Induction Notes/Checklist for New Students at RSCS

Welcome to study at the RSCS!

Information Sources

Please locate and browse the following important resources:

• RSCS Current Students web page: please locate the home page of your degree program from here.
  • also, from the Examinations and Assessment Issues page, note the availability requirements for examinations, and the policies for Special Examinations and Consideration.

• CS Student Handbook -- please read Chapter 6 (Assessment) now. Hardcopies available from RSCS Office.

• Student Computing Environment Handbook: for the CSIT Linux Labs. Hardcopies available from RSCS Office.

• Student Enrolment & Administrative Procedures Guide - note General Information (enrollment, student cards and email*, ISIS, passwords).

• ANU IT Services: please note sections on general ANU computer facilities, and ANU wireless networks.

* it is highly recommended that you use your ANU email address for all contact with RSCS staff. RSCS staff will also contact you by that address, and so you are expected to check it regularly.

Consultation and Help within CECS/RSCS

• See CECS Student Services for general advice on administrative procedures (e.g. online enrolment via ISIS, degree completion procedures), and advice on ANU student services.

• Your program convenor may assist with enrolment choices and course variation, requests for status and exemptions, and general academic issues for your degree.

• The RSCS Office (Bindi Mamouney) can provide help with permission codes, CSIT building access, and general advice about the School including help in contacting lecturers.

• For technical support with your account or hardware in the CSIT Linux Labs, see the School's Student Consultant in CSIT room N244 or email helpdesk[at]cecs.anu.edu.au.

• Course Convenors: see your lecturers for specific help (e.g. on assignments) on each course that you will enrol in. The course will have a web page advertising how to do so.

Some General ANU Services

• The Academic Skills and Learning Centre can offer assistance to you to improve your independent study skills and habits, essay writing skills and English speaking/listening skills. This takes the form of individual consultations and small classes, and online materials.

• The International Education Office offers orientation for new international students, and advice on issues such as visas, health cover and student communities.

• The ANU Counselling Centre offers a free and confidential counselling service for personal and emotional problems encountered by ANU students.

Getting Ready for the Semester

• Make an (initial) decision on your courses. (week 0)

  How many courses? How much prior programming experience is required? Is there a lot of report writing involved? International students concerned about their English language skills are encouraged to consider Extended University English (ESEN1101 or ESEN6101) as an elective. Your degree's home page may contain specific advice in this respect.

• Complete your enrolment. (week 0)

  Go to your Enrolment Session at Melville Hall; the completion of this procedure enrol on-line via ISIS (note that you can vary your enrolment on-line until the end of week 2) and collect your ANU Student Card.

  For students entering in semester 1, for administration purposes, you should include at least 3 (if F/T) or 1 (if P/T) semester 2 courses. Provided they are legal, it does not matter at this stage what they are - you can change it on-line up to the end of July.

• If you have been granted status from previous studies, fill in a Status Application form (see CECS Student Services)

• `Settle in' to ANU and Canberra (weeks 0-1)

• Find out your courses: the lecture / tutorial times and places and the courses' home pages.

• Register for tutorials (weeks 0-1)

  Some courses will require you to register on a tutorial or laboratory session via the StReAMS on-line registration system. Log in using your uni id and PAC code. You should see a list of all courses requiring registration; follow the links and make your choices - this is best done as early as possible before the sessions begin to fill up. Connecting to StReAMS will also cause you to gain access to the labs on the ground floor of the CSIT building. For some courses, registration may be via Wattle.

• Begin attending the lectures etc for your courses (from week 1)

• Finalize your enrolments (if needed, by end week 2). Please give this careful thought!

• Have a great semester!