25 February 2011 Frequently Asked Questions for Staff

Why is Lincoln University closed?
The University has made the decision to close the campus to staff until Wednesday 2 March based on the following:

• To provide support to the wider-Canterbury community
• In recognition that some of our staff and students do not have power, water and waste water
• The general availability of childcare and schooling for the families of staff and students
• Minimising stress on staff and students
• The requirement for us to deliver an effective, comprehensive and quality programme of teaching to our students

When does the University open to staff?
The University will be open to staff from Wednesday 2 March. In order to manage the process of staff return and preparation for Semester One, the University will provide return to campus briefings on Wednesday 2 March, Thursday 3 March and Friday 4 March with sessions at 9.00am and 1.00pm each of these days in Stewart Building.  Staff are able to decide when they wish to return to campus but must attend a briefing session prior to commencing work.

The week commencing Monday 7th March is deemed a preparation week for all staff.  This week will be dedicated to preparing for the Semester start and ensuring that all materials are finalised and available as per normal.

What are the campus lock-down hours?
From Monday 7 March 2011 the University will be open from 8.00am to 10.00pm. Campus will be locked down at 10.00pm and there will be no access to the major teaching and research buildings unless there is a prior arrangement.  We would prefer not to have to make exceptions to the close-down period. .

Will staff be paid next week?
All staff actual pays will be processed as per normal next week. Casual pays were processed this week.

Is the Health Centre open?
The University's Health Centre will be open from Wednesday 2 March 2011 however staff are available and circulating around campus currently for staff and students who are here and may require medical services or lost prescriptions/medications. 

Can I still access Moodle?
The University's online information resources and eLearning systems (Moodle) are up and running.

Are University events affected?
All on-campus events scheduled up until Monday 14 March are cancelled. Please check www.lincoln.ac.nz for updates.

Is the Recreation Centre open?
Yes, it returns to normal hours on Saturday 26 March. Please see the Recreation Centre website for specific details.

Are any of the Early Childhood Centres open?
No, the Early Childhood Centres are currently closed however they will re-open on Wednesday 2 March 2011.

What is the situation with the Library?
The Library will re-open on Wednesday 2 March 2011 and will operate between 9am and 5.00pm. Digital information resources are available now from the University's website.

How can I help re-accommodate dislocated or affected Lincoln University staff or students?
Please register your details at www.quakeescape.org.nz.
This website allows you to specify (if you wish) that accommodation refers to Lincoln University staff or students.

I would like to offer help with the City clean up. What do I do?
Please contact the Lincoln University Student Association for information on helping with the Christchurch community clean up. http://www.facebook.com/LincolnStudentsAssociation

Can I access my office or collect personal items from the campus?
Staff will be given access to their offices and to retrieve personal items from the campus from Wednesday 2 March 2011.

 What do I do if I'm seriously impacted by the earthquake?
Please make sure you alert your line manager to your personal circumstances if you require extra support.

Postgraduate Subcommittee of AAC this morning decided the following with regard to postgraduate students:

1. Those submitting students with a deadline (either immigration or defined completion) anytime from the date of the earthquake to March 31 will be given a one-month extension - note that for international students this may require immigration assistance. If such assistance is required then the students are to contact Vicki.Schaap@lincoln.ac.nz.
2. Students who have had their home/living arrangements severely disrupted will have their needs considered by AAC on a case-by-case basis. Supervisors and their students need to be in direct contact and to prepare a case for AAC to consider. AAC will take a generous view of all such cases and will provide (similar to the 4 September earthquake) a form for students and supervisors to complete.
3.  Students who have had any of their field or lab work compromised will be considered also on a case-by-case basis by AAC, following the same requirements as (2) above.
4. If supervisors are incapacitated for whatever reason then they need to advise their faculty deans or research centre directors and the implications for their students noted with suggestions made for mitigating actions. Copies of decisions made and implications for students need to be copied to AAC.
5.  If there are any other matters not covered by the above or if there are other related questions then staff and students can contact Ken Hughey (Postgraduate Director, Ken.hughey@lincoln.ac.nz) or Bruce Chapman (Convenor Academic Administration Committee, Bruce.chapman@lincoln.ac.nz).