From the Vice-Chancellor
ANU is facing a challenge as we deal with the aftermath of the storm on Tuesday night.
Like everybody else, I was surprised by the widespread nature of the damage and I have been impressed at how well the University community has worked together to help resolve the issues that in one way or another affect all of us.
Acknowledgement and thanks must go to the many staff and students who have pitched in, often well beyond the call of duty, to help get the University operational again. The team at Facilities and Services and Security have done an outstanding job coordinating our response. We also appreciate the assistance of the ACT Fire Brigade and Emergency Services.
We are currently focused on simultaneously addressing the problems of the worst hit buildings while restoring access to teaching areas as quickly as possible.
We expect the disruption to continue for a while longer, and staff should check the Billboard and On Campus website regularly for updates, as well as essential post-storm information including health and safety information, counselling access, insurance and advice on dealing with water damaged books and computers.
Professor Ian Chubb AC
Vice-Chancellor, ANU
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Just under 60 buildings across campus received major damage this week during one of the worst storms to hit Canberra in recorded history. >>
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After the storm: Essential information for ANU staff & students
This listing will be updated as more information becomes available. It was last updated at 4pm on 02/03/07.
Students
The University will be open for teaching on Monday, albeit with some disruptions as we recover from the storm. Teaching venues may need to be changed and students should monitor Billboard, ISIS and course specific resources such as WebCT for updates.
Catch up
Deans have agreed the following:
- only in exceptional circumstances will there be additional teaching periods scheduled to present material that would have been presented during the three days lost to teaching. This is only permitted with the prior approval of the relevant College Dean.
- assessment will only evaluate material that has been covered by all students.
- The University's Principles for Determination of Systems of Assessment and for Consultation require that, during the first two weeks of each semester, lecturers and course co-ordinators discuss and explain to students the assessment system to be used. This period will now end on 9 March.
Higher degree research students
Higher degree research students may have lost results, drafts of written material or immediate capacity to continue their research. Such losses may be part of the insurance claim. Any claim should normally be made by students with the endorsement of their supervisors and be supported by relevant evidence such as photographs. Claims for extensions or some other variation to candidacy should be submitted to Deans following normal university procedures.
Building updates
Most buildings on campus will now be open on Monday. See here for a list of buildings that will only be partially open, or will remain closed:
The status of teaching and learning areas for Monday 5 March 2007 is available here:
Some on-campus businesses were affected by the storm. Many cafes and shops will be open today, but there will be some disruptions.
Health
Staff are advised to take sensible precautions when dealing with flood damaged items. A fact sheet is available on the ACT Health website.
Staff should direct any concerns about public health in their workplace to Bart.Meehan@anu.edu.au
The Health Service offices reopened today between 12pm and 5pm.
Safety
“After a major event like this, it’s crucial that people report any incidents related to injuries at work,” the Manager of Occupational Health and Safety, Roy Schmid, said.
“We’re also issuing a warning about slips, trips and falls. The extra leaf litter and debris on pathways is making things more slippery than usual, so we want people to take extra care.”
For more advice on OHS incident notification and advice: http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/OHS/
Any concerns about structural damage should be reported to your building manager, or to the Client Services Unit at Facilities and Services on (02) 6125 4000 or E: helpdesk.workserv@anu.edu.au
Counselling and advice
“An event like this involving damage and loss can make people experience distress and shock,” Advisor to Staff Heather McLeod said.
“It can also compound other stresses in people’s lives. Anyone who needs emotional support or someone to talk to should think about contacting one of our counselling services.”
On-campus counselling is available to all staff. For more information, go to the staff counselling website or contact Heather McLeod on (02) 6125 3616.
Staff members seeking counselling can also contact Davidson Trahaire Corpsych, one of the external providers for staff and their immediate family members. Call 1300 360 364.
Advice for students is available at the Counselling Centre today by phone on 02 6125 2442. The Counselling Centre offices will reopen on Monday 5 March.
Insurance
Insurance assessors are continuing to visit areas affected by the storm.
For information about making insurance claims, ANU staff and students can access information here from an on-campus server:
http://info.anu.edu.au/fbs/About/_27_Feb_Storm.asp
Computers
Links to DOI services for computers and phones can be found here:
http://information.anu.edu.au/daisy/infoservices/117.html
Books
Information about how to salvage wet books and records can be found on the Library website. Staff from the University Archive are also available to help with water-damaged books.
Libraries
As of Friday 2 March 2007, the following libraries and information commons facilities will be open for use by students and staff:
- Libraries: Chifley, Hancock, Law, and Menzies
- Information Commons: Baldessin E208, E209 & E213, Baume InfoPlace, BoZo 112 & 113, and Law G17
Normal opening hours will be observed but there will be some limitations on the level of services offered. Web-based services remain available from off-campus locations.
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The head of Facilities and Services said that the recovery process after the storm is happening quickly thanks to the hard work of staff. >>
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