Message from the Vice-Chancellor

17 Feb, 2021
 
COVID-19 - Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Kia ora koutou,

This afternoon, the Prime Minister announced that Auckland will move to COVID Alert Level 2 at 11.59 pm on Wednesday 17 February 2021. The rest of New Zealand will move to Alert Level 1. And the COVID-19 Alert Settings will be reviewed by Cabinet on Monday.

From tomorrow onwards, we can all safely return to campus and continue our work – with a few additional precautions (see AUT at Alert Level 2).

While the teaching semester hasn’t started yet, there are still some classes running. If you are involved in these classes, consult your faculty or school for any changes to the mode of teaching, assessments and exams for the rest of the week.

We remain committed to hosting Orientation safely on campus, if at all possible. With this in mind, the start date may be postponed until later next week. If Auckland is at Alert Level 1, Orientation will be on campus (otherwise it will be online). More detailed information will be available tomorrow.

Most of us are able to work remotely, but for those of you that were unable to fulfil your role from home this week your salary will be maintained, and hourly staff will be paid for previously agreed hours.

I would like to acknowledge the extra work for some and the steady and seamless way everyone approached remote working during this sudden lockdown.

Everyone’s safety is paramount so stay vigilant, wash your hands frequently and if you have symptoms stay home and get a test - with all that, be kind to one another.

Kia kaha

Derek McCormack

Vice-Chancellor

At Alert Level 2:

  • AUT campuses are open.  Under the Ministry of Education’s guidelines, there are no size restrictions for classes or lectures.
  • Services on campus will resume (including the AUT Shuttle).
  • You are required to check-in on campus using the AUT app.
  • Your Faculty will advise what courses, assessments and exams will be delivered on campus.
  • Speak to your manager if you have any concerns.

For staff info and updates to AUT at Alert Level 2 (auti.aut.ac.nz).

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