all our students have the best possible education experience.

If your course/subject is one of the exceptions that will offer classes online in Semester 2 2023 this will be reflected in myTimetable once Semester 2 class times are made available.  

To find out when you can view Semester 2 2023 classes in read-only mode in myTimetable, go to the Class timetables page.

Most RMIT courses will not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures moving forward. We are transitioning our face-to-face learning time towards more meaningful, interactive and engaging activities.

We received consistent feedback from students that they prefer classes where they can interact with teachers and other students, and we know that traditional lectures generally don’t provide appropriate opportunities for interaction.

The passive content provided in traditional lectures will instead be available online via Canvas, where it can be watched, read or worked through at any time. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials.  

This content will form the basis of interactive learning in face-to-face classes.

Yes, from 30 June 2023, including Semester 2 2023, most classes in RMIT University programs will be delivered on campus only.  

This means all students enrolled in on-campus programs will be expected to engage in on-campus studies.

We encourage all students to join us in Melbourne prior to Semester 2 2023 – this will maximise your university experience and ensure you do not experience delays in completing your program.

 This is in accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act and directives announced by the Australian Government in October 2022 which require international students who hold an Australian student visa to return to study in Australia from 30 June.

If you are continuing your studies, you should aim to arrive in Melbourne before your on-campus classes start.

If you are just starting your program/degree at RMIT, aim to arrive before your orientation activities start. 

To find class and orientation start dates for Semester 2 2023, check your relevant Important dates. 

Note, vocational education and higher education classes and orientation start on different dates. 

RMIT offers a range of supports for students moving to Melbourne from overseas or other parts of Australia. Check out the following pages for information and contact points:

 

Travel to Australia and COVID-19 testing

As of 11 March 2023, there are no requirements for travellers to Australia to undertake COVID-19 testing before or on arrival. This may change in future, so please check the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website for the latest updates and directives about COVID-19 requirements.

Most courses/subjects will only be offered face-to-face on campus in Semester 2 2023 and students will not have the option to choose to study these courses online. No exceptions will be made for students to study online.

A few courses/subjects may be offered online in circumstances where the course cannot transition back to face-to-face delivery in time for Semester 2 2023. Students will see all available options in myTimetable once Semester 2 class times are made available in myTimetable. To find out when you can view Semester 2 2023 classes in read-only mode in myTimetable, go to the Class timetables page.

If you cannot come to campus in Semester 2 2023, you may be eligible to apply for a leave of absence or defer your place. 

If you don’t want to study on campus at all, you should contact your School or College to discuss cancelling your program enrolment, withdrawing completely from your studies, or exploring any fully online alternatives.

If circumstances prevent you from studying on campus in Melbourne from 30 June, including Semester 2 2023, you may be eligible to apply for a leave of absence or defer your place.

All students enrolled to study at RMIT University are expected to attend on campus classes from 30 June 2023. 

If temporary circumstances prevent you from studying on campus in Melbourne from 30 June, including Semester 2 2023, you may be eligible to apply for a leave of absence or defer your place.

If you don’t want to study on campus at all, you should contact your School or College to discuss cancelling your program enrolment, withdrawing completely from your studies, or exploring any fully online alternatives.

Programs delivered via RMIT Online and/or Open Universities Australia (OUA) will remain online.

If you're an international student, you may take a leave of absence only if you are impacted by compassionate or compelling circumstances. These include some COVID-19 related circumstances.

For examples and evidence requirements, see compassionate and compelling circumstances. If you do meet the criteria of compassionate or compelling circumstances, you can then apply for a leave of absence.

If your request for a leave of absence is approved, you may need to renew your student visa in the future.

Students can submit a request for the 1545 form through the RMIT Student Connect Portal. Students applying for a CoE extension will be automatically assessed for the 1545 form. RMIT will only sign the 1545 form for students that satisfy the strict eligibility criteria outlined by the Department of Home Affairs. The criteria is:

  • You took a leave of absence as you were unable to enter Australia due to COVID-19 travel restriction 
  • You took a leave of absence as RMIT was unable to deliver the program due to COVID-19 
  • You were forced to study part-time as RMIT was unable to deliver the program full-time due to COVID-19 
  • You were unable to complete work-based training and/or placements due to COVID-19

On 28 January 2023, the Chinese Ministry of Education announced that they will not accredit any online studies undertaken by Chinese students at foreign universities in or after the Autumn semester for the Southern Hemisphere (Semester 1 2023). 

This means all Chinese students will need to study on campus from Semester 1 2023, or their qualification/degree may not be accredited by the Chinese Government.

There are some exceptions for students who cannot travel to Melbourne for legitimate reasons (such as visa processing delays, lack of flights or lack of accommodation). In such circumstances, some students may be able to continue studying online until their arrive in Melbourne and can join face-to-face classes. If this is the case for you, please keep all relevant documents and correspondence from RMIT as you may need to submit this, along with your application for certification, to the Chinese Ministry of Education in order to get your certification smoothly.

All RMIT students can access free and confidential mental health support. 

If you are currently in Australia, you can book a free counselling appointment with RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services. If you need urgent mental health support, call 1300 305 737 or text 0488 884 162 (both available 24/7).

If you are currently outside Australia, you can access the Medibank Student Health and Support Line 24/7 on +61 2 8905 0307.

This information is freely available on the RMIT website.  

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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