I'm looking into developing on-line application procedures (for all non-UCAS applications ie pg and pt).  The last posting on this issue to
this list was in June 2000 and this was the message http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A2=ind0009&L=admin-grad&F=&S=&P=57.  The
feedback from respondents was that on-line forms were only available to download and send back a signed, hard copy.  I was wondering whether
there were any significant changes/developments since then.

Issues identified were:

        signatures
        transcripts and references
        a rise in speculative applications

At SHU we currently have the application form downloadable as a word document but we only accept hard copy applications because of the
signature issue.  Eventually (!), we hope to develop the web interface to our student management system which will mean that applicant data
will be input into the enquiries/admissions bit automatically.  However, there is pressure now to improve response times by offering on-line
application facility and whichever software or method we choose we will be facing the same issues about signatures and transcripts.

Has anyone had any legal advice about the need for signatures at the application stage that they are willing to share?  I'm getting advice
which suggests that we'd be ok to accept on-line applications as long as at some stage (before enrolment?) there was a signature against
stated qualifications and transcript evidence.

I've checked out a few websites that seem to use on-line applications proper ie Manchester University (use an american system called
Embark), Nottingham University and Warwick.  These applications do not need to be printed off and sent in.  It would be useful to have a
response from someone involved in the development of on-line applications from these (or other) universities.  How did you overcome the
above issues - were they issues for your university?

Rather than using this list for further discussion, it would be useful if I could link up with individuals in other universities who may be
working on this themselves.   If you're interested in some detailed applications chat, please contact me directly.

I'm happy to share findings with the list or other universities.

Irene Benevicius
Graduate Studies Team
Room 5418, Surrey Building
Sheffield Hallam University
City Campus
Howard Street
SHEFFIELD
S1 1WB

Tel:  +44 (0)114 225 4051
Fax:  +44 (0)114 225 4055
Email:  [log in to unmask]
WWW: http://registry.shu.ac.uk/gst/