Important information about how Stage 4 restrictions will impact MCIE’s International and Domestic Students
What do Stage 4 restrictions mean for MCIE’s International Students?
There are now major restrictions in place that will affect your current course at MCIE.
The Victorian Government have introduced Stage 4 Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne, effective from 11:59pm, Wednesday 5 August. This means, that there are now major restrictions in place that will affect your current course at MCIE.
MCIE have deliberated on the best ways possible to support our students during this difficult and challenging time. We have listened to our students’ concerns and have taken these into consideration while making the following decisions. The following changes occur as of 9th August 11:59pm.
How are your classes changing?
- MCIE campuses will be closed and all staff and students will be required to stay home
- Normal classes will be suspended, and students will be granted 5 weeks holiday while the Stage 4 Restrictions are in place from Monday 10 August – Sunday 13 September
- Trainers will be online offering free extracurricular activities to keep students supported and engaged with our MCIE community
- In order to minimise the impact on your course, term break (2 weeks) will be brought forward and take place between 31st August and 13th September
What financial help is available?
- All fee payments will be frozen for five weeks
- Your safety and wellbeing remain our top priority and we are doing everything possible to support our students during this difficult time
- If you require financial support, please send a request from our website by clicking here
- You can apply for the Victorian Government International Student Emergency Relief Fund. To learn more, click here
Student support & free activities
During the Stage 4 lockdown, all our efforts will be focused on student wellbeing and mental health
- Regular webinars to check in with students’ wellbeing
- Fun online activities will be available to engage and support students. These will be accessed through TEAMS and our social media
- Welfare support calls will be made to students
- Between 2pm and 2.30pm each day a member of MCIE’s management team will be available to answer your questions. Information about how to access these sessions is available on our website.
Some services will be reduced during the Stage 4 lockdown
- Certificates cannot be issued until our staff can return to campus
- Electronic copies of certificates already issued, statements of attainment and study letters may be issued. Please allow 2 working days (submit your request to Student Support for your request to be actioned).
- Members of the MCIE administrative team will be available to respond to your queries between 10:00am and 2:00pm each working day
- Between 2:00pm and 2.30pm each day, a member of MCIE’s Management Team will be available to answer your questions (information about how to access these sessions is available on our website).
For those students who wish to work on self study during the lockdown
- Trainers will be available online to offer support who need extra time to catch up with assessments
- Trainers will be delivering extracurricular activities. These activities will not contribute to or have any impact on your qualification. This will be an opportunity to connect with our MCIE community and support your learning and mental health
- All support will be offered free of charge
COE and Visa extensions
- Students who require COE extensions will be given this free of charge.
- Members of MCIE’s administrative team will be available to respond to your queries regarding your COE extensions between 10am and 2pm each working day.
- If your visa needs to be extended, the Australian Government will be extending student visas for free, but conditions will apply.
- Please see the below information regarding student visa extensions. We also recommend you seek advice from your agent and the Department of Home Affairs.
If you have any requests
- If you have any questions about your course, work-placement, attendance, participation, absences, access to resources, please ask your trainer. If your trainer is not able to answer your queries, please submit a student request.
- If you want to change any personal information or request information about your course progress, please also submit a Student Request.
How to contact us?
- Send a student request from our website.
- Call us on 1300 737 004 and ask for a message to be conveyed to the Head of Department for your course
- Need IT support? Complete a Student IT Support request form
- Need support for your wellbeing? Email wellbeing@mcie.edu.au
- Need to have your voice heard or make a complaint? Send the details via our website
How will Stage 4 restrictions affect our Domestic student’s study with MCIE?
As you may be aware, the Victorian Government have introduced Stage 4 Restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne, effective from 11.59pm, Wednesday 5 August. This means that there are now major restrictions in place which will impact the course you are currently studying at MCIE.
Our Senior Management Team have deliberated on the best ways possible to support our students during this difficult and challenging time. The following important information explains the changes to the delivery of your class for the duration of the Stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne, Werribee, and Narre Warren.
So, what’s changing?
Changes to classes
- MCIE’s campuses will be closed
- Attendance in your class is available only in the virtual classroom, via TEAMS (if you need help to access TEAMS, submit your request to IT Support).
- Due to access issues and data limitations for many of our students, virtual class times will be restricted and your trainer will clarify the requirements for your class
- Students will use the afternoon sessions to work on assignments and assessments and may seek support from the trainer at this time
Changes to services
- Certificates cannot be issued until our staff can return to campus
- Electronic copies of certificates already issued, statements of attainment and study letters may be issued. Please allow 2 working days (submit your request to Student Support for your request to be actioned).
- Members of the MCIE administrative team will be available to respond to your queries between 10:00am and 2:00pm each working day
- From Friday 7th August, between 2:00pm and 2.30pm each day, a member of MCIE’s Management Team will be available to answer your questions (see our website for details).
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Accessing learning resources
- Your learning resources will be provided to you by your trainer via email, TEAMS or (for TESOL students via TOSS).
- Students commencing new classes after 6 August, will be provided with eBook access codes. Hard copy textbooks may be provided after Stage 4 restrictions are lifted, at a cost.
Assessment submission
- A PDF version of your assessment is provided to you by your trainer via email or TEAMS.
- In a separate electronic document, type the unit code and name, your name and date at the top of each page, under which you write your answers.
- Put the number of the question and the page on which that question appears in the assessment, against your answer.
- When ready to submit, email it to your trainer.
- Within one week of receiving your trainer’s feedback, you must resubmit any revised answers.
If you have any requests
- If you have any questions about your course, work-placement, attendance, participation, absences, access to resources, please ask your trainer. If your trainer is not able to answer your queries, please submit a student request.
- If you want to change any personal information or request information about your course progress, please also submit a Student Request.
Feedback
We are keen to know how you are going and invite you to provide feedback at any time.
How to contact us?
- Send a student request from our website.
- Call us on 1300 737 004 and ask for a message to be conveyed to the Head of Department for your course
- Need IT support? Complete a Student IT Support request form
- Need support for your wellbeing? Email wellbeing@mcie.edu.au
- Need to have your voice heard or make a complaint? Send the details via our website
Support 4 COVID-19
Are you concerned? Do you have unanswered questions?
We are here to help.
The information available about the COVID-19 and its impact on the community is everywhere, but you need information specific to your personal situation.
Please review our FAQs. If the answer to your question is not here and you still have unanswered questions, please complete the Support 4 COVID-19 form below and we will get back to you as a matter of priority.
MCIE is working hard to ensure:
- we have up to date information available for you
- to make decisions to help, support and protect our staff and students
- and to respond quickly to changes as directed by the Australian and Victorian Governments.
- to prepare our staff and trainers to support any student or member of staff who:
- is diagnosed with the COVID-19 and who is required to isolate
- who are returning from overseas and must self-isolate
- who suspect they have COVID-19 and who must self-isolate
MCIE encourages our staff, students, and stakeholders to download
the COVID-19 Safe app today!
COVID-19, the second wave and reintroduction of Stage 3 restrictions
Is MCIE still open for class?
Yes, we are running classes and would encourage you to join them using TEAMS online from home. We have developed a system to allow students to access their classes from home and most of our students and all of our trainers are now using TEAMS regularly. For those of you with special needs, ie: you don’t have access to the equipment and facilities needed to successfully participate online, you need support or to hand in assessments you may come to campus.
Social distancing and the wearing of masks
We want to reassure you that the Government continues to consider education and training as an essential service and are continuing to encourage training organisations to support students with their learning. Where we can maintain social distancing rules, only a few students in class, you may come to campus without having to wear a mask, however, if your class is full, and social distancing is not physically possible, we will ask you to bring and wear a mask in class.
When and if MCIE is required to lockdown we will advise you.
Are you an International Student struggling to make ends meet?
MCIE is offering free pre-packaged meals to International students who need support through this most difficult time. Our Student Welfare Coordinator has access to a range of other supports you may be able to take advantage of, so please speak to our Student Welfare Co-ordinator Michelle Cassell by calling 1300 737 004 or 0412 278 654, if you need help.
Term breaks may change as a result of changes to delivery and time tables.
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on our operations, we recommend that you check our website and social media for advice regarding changes to term dates.
MCIE is delivering Virtual Classes via TEAMS
All of MCIE’s students have been sent emails with login details which give them access to TEAMS our Virtual Classroom. Have you received yours? If not, please send a message for help to our Tech Support Team.
Do we have your most up to date contact details?
Please make sure MCIE has your current contact details, you should submit a request to have your details updated.
Please keep an eye out in your MCIE email account for important messages from MCIE. Also please check your junk folder from time to time to make sure our messages to you are not being pushed out of your inbox.
I don’t want to attend class because I have a pre-existing health issue which puts me at high risk of contracting COVID-19
Based on advice from the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services, MCIE is currently open and classes are running according to the social distancing rules. We are encouraging students with pre-existing health issues to take advantage of our Virtual Classrooms and participate in their learning from home.
We expect you to attend the virtual classes as scheduled, and to continue to seek support from your trainer when you need it.
If you are unable to attend class either in person or via TEAMS and believe your absence will adversely impact your studies, submit a request to not attend via the Student Request form as early as possible. It is recommended that you provide information about any particular circumstances that may impact your ability to effectively participate in your learning.
If you are unable to join your class because you are not well you will be required to provide MCIE with a copy of your medical certificate.
MCIE is continuing to run scheduled classes on campus to support students who are well and who do not have access to a computer or digital technology.
Please “Like” our Facebook page or Instagram to keep updated with MCIE’s strategies to support our students and staff during this challenging time.
I want to attend class however I have self-isolated as I have returned from overseas or been quarantined with COVID-19, what can I do?
MCIE will support you.
We have implemented strategies to ensure you can effectively continue with your learning and communicate with your trainer using TEAMS, an online learning option, have you received your login details? If not please let our IT department know by completing the Tech Support enquiry form.
If you are in quarantine because you have recently returned to Australia, you will be required to provide MCIE with a copy of your travel document showing the date you returned to Melbourne and documentation to confirm a negative COVID-19 test result.
MCIE will continue to run scheduled classes on campus to support students who are well and who do not have access to a computer or digital technology.
Please “Like” our Facebook page or Instagram to keep updated with MCIE’s strategies to support our students and staff during this challenging time.
How do I protect myself from the Coronavirus?
- Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and keeping your distance from others when you are sick is the best defence against most viruses. You should:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
- Cover your cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- If unwell, avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).
- Exercise personal responsibility for social distancing measures.
- If you are unable to practice social distancing, please bring and wear a mask.
What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus?
What do I do if I develop symptoms of the Coronavirus?
If you suspect that you may have COVID-19 do not come to campus for classes. GET TESTED. Call your doctor: If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. If you have serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, call 000 for urgent medical help.
Coronavirus Health Information Line
Call this line if you are seeking information on coronavirus (COVID-19). The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
1800 020 080
What do I do if I am not sure if I have Coronavirus or the common cold or flu?
Please refer to the chart of symptoms that will be able to assist. If you are still unsure, please call your doctor. If you do have cold and flu symptoms, PLEASE GET TESTED and do not attend class until you receive a negative test result. We will need evidence that the result of your test is negative to enable you to return to class. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.
I am concerned about my health with the current situation regarding Coronavirus, do I have to attend my classes?
At this stage, all classes will run according to social distancing rules and delivered both in Face to Face and Virtual delivery modes. Delivery on campus will continue to be offered to students, however we are now encouraging you to study from home as much as possible. We will advise you if this changes.
What if I have been affected by travel restrictions, lockdowns or self-isolation?
We are very conscious of the devastating effects that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is having on the global community, in terms of health, travel, freedom of movement and economic impacts.
If this situation is affecting you personally, we would like to extend our sympathy and assure you that we are doing all we can to support you to commence or resume your studies with minimal stress or delays. Please keep in mind that our Student Welfare Co-ordinator Michelle Cassell is trained to support you and that you can call her on 1300 737 004 or 0412 278 654.
We will work with you to explore options that will allow you to complete your studies in the timeframe you had expected and with no or minimal additional financial cost. We will continue to update you about the impacts on your studies and about the COVID-19 situation in Australia more broadly through email and on social media.
If you have been affected by travel restrictions, lockdowns or self-isolation which have prevented you from coming to campus, please contact us via the COVID-19 query form and we will contact you to discuss your options.
How can I stay updated?
We will continue to email all students and staff with updates about the COVID-19 situation and send tailored emails to students directly affected by the current travel restrictions. If you have not been receiving emails from us regarding the COVID-19 situation, please advise us through the COVID-19 query form so we can add your details to our email list.
What will happen with my COE if I am affected by the Coronavirus?
As part of the response from the Australian Government affected students will be supported so that the impact on their student visa is minimised. This means compelling and compassionate circumstances will be considered. Your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will remain active and you won’t need an updated COE.
Information on Student Visas
The Australian Department of Home Affairs page has fact sheets with the latest information on the impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19) on student visas. Click on ‘Visa related information – Fact Sheets’ for links to information in English and Simplified Chinese.
How do I get support if I am suffering stress and depression due to the Coronavirus
If you are feeling anxious or distressed about the current situation, please speak with our Student Welfare Co-ordinator Michelle Cassell by calling 1300 737 004 or 0412 278 654.
https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/current-alerts/novel-coronavirus
