THE University of Newcastle says it's not seeing a higher-than-usual number of Chinese students withdrawing from courses ahead of the March 20 census date, as it offers payment plans to those having difficulty accessing Australian currency.
Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Liz Burd, said there was usually a "rationalisation of course choices" around March and a rise in drop-outs in the 48 hours before the census date.
"We're just about to write to the government and confirm we're not seeing great numbers of students that are unprepared to continue studying," she said.
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UON has given Chinese students "indicating it's quite hard to get access to Australian dollars" the option of a payment plan.
She said she still hoped there may be a staggered return of students to arrive around the mid-semester break.
She said UON is in contact with one staff member in Europe who has recently left Italy, plus a student visiting Iran.
It is also monitoring its large number of staff and research students travelling on university business across the globe.
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She said UON cancelled a trip of 20 undergraduate health students to Asia this week, because some may be called on to help the health service.
She said the Department of Health had contacted the School of Nursing about "borrowing" some students.
"We've agreed to that on the basis it's entirely optional for a student and that they're given adequate training and a very clear demarcation of responsibilities for it."
She said UON is preparing to respond to "fewer cases during a longer period of time".
"I'm planning on a six month period where we may have one or two cases dipping in and out."
The aim is to keep campuses safe, but open.
"If there is significant community transfer... we've got to take a different kind of action."
