FAQs - Commencing students (Monash Malaysia)

I have just accepted the offer and paid the relevant fee. What happens next?

You can now set up Monash account using your Monash ID which is stated in the offer letter. If you have questions related to creating Monash account, please raise a ticket to ITS Service Desk.

Once your Monash account is created, you can log in to register your details in the enrolment systems. You will be required to attend orientation events. Click here for details of the orientation program.

Can I enrol in units (subjects) online?

Yes. You can enrol online before orientation and make changes to your unit enrolment via Web Enrolment System (WES) within the first two weeks of the semester. If you are unsure of the units to enrol, our Course Briefing Session during orientation week will provide you with a better understanding of the course structure and requirements.

How do I know when I am enrolled?

You know you are enrolled in units when you see the status ENROLLED, next to your units in the Web Enrolment System (WES).

What should I do after my enrolment is completed?

After you have enrolled, you can create your personal semester class timetable in Allocate+. Login here with your Monash IT Account to apply for your M-Pass. (Please ensure you also log out of all your personal email accounts to access the M-Pass application form)

Are there any FAQs regarding timetables?

Yes, please click here.

If I decide to change my unit, what should I do?

Before making changes to your enrolment, you should check your course rules (for core units, pre-requisites or co-requisites) or talk to staff at the School of Science Education Management Office. To make changes to your unit enrolment, login to the Web Enrolment System (WES) and go to the Enrolment section where you entered your units. You can add new units until the end of week two.

How many hours should be spent on private study?

This will depend very much not only on the individual student but also on the course being studied (see Question above). Some courses have extensive reading to be undertaken in preparation for class as well as for the completion of assigned assessment tasks, other courses focus on practical application of the discipline content.

Full-time students are expected to commit to a total of 40 hours of study per week, per semester during teaching and examination periods. Although this may sound like a significant commitment of time, it is equivalent to the time commitment of a typical Year 12 student (undertaking five subjects with about 3-4 contact hours per week, 3 hours per night and 6-7 hours on weekends of study - this too amounts to 40 hours of study per week).

How many hours of face-to-face teaching are there in first-year?

This varies significantly between faculties. It depends very much on the nature of the discipline and the method of teaching, for example, faculties that require students to undertake laboratory work, studio work, practicum, field work, etc., have more contact hours than other faculties that require their students undertake more independent research.

Some faculties also have a portion of their teaching delivered on-line - this may be in addition to face-to-face classes or instead of face-to-face classes. Although in some instances you may not be required to be present physically to undertake these courses, you will still be expected to keep up-to-date. Do not succumb to the temptation of 'mañana' (tomorrow) - only to find that 'tomorrow' never comes! Irrespective of whether the majority of time is spent in class or on independent study outside class, the number of hours students need to commit to their studies will be the same for all courses.

What is the nature of learning at university?

Students at university are expected to be "independent learners". For this reason, learning at university generally has the following characteristics:

• responsibility rests with the student (lecturers present, and tutors discuss, course content with students; however, it is students themselves who are responsible for reaching an understanding of the course content);
• course content is covered at a rapid rate, generally without repetition for reinforcement;
• unless sought specifically, contact with, and support from, teaching staff may appear to be limited (compared with students' former school experience); students are advised to meet informally with their peers in small study groups to enhance their understanding of what they are learning;
• guidance for assessment tasks may be limited also, e.g., detailed criteria for assessment tasks are not always provided; and,
• draft work is not accepted for review by staff prior to final submission of assessable work.

How do I find out the assessment set for each unit of study?

The assessment information is available at Moodle and your Unit Coordinator will brief you when the semester commences.

Who can I consult if I experience difficulty my unit/ course?

It is important for all students to take action quickly because the university semester is only twelve weeks - it can fly past very quickly and unless help is sought immediately it may be too late for any prospect of remediation.

The most appropriate person to consult regarding your unit is the Unit Coordinator/ lecturer/ tutor/ demonstrator of the respective unit of study. This person will discuss the issue (and options) with you; you will then be in a position to make an informed decision on the most appropriate course of action.

The most appropriate person to discuss about your course is your school's 'academic adviser' (mentor), Unit Coordinator and/or Program Director. These individuals are best able to provide detailed guidance on the options available - dependent upon the specific course being undertaken, and time of year.