Updates on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updates on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updates on Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Updated: 20 July 2020
In response to the 2019 COVID-19 outbreak, as well as the latest measures implemented by the local government, the Singapore campus of James Cook University has put in place a set of protective measures and advice to keep our students and staff healthy and safe, as well as to better mitigate risks and minimise disruption.
From Monday 6 April 2020 onwards, all studies will be supported through online delivery for SP51, SP91, SP94 and SP95 using LearnJCU. SP52 and SP92 students will be supported via blended learning as per relevant government directive and prevailing social distancing measures. Students may refer to their respective timetables here.
From Monday 29 June 2020, the campus will be open to students and assigned staff. The campus will be open on Monday to Friday (8.30am to 6pm) and Saturday (8.30am to 1pm), and closed on Sunday and Public Holidays. Some programs may be offered outside these hours. Safe distancing and safe management measures will be put in place to ensure the well-being of students and staff.
Facilities and services such as the Learning Centre, the library, IT labs, science lab, aquaculture lab, trading room and counselling services will be available on campus. However, the gym will remain closed. In addition, self-study will be allowed on campus during campus operating hours.
Students
Who you are / your situation: | Action required |
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| Students returning to campus |
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All students except the above |
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Graduating students |
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Assessment in SP52
- All invigilated mid-term examinations will be replaced with non-invigilated examinations or a written assignment.
- All invigilated final examinations will be replaced with alternative assessments submitted via LearnJCU.
- Lecturers will update the subject outlines and inform students about the final assessment.
Grading in SP52 (not applicable to ELPP and Foundation)
As 100% classes are on eLearning, the University has decided that it would be unfair to students to use the usual grading system and issue a GPA score for every subject. Therefore, based on the final assessment, students will generally be issued with a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory result. Many universities around the world are adopting this approach to take account of the disruptions due to COVID-19. Some degree programmes will continue to issue GPA system due to professional accreditation requirements.
- Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Results & GPA. This advisory applies to courses offered in SP52 only. There is currently no change in grading system of courses in other Study Periods. The Satisfactory and Unsatisfactory results system will be applied to all Level 1 and 2 coded subjects. We will use this arrangement for foundational years (all level 1 and 2 coded subjects) only. Where applicable, SP52-2020 GPA calculations are available on request (see 5 below).
- The standard results system (N, P, C, D, HD) that contributes to GPA is applied to all Level 3 coded subjects and above. Level 3 coded subjects and above are usually final year and may contribute to graduate outcomes (employability), may be required for accreditation, or entry to postgraduate courses. This is applicable to all Postgraduate courses. For subjects where the students are required to PASS all assessment items, subject coordinators have been asked to consider alternative assessment arrangements due to the unique circumstances. More information about grades can be found in the student handbook.
- U and N results. Because of the disruptive change to online delivery and the challenge of adapting to new approaches to study, JCU will not award any fail grades (N, U, or WF) in any subjects yet to be completed in SP52. These grades will be converted to WD (Withdrawn without Academic Penalty) so that there is no negative impact on GPA. X (Incomplete) will still be awarded if a student fails to attempt at least 80% of the assessment for the subject. The WD grades awarded in SP52, 2020 will be noted in academic progression monitoring, and cannot be utilised for appeal processes.
- Notification of Extenuating Circumstances. . A self-declaration measure has been put in place to relieve pressure on our medical and counselling services both in the wider community and on-campus during this time. The Notification of Extenuating Circumstances (medical and/or counselling) form is used by students to advise the University of exceptional circumstances as soon as impact on their academic performance is suspected. Submission of this form means that you may not need medical or counselling certificates you are applying for assessment extensions, missed compulsory classes, special consideration, withdrawal and/or deferred exams at any time. You are advised to keep a copy of this completed form and attach it as evidence in any such applications. Subject Coordinators and other JCU staff who need to be aware any disclosure that you make will respect the confidential nature of information that you share.
- SP52-2020 GPA. An SP52-2020 GPA is a calculation of an equivalent Grade Point Average (GPA) based on results achieved in Level 1 and 2 coded subjects in Study Period 52, endorsed by the Dean of respective College and JCU Singapore Examination Board as the GPA that would have been earned if a GPA grading system was applied to your performance in the subject assessment. It is provided on a case-by-case basis where it is required to support course transfer applications and similar processes that normally depend on a GPA. It does not change your earned GPA from your previous or future studies. The GPA awarded from studies previous to 2020 will be retained in academic transcripts even if a SP52-2020 GPA is verified.
- How do I get a SP52-2020 GPA? If you need access to an SP52-2020 GPA score for a specific reason then you may apply to the Campus Dean stating the reasons for the request (e.g. to assist in entry or transfer to other courses or if you are applying for an exit course award). If the Campus Dean approves your request then you will be issued with a letter verifying your SP52-2020 GPA.
- LearnJCU Grade Centre will be appended with a notification to show the changed results circumstances in all coded Level 1 and 2 subjects. No changes will be made to existing Grade Centre columns. Plans are underway to automatically reflect U and S in the overall grade column.
FAQ
For answers to frequently asked questions about your studies and exams amid COVID-19, please click here.
Staff
Who you are / your situation: | Action required |
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| Staff returning to campus |
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All staff except the above |
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Measures for inbound travellers
In view of the evolving COVID-19 situation globally, Singapore has put in place additional precautionary measures for some travellers entering Singapore. >
Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents | Long Term Pass Holders | Short-Term Visitors | |
|---|---|---|---|
Travellers who have spent the last 14 consecutive days in these countries/regions:
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| Not allowed entry (except under established Green / Fast Lane arrangements or with special prior approval) |
All other travellers |
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For more information: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/gradual-re-opening-of-travel-and-changes-to-border-measures
Health and medical matters
- Please ensure that you wear a mask, as part of measures by the local authorities to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
- Visit the doctor or rest at home if you are unwell.
- Take the necessary precautions, as advised by Ministry of Health (MOH).
- Subscribe to Gov.sg WhatsApp channel to receive the latest information about the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) here.
- Download the TraceTogether app to assist in contact tracing and curb the spread of the coronavirus here.
Let us work together by being socially responsible and do our own part in keeping good personal hygiene.