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In order to give fast and accurate services, UT develops computerized data
record system . This is needed in order that student data can be accessed easily
when it is required, bearing in mind that the number of students reaches
hundreds of thousands. Therefore, different from information provision services,
the academic administration services generally can only be provided at the UT
Headquarters. This is because the processing and storage of student academic
data are done centrally. The Regional Offices are not yet eligible for this kind of
service, considering the reasons of data security and availability of facilities
(especially computers and the network system) in Regional Offices .
The academic administration services that UT provides for the students are
as follows .
• Student Services through Student Service Unit (PELMA)
In 1996, the Student Service Unit (PELMA) was re-established , functioning as
the gate for the students who want to communicate with UT, either through
letters, facsimile , telephone , or coming directly. The main task of PELMA is
to serve the students or prospective students who come to the UT
Headquarters everyday from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m . to 4 p.m.
Staff at PELMA include: (1) an academic staff, (2) two staff at Registration
Office , (3) two staff at the Examination Center, (4) a staff at the Distribution
Center, (5) a staff at Budget Subdivision , and three administrative staff. This
staff composition shows that UT considers that students' problems are
generally related to academic administration matters. In this case , student
learning supports should be given more attention , whereas academic supports
are important services that should be provided by every distance education
institution. Therefore, students who need consultation service or academic
counseling are asked to contact the respective Faculty. Ideally, in every
faculty, under the coordination of Vice Dean of Student Affairs, there should
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