Dear Students, Parents,

The Malaysian government’s actions to combat COVID-19 continue to change rapidly, and we are responding to these actions as quickly and responsibly as possible. Following the latest announcement made by the Prime Minister on the extension of the nationwide movement restrictions to 14 April (Tuesday), the Taylor’s Lakeside Campus will remain closed until 19 April (Sunday).

However, teaching and learning for all programmes commencing 13 April (Monday) including e-Orientation on 10 April (Friday) will continue to be delivered as planned, as all activities will be conducted fully online.

While we can resume Face to Face classes once the Movement Control Order (MCO) is lifted, we understand that parents and students will want to continue their studies in a safe environment. We have decided that limited laboratory and studio-based classes will be held on campus after the MCO is lifted, while all lectures and tutorials will continue online in an engaged digital learning environment until 31 May (Sunday). This will ensure a minimum number of students on campus at a given time. These decisions, though difficult, were made with the aim to safeguard our students and staff and learning continuity as we move through the March 2020 semester.

As such, the following supersedes previous information you may have received, and more detailed information will be shared with all involved:

• For new students, the orientation programme will commence on 10 April (Friday) for both Taylor’s College and Taylor’s University and this will be done online to ensure social distancing is practiced. By now, you should have received the e-Orientation FAQs, followed by the e-Orientation Guide on 6 April (Monday).

• All regular classes for new and returning students will commence via e-learning in TIMeS (student learning management system) from 13 April (Monday) until 31 May (Sunday). For new students, the guide to using TIMeS will be shared with you during orientation. This is to be accessed from the safety of your home as you are not required to meet with fellow students or lecturers face to face. All interactions will strictly be done via online chats that are available. Face to Face lectures, tutorials, practicals and assessment will commence from 1 June (Monday).

• In-person examinations will be replaced with alternative forms of assessments conducted online or in other forms. An alternative online assessment is not a lesser form of assessment, but a different assessment to achieve the same aim.

We understand that many questions remain, do email us at campuscentral@taylors.edu.my. We will continue to provide updates as they're made available.

Until then, stay connected and do encourage and support each other as we navigate these new challenges together.

Sincerely,

Professor Michael Driscoll

Vice Chancellor and President