September 8, 2021: COVID-19 update for research students

COVID be kind

Tēnā koe, hello research student,

At the time of this communication, we can only speculate on how our government will progress the alert levels over the next few weeks. We expect at this stage you will be familiar with the Alert Level 4 restrictions on research activity (for Auckland, relevant until at least Tuesday 14 Sept at this stage).

Alert Level 3 for most of us is very similar to Level 4. In anticipation, here are the key Alert Level 3 guidelines for research activity:

  • Research activities that can be undertaken remotely should continue from home.  
  • Researchers or research support staff who had access to facilities at Alert Level 4 will retain that access under Alert Level 3.
  • Research on campus will only be considered where it is essential, time dependent, and can meet the government guidelines at Level 3.
  • If you wish to request approval to undertake research on campus or outside your home, please consider the questions in the form here. If you think that you meet all the requirements, work with your supervisor to complete and submit your application. 
  • Priority will be given to research students nearing the completion of their research who require access if the required conditions can be met.
  • If you are given approval to access facilities you will need to follow the advice of facilities and security staff.
  • AUT Ethics guidelines for current Alert Levels may be accessed here.
  • For those of you out of Auckland now in Alert Level 2, please be sure to regularly check government guidelines, as these may be updated on short notice.

These represent significant ongoing restrictions for many of you, and we acknowledge the associated difficulties. Accordingly, you have access to a variety of support services. There is also a Hardship Fund available to you, mainly to support living expenses for those of you who have lost income from casual employment being paused.

We will continue to provide updates to you regularly.

Noho ora mai (stay well, goodbye for now),

Graduate Research School

About Graduate Research School (Auckland University of Technology)

The Auckland University of Technology Graduate Research School offers support and resources to all postgraduate students at AUT. Come and visit us on the 5th floor of the WU building.

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