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Such A Wonderful System.

I had to blog this down because I feel very very TL. Not even the inconsiderate commuters can beat this.

The thing I am very very TL about is The NUS Graduate Studies Module Registration System. I was told module registration was on a first-come-first-serve basis, no need for bidding like the undergraduates. Unfortunately that was not the case.

I was surprised to see that the only module offered by my programme was already full when I first logged on to register. I wondered if there was some under-table pre-module registration. Anyway, I was not so bothered by it, since that module wasn't my first choice. I happily registered 2 modules (planning to take 2-3-3-2 in the two years).

In Week One, I attended the two modules, but only one of them had been registered, the other was still processing. Later I found out that only programme core modules were registered automatically, and priority were given to students who registered to modules from their own programme. And yes, my programme only offer one module this semester, which was already full at the time I logged on.

Now that every modules are full, we could end up with only one module this semester. This implies that we may take more than two years to complete the course. And who will be willing to sponsor that extra semester of fees for us?

To rub salt to the wound, I was told that the one module required 100% attendance. So does that mean even if we managed to enroll in it during Week Two, we will not be able to pass the module?

I have lowered my expectations of getting a preferred module to getting any module within the programme list of modules. Only ten modules are required to complete the programme and yet they can't offer us those choices. At the end of the day, it is not about getting that paper, but about taking modules that will benefit us and interacting with people to learn from their experiences. This is no undergraduate course, it is not fair to kick us around. I know it'll be tough to accomodate us if courses were offered by other schools (eg. Biz modules), but at least let us register into modules offered by the Faculty of Engineering. Afterall, my programme is one from the Faculty.

Either the system is highly flawed, the administration is highly incompetent, or I am jinxed when it comes to courses (you get what I mean). =(

At the end of today, they'll have to reply us on the outcome. We can't go on for another week without attending lessons. If the outcome is still the same, I am going to write to the Dean, or perhaps the President of the University will like to investigate this matter. I am truly disappointed. So much for being a world class university that offers so many diverse courses.

Back then in NTU, module registrations were like contests. Fastest finger wins. Sometimes you get, sometimes you don't. But you'd know the outcome immediately and select the alternative modules. In Week One, you'd have access to all your lecture notes, and know what modules you were taking that semester. No need to miss lessons. No need to attend lessons of every module cuz you are not sure which module you'll get. It was a reliable and fair system.

Comparing the NTU system with that of this university, at least students are treated more fairly in NTU. Strangely, I attended a module on Quality Management last week (the module which I'll probably not get). The lecturer discussed how students and lecturers are both customers and consumers, and the high quality of service that should be provided. "Quality is about passion and pride!" I suggest the administration of the school enroll themselves to this module. They'll definitely gain alot, and they probably need it too.

I am very thankful for being offered a place in the programme, but at least provide me with the fair opportunity to experience and prove myself. Juggling work and studies is not easy and I know, but the school can do us a favour by taking action to help us and not just verbally say they will. By the end of the day I'll know if those were just words or actions. Btw, anyone has the email address of the Dean of Graduate Studies of the Engineering Faculty?

Latest Update: My appeal was successful! At least some people within the system are understanding and willing to help. =)

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