The real problem for the SLC is that current students are in the SLC and LEA
databases with the old UCAS codes; these students will be applying for
renewals during 2001-2. The new applicants will be using the new JACS
codes, as put on their UCAS application forms; they will be making initial
application for support during 2001-2. So while we can be clear about where
we use old UCAS/HESA codes or JACS, the SLC and LEAs will be stuck with both
in the same system!
I took this up with the SLC some time ago. The issue is now being dealt
with by one of their project teams, but I have not seen the outcome. SLC
have a separate course code of their own as their primary key.
Roger Clark
Academic Registrar
University of Reading
-----Original Message-----
From: Admin-student [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of
Alick Harwood
Sent: 13 June 2001 12:24 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: JACS, UCAS and the SLC Course Database
I've done a quick search of the mailbase but can find no
mention of the implications of the Joint Academic Coding
System (JACS) on the SLC course Database.
I use downloads from UCAS to update my own database of
courses relating both to the college, SLC and UCAS. The
only common factor between them appears to be the UCAS code
which is my primary key in Access and which, if I am
correct, will be superceded by the new JACS code.
My concern is whether the SLC will adopt JACS as it's Third
Party Code in the database, as I am sure students and
prospective students will declare this when applying to
LEAs. I'm not certain how LEAs read the database, whether
by the numerical SLC course code, by Third party Code
(UCAS) or by course description. My experience from queries
is that different LEAs do it different ways.
My reason for bringing this up is as a result of a download
I did a few days ago regarding new courses being offered
here in 2001/2002. I encountered a few codes I did not
recognise presuming them to be new subjects combinations.
It came as a rather alarming surprise to find they were
current courses being expressed in the new JACS format.
Any thoughts?
----------------------
Alick Harwood LRAM MISM Dip NEBSM
Student Fees Officer
Canterbury Christ Church University College
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Phone: (01227) 782443
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