With the Australian travel ban extended by one week, Australia’s university business schools continue to convey their support for students and academic colleagues who are impacted by the outbreak of the Coronavirus, COVID-19, and the associated containment measures.

The President of the Australian Business Deans Council, Professor David Grant, says: ‘The well-being and safety of those Chinese students and academics directly affected by Coronavirus are at the forefront of our minds. They are an important part of our Australian business schools’ learning communities.

‘We also understand the uncertainty and frustration associated with the current restrictions on the movement of our Chinese students and are doing our utmost to assist them through this difficult time.’

‘ABDC member business schools are working within their respective institutions to support and care for our students with a range of actions, which include deferring enrolments, alterations to academic calendars, enhanced case management, and delivering more online learning and counselling services.

‘The ABDC welcomes the Chinese Government’s decision to relax internet restrictions so international students in China can study online. We also appreciate the Federal Government’s flexibility and support for the higher education sector in dealing with the current challenges.

‘We look forward to Australia’s university business schools continuing to build on the strong ties we already have with China, both in terms of welcoming students on to our campuses and the many ongoing research and other forms of collaboration that we enjoy with Chinese Universities.’ Professor Grant says.

Australian business schools graduate one-third of domestic university students and more than half of the nation’s international university students.

Students affected by the coronavirus outbreak are encouraged to contact their university directly for advice.

ENDS 

Further information:

Leslie Falkiner-Rose, ABDC Communications

0418 995 240

comms@abdc.edu.au