| Degree program gets simplified |
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| Written by Cyrilla Watson - Argonaut | ||||
| Monday, 22 September 2008 | ||||
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The degree audit system is being made over by the University of Idaho Registrar. New changes will be introduced Friday. The new system is designed to be clearer and more understandable for students, said Registrar Nancy Krogh. “The current system wasn’t user friendly and people weren’t using it the way we wanted them to,” Krogh said. The university has used the same degree audit program for 10 years. Krogh said the format will be updated. Business major and President of Vandal Solutions Taylor Hardman said the current degree audit program is confusing, and a lot of students don’t understand it. “It’s hard to read and understand,” Krogh said. Next to each course requirement completed there will be a check mark that will show which classes still need to be taken to complete the student’s degree. When the degree audit lists a class, it will not only list the CNR number but also the class title, so students and advisers don’t have to switch back and forth between screens, said Susan Hess, assistant director at the Lionel Hampton School of Music and adviser. “(The new system) is a huge improvement over the old one,” she said. “It will empower students to be more in charge of their curriculum.” Students will be able to see what requirements they would need if they wanted to switch their major or add a minor. “What if” will be the new name of degree shopping. Another feature the new degree audit is a GPA calculator. If a student wants to see what grades he or she needs to get to receive a certain GPA, he or she can calculate it. “The GPA calculator will be really helpful for those students who are at risk,” Hess said. Hess said she hopes students and advisers will use the new degree audit as a tool. The registrar is updating the layout of transcripts. The new look will be simpler, cleaner and easier to read. “(The new system) will take a lot of stress off advisers,” Hardman said. “The old system was stressful compared to the new system.” It is simple enough that students will be able to figure it out, he said. “Registering for a new semester is important; however, it should be easier than it is,” Krogh said. The registrar has shown the new system to ASUI and Vandal Solutions. Students who have seen it are excited to see it made available to other students, Krogh said. On Friday the current degree audit system will be shut down, and when it comes back, it will be the new system, Krogh said. Advising for Spring semester will begin Oct. 20, and Krogh said it will give students and advisers time to become familiar with the new system. The registrar’s ultimate goal is that the system will help students understand their progress and make the advising period easier. Vandal Solutions created a marketing plan for the new degree audit system; it is helping get the word out and promote the new system, Hardman said.  Add as favorites (9) | Views: 226
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