UoN Quick Tour: Student and Academic Services (Part 3)

In this concluding part of our SAS focus, we have a look at 15000 Enquiries, Examinations and Timetabling, and Graduation and Prizes.

15000 UoN Enquiries is, as you might expect, always busy.  But did you know just how busy?  In 2011, the main 15000 line at Callaghan handled well over 91,000 calls.  In addition, nearly 50,000 internet enquiries (through AskUoN, Facebook, Twitter and You Tube) were handled.

AskUoN, a frequently asked questions online tool, was launched in 2011.  This tool is a knowledge repository that archives all questions received and answered and makes them available for searching.  This streamlines the enquiry service and increases the efficiency of staff.  Students have embraced AskUoN , which in turn increases its effectiveness.

Examinations and Timetabling are also very busy, with clear peak periods.  So far in 2012 the Exams team has organised 51,380 exam sittings for 677 courses across all faculties and campuses.  The timetabling team are now busy preparing the 2013 teaching timetable.

Graduation numbers have increased significantly over the past three years. Graduation and Prizes coordinates 24 graduation ceremonies each year at a variety of locations including Port Macquarie, Callaghan, Ourimbah, Singapore and Hong Kong.

In 2010, a Graduation Package was introduced which has enabled the University to provide graduates and their guests with an improved graduation experience, and in 2012, security features were implemented in all our graduation documents.  In 2013 the NUSTAR graduation module will be rolled out which will substantially improve business processes. 

Most importantly, this year, Godfrey the graduation mascot was born! Godfrey attends all Graduation ceremonies and his miniature replicas are available in all Faculty colours for graduates to purchase.

Thanks to Gail White and her team for opening the doors to SAS for In the Loop.  It's been great to learn about the important scope of work that SAS undertakes.

Would you like your team - academic, service or research - to be featured in In the Loop?  Just email InTheLoop@newcastle.edu.au