Digitalise UniMelb Now

What’s the Issue?

The University of Melbourne’s digital infrastructure is falling short across several critical areas. Students are frequently frustrated by outdated systems that make it harder to enrol, access their timetables, or navigate campus effectively. Key concerns include:

  • Enrolment System: The current interface is outdated, difficult to navigate, and not well integrated with tools like the Handbook or Course Planner. Many students report confusion when selecting subjects or trying to understand course requirements.

  • Timetable System: While recent updates are a step forward, significant issues remain. Students often cannot view class sizes, lack clarity on how waitlists operate, and struggle to locate where classes are held. Many rely on Timetable Assistance for problems that should be easily resolved.

  • Physical-Only Student ID Cards: Relying solely on physical cards creates accessibility issues, especially when students forget their ID or need after-hours access to buildings. A digital ID integrated with mobile wallets would provide a seamless solution.

  • Lack of a Centralised Student App: Students do not have a single platform that shows their daily schedule with linked campus maps. A modern, mobile-friendly app would allow easier access to location-based timetabling and university resources.

  • Limited Cloud Storage: Current OneDrive storage quotas are not sufficient for long-term academic work. Students working on group projects, design files, or multi-year portfolios quickly run out of space.

Potential Solutions

We are advocating for the University to:

  • Redesign and rebuild the enrolment platform with a modern, intuitive interface that integrates Course Planner and Handbook content.

  • Expand the functionality of the timetable system to include live updates, class size transparency, and detailed room locations.

  • Introduce digital student IDs that can be added to Apple or Google Wallet, improving accessibility to buildings and services across campus.

  • Develop a centralised app for students that displays their current day’s timetable with direct links to room maps and transit options.

  • Increase cloud storage capacity for all students to better support academic demands over the course of a degree.

What We’re Doing About It

  • We are collecting feedback through Education Action Collective meetings and direct outreach to students.

  • We have submitted formal input to University reviews on enrolment and timetabling systems.

  • We are working to incorporate these reforms into broader discussions on accessibility and digital equity for students, particularly for first-year cohorts.

  • We are preparing formal submissions and advocacy material to escalate these concerns within University governance structures.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Attend an upcoming Education Action Collective meeting to share your experiences and ideas.

  • Contact the UMSU Education Office Bearers directly with feedback or digital access stories.

  • Stay tuned for our open forums and campaign events.