Enrolment headache continues for Glasgow students

Almost one in three postgraduate students studying at the University of Glasgow were left unable to register for degree courses a fortnight on from the start of the new semester following the introduction of a new self-enrolment service, The Journal can reveal.

The admissions system at the higher education institution has been thrust into chaos in the last few weeks as the university’s helpline was inundated with thousands of complaints.

And figures seen by The Journal show that two weeks into the new academic year, only 3,577 postgraduates – the equivalent of 68 per cent – had fully registered for classes using the new software, MyCampus.

President of Glasgow University Students' Representative Council (GUSRC) Stuart Ritchie said difficulties encountered with the system were the source of "unnecessary" stress to those studying at the institution.

Around one in ten undergraduates remained stuck at the enrolment stage, while fewer than three-fifths of postgraduate research students were left unsuccessful in efforts to complete registration.

International students were among the worst affected with only 77 per cent of undergraduates from outwith the UK and EU registered in full.

A replacement to the existing in-house service, WebSURF, MyCampus has faced mounting criticism in recent weeks from staff and students unable to navigate the new system amid warnings the registrations process could drag on until the end of the first term in December.

GUSRC leader Ritchie said: "MyCampus has caused new and returning students to Glasgow unnecessary levels of stress and anxiety. The number of students yet to enrol also has the potential to have serious knock on effects for retention and progression rates."

However, the institution was working hard to remedy existing problems, Ritchie added.

The University issued an apology to students who have experienced any difficulty or delay, adding most issues now been raised relate to "unfamiliarity".

A University of Glasgow spokesman said: “We appreciate that some students have required additional assistance when accessing and using MyCampus and central and college support teams are continuing  to provide help to any students who are experiencing difficulties.

"Students who have not completed their class enrolment online are being contacted to remind them that they must do so but they are not being prevented from attending classes and timetable details are available from Schools."