University College London
Computer Science Department
Natalie May/Graham Knight
The minutes were approved excepting the following point:
The lack of effectiveness and effort made by some group demonstrators. There is disappointment at the lack of input some demonstrators make while others are extremely helpful and very approachable. In some quarters there is also a feeling of being disadvantaged by having a particular demonstrator compared to other groups. This is being addressed by expectation guidelines.
None.
There was a request for summaries of the mid-term course assessments to be given to students. It was pointed out that mid-term course assessments are unofficial. It was agreed that feed-back should be given through lectures.
There was some discussion on specific courses. Comments would be passed to the lecturers concerned.
There was a request that dates for course work (assignment & due dates) should be given at the start of so that students may plan their work timetables.
It was noted that "second marking" makes returning of coursework slow - this could be speeded up by writing fewer comments and giving more general feedback verbally.
It was felt that the service offered by demonstrators was variable. It was pointed out that demonstrators on first year programming courses are employed to provide just one hour per week of tutorials and marking. Those who do more do so on a voluntary basis.
The TCM will be requested to provide guidelines on what should be expected from demonstrators.
The new timetable which bunches the exams together thus making revision difficult was universally disapproved. The timetable had been introduced by the College not by the Department. As a result of complaints from most departments the timetable for 1996 would be changed to give more time for revision.
It was claimed that the stock of computer books in the science library was very much out of date and often irrelevant for current work and that there were a number of areas where there was little or no holdings but which was in great demand.
It was pointed out that the Department controlled a budget for book purchase. The Library representative (ML) will request books that are seen to be globally beneficial to our courses in consultation with staff.
The situation with respect to Senate House Library was discussed. Due to the current financial arrangements within the University it would not be feasible to allow access to CS students.
There were requests for increased opening hours in the evening and at weekends.
Security considerations dictated that someone had to be employed as a "designated person" in the department was open outside normal office hours. There was a limited budget for this and it was difficult to find people willing to do the job.
The need for extra opening hours was under review. The decision will be based on the density of users during the present 7-9 extra time.
The lighting was felt to be generally poor in the basement in general and especially B13. Some students report eye strain and headaches as a result. It was agreed that reading lamps will be installed. (MW)
There was felt to be a need for internal phones be installed in B13 and B01. This was already being looked into being looked into and telephones have been allocated (MW).
Dissatisfaction was expressed with the lack of standardisation on keyboards. It was explained that the Sun keyboards are supplied with the machines. Although we do request a standard type where possible, if there is a special offer on machines however we do not always have the choice. Furthermore maintenance company replacement availability must be taken into consideration(RCM).
a) A drinks machine cannot be installed in the present student common room. Moves are being made to find a new location for the SCR which would provide a more inviting and accessible location.
c) The Departmental Tutor reminded students about behaviour regarding junk mail. He would investigate the possibility of introducing course-specific mail lists and bulletin boards.
d) Printer facilities. A trial of converting the large line printer to an A4 size was to be put in place. The printers are now both A4 size.
e) Issues concerning the CogSci programme were raised; the wrong information was given on timetables and there was too heavy a work-load in term 3. Both these issues would be looked into.