Engineering/IT- Madeline Cooper and Craig Gibbons

Inadequate computing resources
At peak times, when several courses have assignments due at once, it can be practically impossible to get a computer in any of the dedicated FEIT labs. In the short term, we would push for coordinated scheduling of assignments in both assignments, to ensure that several courses do not have assignments due at the same time, which puts enormous pressure on the available resources. The scheduling of lab sessions should also be improved so that there is always at least one lab that is not being used for class sessions and can therefore be used by students working on assignments. In the longer term, it is important for the faculty to continually reassess their infrastructure needs, so as to ensure that the labs are able to support the number of students enrolled in the two departments.

Improve access to info on how to use computer resources
There is a very steep learning curve for many students entering the faculty, both in terms of course content, and in difficulties with using unfamiliar technology, i.e. Linux systems. The amount of information available from the Department of Computer Science about how to use the CS system is incomplete, confusing, spread over various websites: in short, completely inadequate. We would push hard for the faculty to centralise, update and improve general information on how to use the provided systems, particularly on topics such as how to access resources at home.

Promotion of Engineering in Canberra
In the field of engineering and IT, Canberra excels in IT contracting with a majority of engineering work focused in telecommunications. It is quite difficult for other students studying different engineering disciplines to find compulsory vacation work experience. It is important for stronger consultation to be established between the faculty and local industry bodies. The student body of the faculty needs to make these issues aware to the heads of the faculty.