USQ extends support following earthquake in Japan
USQ has a number of support
programs to assist those affected
by the recent disaster |
USQ expresses its deepest sympathy and concern to the people of Japan following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that devastated parts of the northern island last week.
In response the University has in place a number of support programs to assist those who may be affected by the recent disaster.
Students needing support can contact USQ’s Emergency Student Assistance Hotline available 24 hours a day on telephone 1800 689 410. Any on-shore international students seeking assistance can telephone this free call number from landlines (standard call rates apply from mobile phones) and will be supported immediately with any concerns they may have.
The USQ Counselling Service also offers free confidential support to students of the University. Counsellors are all qualified professionals. More information is available from www.usq.edu.au/studentservices or email: stsv@usq.edu.au
Continue studying / Help with Assignments
USQ understands that these events may have an impact on your studies. Students wishing to continue with Semester One and who require assistance of any kind should contact their Student Relationship Officer in the first instance who will be able to assist or refer students to the most relevant person or department within the University.
If an extension or deferment of assignments is needed, contact Course Examiners contact details for which are available on Course Specifications or Course StudyDesk.
Academic Assistance
Free one-to-one consultations are available via phone, email or online chat with staff from USQ’s Learning Centre. The Learning Centre also offers a range of online resources including assistance with stress management, motivation and planning as well as individual course-based assistance.
Fee Payments
USQ appreciates there could be some difficulties at the moment with respect to payment of fees. Students should contact their Student Relationship Officer about fee payment extensions. There are also emergency student loans also available up to the value of $500. Further information email stsv@usq.edu.au
Drop enrolment
If you feel that you can no longer continue with your Semester 1 course(s), you will need to visit your Student Centre to drop your course/s prior to 25th March, 2011. If you are experiencing any difficulty with this process, please contact your Student Relationship Officer for further advice.
Other Contacts
The Japanese Embassy in Australia has provided emergency contact information for students and staff at http://www.au.emb-japan.go.jp/pdf/tohoku_earthquake_family_inquiries.pdf.
Google has also launched a website at http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/ to assist location of friends and family.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises that if you are concerned about Australians in Japan you should in the first instance try to contact them directly.
If this is unsuccessful, you can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia).
A number of charities have launched appeals. They include:
Red Cross http://www.redcross.org.au/default.asp
Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org.au/
Oxfam http://www.oxfam.org.au/
World Vision http://www.worldvision.com.au/Home.aspx
Contact Details:
Madeleine Tiller, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1163, 0423 166 307