Students panic at overload

Thousands of frustrated University of Auckland students have been left hanging after seeing their online applications stall because of a system overload.

The Herald has been flooded with emails from panicking students and their parents who are worried they will miss out on coveted spots in popular courses because of what they say are system failures.

Many fear they are being locked out of courses because of the apparent computer glitch, with places filling up with students who haven't had the same trouble applying.

Students using the university's online nDeva system have reported difficulty applying for some sought-after courses such as biomedical science and others with restricted places.

Those approached by the Herald said they didn't want to complain publicly for fear of being targeted and missing out on courses.

But university authorities moved yesterday to reassure students the system was functioning properly.

Senior communications adviser Bill Williams told the Herald there was no computer processing problem.

"It appears some of the courses are restricted courses. It's not just a matter of first in first served. Staff have to assess each application and consider them before making a decision."

He said that normally happened quickly but a delay had occurred.

The Herald understands error messages that some students have been receiving are a standard response when the system is congested and the situation has been compounded by a public holiday in Auckland.

"It should be dealt with within 24 hours. If people are still having problems they should speak to their faculty heads," Mr Williams said, adding the call centre was also being manned.

* Have you had trouble with submitting an online application today. Please let us know by emailing newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz