Distribution Services
The core functions of Distribution Services are the processing of external student hardcopy assignments and the warehousing and despatch of course materials. Approximately 250 000 external student assignments are tracked and transmitted each year by the section. Close to 35 000 student packages are collated and despatched each semester to students within Australia and internationally.
The preparation and despatch of student packages begins prior to each semester and the process is managed by the University Despatch System, which is linked to the Student Management System. Assignment handling is a year-round task performed on a daily basis.
Preparation and Collation
Course materials for each course undergo an extensive publication process and are generally produced by DeC and printed by the University Printing Services. Packages may consist of print and non-print materials. Items that may be included in a study package are: an introductory book, study book, selected readings, CD Roms, practical books, program introductory books and memos. Some packages now consist of a single CD Rom with all information necessary for a student's coursework.
Collation of course packages begins approximately 11 weeks before the semester, once all items for the package have been received. All items are received individually and collated by Distribution Services staff.
Despatch
The despatch of course materials begins five weeks before each semester. Course materials are only despatched to students once they have enrolled in the course. In the first weeks of the despatch period, student packages are held until all the courses they are enrolled in are available. A personalised packing slip and barcode labels are produced to track each step of the despatch process. Once the package is despatched, an email notification is generated and sent to Australian and direct international students with a current email address. For international students enrolled with Partners, an email is sent to the Partner. For more information on the despatch of course materials, go to accessing study materials.
Assignment Processing
External student assignments arrive at Distribution Services daily from all over Australia and internationally. The processing of assignments includes receipt, tracking and delivery to the faculties as well as logging out and despatch of marked assignments.
Barcode labels are used to track assignments. The labels are included on the assignment coversheet. Students print out their personalised assignment coversheets from UConnect and attach to each assignment when it is submitted for marking. Turnaround time in Distribution Services between receipt and despatch to faculties or students is under 24 hours.
Course CD Duplication Services
Distribution Services has staff trained in the duplication of CD course materials. The DeC's Electronic Publishing Services provide the CD master and Distribution Services duplicates the CDs and place in protective slips for inclusion in the course study package.
Contact Information
Distribution Services is located on the ground floor of the DeC Building, USQ Toowoomba Campus.
Distribution Services Helpdesk
Telephone: +61 7 4631 2014
Email: dshelpdesk@usq.edu.au