A Message from the President: New SULS Initiatives and COVID-19 Precautions

Monday, March 23, 2020:

In light of students’ growing concerns, the Sydney University Law Society (SULS) strives to bring clarity and confidence in a fast-transitioning environment. SULS sends their support to all those affected by COVID-19 and asks that each of us takes the precautions necessary to stay safe and healthy. Please read below further updates on the impacts of COVID-19 on SULS Programs and Sydney Law School.

Unfortunately, all SULS in-person events have been cancelled until further notice. Our team is working diligently to make sure you can continue benefiting from as many SULS programs as possible. All Semester 1 SULS events that can be conducted online are now being held via Zoom (download here). Please check our social media channels or our website for all online events. If there is any program or event you would like to recommend, please fill out this survey.

As of today, all Sydney Law School classes will be held online. All information will continue to be disseminated through Canvas (including information about mid-semester and end-of-year assessments). SULS will continue to work with Faculty to provide clarity on teaching methods and to provide the latest information as we all adapt to ‘going virtual’. In the meantime, please read this FAQ sheet on online learning. If you face any academic queries or issues that for any reason cannot be resolved by your unit coordinator, please contact Natalie (education@suls.org.au). If it is an IT issue, please contact the ICT helpdesk (1800 793 864) option 3 for ICT, available 7am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.

Furthermore, the well-being of all SULS members remains our utmost priority. In addition to the ongoing work of our Equity Officer, Max Vishney, Oscar Alcock (interim Sports Director) and Dani Stephenson (Campus Director) are also available to chat regarding wellbeing matters. We have created a SULS Wellbeing and Mutual Aid Group on Facebook where you can share well-being tips with each other and offer assistance during this time of hardship. We have also created online peer-to-peer academic study groups for informal support in different units of study. If you are interested in participating in a study group, please fill out this form containing further information. 

I also highly encourage SULS members to book an online consultation with any executive member to find out more about our programs and support networks. Take the time to thoroughly read the University’s support advice. For those who would like to speak to a professional, the university’s Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will now be offered online, rather than in-person. I urge anyone feeling stressed or anxious to reach out for some help. Further information can also be found in the SULS 2020 Student Support Services Handbook.

This year has not been easy on any of us. These are difficult and trying times and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, but I know that together we can overcome difficulty. As Rebecca Solnit rightly notes in ‘A Paradise Built in Hell’, extraordinary communities can arise in times of disaster. Let us continue offering peer-to-peer support and be kind to all members of our community.

If there is anything SULS can do to assist you throughout the months ahead, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Amer Nasr

SULS President

SULS Events and COVID-19 Precautions

16 March 2020

Dear peers, 

In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic outbreak declaration by the World Health Organisation and subsequent communication from the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, SULS will be reviewing and cancelling a number of planned events following evaluation of the potential risks associated with each, in order to comply with University guidelines and health regulations. While SULS will continue to remain active, the wellbeing of all members and other event attendees is the priority in the work we put together for you. 

Cancellation of events

We regret to inform you that our large-scale events including Law Camp and Law Cruise will be cancelled until further notice. We hope to host more events later in the year, to provide similar social and engagement opportunities at a safer period of time. Please note that anyone who has already purchased a ticket for any of our cancelled events will be fully refunded. 

 

On-Campus Events 

Although many events attracting a large audience have now been cancelled, while classes are still taking place, SULS will strive to continue organising smaller events. We will be transferring many events online where possible, and will provide frequent updates on further changes.

 

Precautions

To ensure all of our members are provided a safe environment to learn and to be supported, SULS is taking the following precautions:

  • No-handshake policy at all SULS events. 

  • Hand-sanitisers and antibacterial wipes will be available at all SULS events.

  • Any student who believes to be sick should NOT be on campus and should rather contact Natalie Leung for information on academic support (education@suls.org.au). Max Vishney (equity@suls.org.au) for information on financial support and Oscar Alcock (sport@suls.org.au) for information on overall well-being while in self-isolation.

  • In addition to our office-hour consultations, SULS will provide online consultations with executive members. Please feel free to book a time here.

  • All informative events will continue to be livestreamed and available through the SULS Facebook Page where possible.

  • All internal competitions will be cancelled for Semester 1 at this stage. We will be keeping competitors updated as the COVID-19 situation develops.

 

From bushfires, to floods, to losing one of our peers, to COVID-19, 2020 has challenged us all in many ways. Please remain strong as we fight these developments together. Remember that SULS is here to support all of its members. Please feel free to contact us via phone, email, Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Twitter, Wechat, by lodging an anonymous suggestion in our Suggestion Box, or by booking in a consultation in the office or online with one of our team members. Feel free to reach out to me directly too if I can be of any assistance.

 

Yours sincerely,

 

Amer Nasr

President 

president@suls.org.au