Monash Memo - 8 August 2001

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Personalised timetables by next year

Timetabling at Monash is set to be revolutionised by the adoption of the Syllabus Plus computer package right across the university by the start of next year.

Syllabus Plus will replace existing manual and electronic systems and match on-campus students with lecturers while optimising the timing and location of their classes.

The system has already been successfully trialled in the faculties of Arts and Science and across the Caulfield and Gippsland campuses.

Project sponsor Mr Neil Bradley said one of the major advantages of the system was the capacity to set parameters for scheduling.

"Not only can the system take multiple requirements into account, but also students and staff will be able to access their personalised timetables via the My.Monash portal," he said.

With Syllabus Plus now being prepared for roll-out to all Monash campuses in Australia, a project team has been put together to produce a preliminary 2002 university timetable by mid-October.

Initially, this work will involve timetablers from faculty offices and then up to 200 staff in schools and departments.

Project manager Dr Bob Crozier said the preliminary timetable would be published on the web so that the necessary fine-tuning could take place before it was finalised.

"We want to keep everyone informed so we can get the best outcome for all the staff involved," he said.

Deputy vice-chancellor (Resources) Ms Alison Crook said the adoption of Syllabus Plus was another step forward in streamlining services for academic staff.

"Timetabling is notoriously complex, and we now have the capacity to make real improvements in this area," she said.