Supporting our students during the COVID-19 outbreak

Given the events of recent months, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, CIT is reminding all students that Student Services and Student Support are here to help you.

If you are feeling uncertain or stressed in the current circumstances, CIT Student Support Manager Rhonda Fuzzard said the CIT Student Support team can provide you with guidance and advice. “We can help with referrals and support to cope with different aspects of student life including finances, health issues, homesickness or anything else,” Rhonda said.

CIT Student Support is offering phone or online support for all students. The services are free for all students including international and migrant students, students with a disability and students from equity groups. “There is counselling, advocacy, disability support, careers advice, youth support, migrant, refugee and international student support, equity support and apprentice support,” Rhonda said.

If you have questions about courses and other administrative matters CIT Student Services will be able to help you.

Director of Student Services, Maria Dealy, said the team understands that with the recent events it might be a stressful time for some students. "Don't hesitate to contact us if you need help."

"Student Services continuously seeks to improve on the services they deliver to customers. We can help with enquiries about fees and debt, concessions and even applications for awards."

The CIT Student Association is also available to support students. CITSA Student Assistance Officers can help you navigate Government and other support arrangements due to COVID-19, financial options, Centrelink and general enquiries.

Contact CIT Student Services for more general enquiries, including fees and courses via email infoline@cit.edu.au or through our online chat.

For more information or to discuss anything with the CIT Student Association, call (02) 6207 3600 or email citsa@cit.edu.au.

Extra help for all students

There are a number of community organisations who can provide assistance to students during this stressful time.

The Canberra Relief Network (CRN) has been set up to support those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and have not been able to purchase food and non-perishable items. Call 1800 431 133 or register online at www.canberrarelief.com.au.

St John's Care Parish Centre is located at 45 Constitution Avenue, Reid. Open Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 1pm, this service provides crisis support, food and clothing. Form completion is required at first attendance. Phone: 6248 7771. www.stjohnscanberra.org

Communities @ Work Social Program - Communities Pantries has two locations:

• Gungahlin location: 47 Ernest Cavanagh Street, Gungahlin - Phone: 6282 2644
• Tuggeranong location: 245 Cowlishaw Street, Greenway - Phone: 6293 6500
  Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Completion of a membership form is required and an annual fee of $3 to join. Anyone can be a member to shop up to $20 two times a week. Non-perishable vegetables, fruit, bread and essential items are available. Communities @ Work also provides support, referrals, and advocacy services. www.commsatwork.org

The Woden Community Service's The Little Pantry is located at 26 Corinna Street, Woden. It can provide non-perishable foods and personal items Thursdays 9:30am to 1pm by appointment. Call 6282 2644 for an appointment. www.wcs.org.au

Advice for international students

Along with services and support available to all students, including CIT Student Support, CIT Student Services and the CIT Student Association, international students can also contact CIT International for fees and Visa enquiries. Call 6207 4662 or email ISAdvisors@cit.edu.au.

The Australian Government has said it will continue to communicate with the international education sector and be flexible with international students who may not be able to meet their visa requirements due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated information on student visa conditions is available through the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

The Australian Government has provided a dedicated email international.students@dese.gov.au and hotline - 1300 981 621 (8:00am to 8:00pm AEDST Monday to Friday) - to assist international students with questions or concerns relating to their study and COVID-19.

International students can also contact Care Inc. Financial Services for free advice and financial counselling. Phone appointments can be made on 6257 1788.