Monash Memo - 19 September 2001

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CUPID - romancing the web

Monash is set to develop an innovative new university database system that will provide accurate information about courses, units, handbooks and publications.

The system will be known as the Course and Unit Publication and Information Database (CUPID).

Deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and Planning) Professor Alan Lindsay said discussions had for some time focused on the need for a web-based system to provide an authoritative repository of course and unit information, and to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the production of handbooks and other publications.

A desire to streamline the university's course approval process led to the creation last year of a new devolved but rigorous approach to course development and approval. The Course Development Software (CDS) enables online entry of course proposals, incorporation of a resource planning tool and approval of courses by faculties and deans.

In a process of ongoing development, the successful implementation of CUPID will provide the university with a web-based single point of access to university-wide records.

Professor Lindsay said one of the other major benefits of CUPID would be its flexibility in accommodating the varying information access needs of faculties and other users, as well as the capacity for future enhancement.

A project team has been established, with Professor Lindsay as executive sponsor and Mr Neil Adolphson from Information Technology Services as project manager.

A CUPID steering committee has also been established, with the following members:

* Mr David Secomb (Faculty of Engineering) - chair;

* Mr Neil Adolphson (ITS);

* Professor John Harris (Centre for Learning and Teaching Support);

* Associate Professor John Hurst (Faculty of Information Technology);

* Mr Phil Irvine (Monash International);

* Ms Cathy Kirkham (University Marketing);

* Professor Alan Lindsay - executive sponsor;

* Ms Sandra McNamara (Faculty of Science);

* Ms Bronwyn Shields (Faculty of Arts) - project sponsor;

* Ms Kerri Wilson-Reid (University Secretariat);

* Mr Peter Yates (Services and Systems).

Those seeking further information on CUPID should contact Mr Neil Adolphson on extn 55339.