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Distribution ServicesThe 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 Administration System. Assignment handling is a year-round task performed on a daily basis. Distribution Services’ supplementary function is to handle collation and despatch of surveys and correspondence for other sections of the University. These include the Graduate Destination Survey, sent to all students who complete a degree at USQ. The Distribution Services team includes eight permanent staff with a number of casual staff assisting during peak despatch times. Preparation and CollationCourse 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. DespatchThe 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 ProcessingExternal 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 produced and despatched with the course materials and are to be attached by students to each assignment when it is submitted for marking. Turnaround time between receipt and despatch to faculties or students in Distribution Services is 24 hours. Supplementary FunctionsDistribution Services has staff trained in the storage, collation, and despatch of surveys and correspondence as well as the receipt of replies and coding. Specialised mailing equipment is used in the area to facilitate the collation process. The section currently handles the Graduate Destination Survey for the University as well as other areas of the University. For more information about the supplementary functions of Distribution Services, contact Wayne Stephens, Distribution Services Co-ordinator on +61 7 4631 2305. Contact InformationDistribution Services is located on the ground floor of the DeC Building, USQ Toowoomba Campus. Distribution Services Helpdesk |