How does STAR work?
Once you log in to STAR, your current enrolment details are shown along the left-hand side of the screen. Each subject lists a number of activity groups (Lectures, Tutorials, Practicals, etc...) and each activity group will contain a number of activities.
The different modes STAR may be open in are:
- PREFERENCE ENTRY - Enter preferences for the activities you prefer to attend
- ALLOCATION ADJUSTMENT - Change (or add) your allocation
- READ ONLY - View your current allocation
- OFF - Not available for allocation
You are required to select each activity group in turn and depending on the current mode of the group, either register your preferences or update your allocation.
Preference Entry
In this mode you may select what activities you would prefer to attend. The system will not allocate you a seat at this time, instead it will collect all your preferences and those of fellow students and attempt to allocate you to your preferred activities wherever possible.
Entering Preferences
When you select an activity group, you will be shown a grid of the available timeslots. To register your preferences, you must place a number between 1 and 10 in the boxes provided in preference order. The number one (1) indicates this is your first preference, two (2) is your second preference and so on. There is a minimum number of preferences you must choose. The number required will be displayed when you select the group.
Popularity
When deciding on preferences, you should note the popularity percentage for the timeslots. This figure represents the number of students that have chosen this timeslot as their first preference as a percentage of the number of places available. This popularity gives an indication of how likely you are to be allocated to this timeslot.
This figure changes over time. A timeslot that is at 50% one day may be at 200% the next. So, you should review your preference selection as close to the sort date as possible.
Note: The preference entry module is NOT first come first served. Whether you enter your preferences on the first or last day of preference entry, you have equal chance of getting the place you prefer.
Auto Allocation
If the activity group is labelled as auto allocated, this means that there is only one possible selection and this will be allocated for you.
You may view all your preferences at once by clicking on "My Preferences".
Allocation Adjustment
When a group is in Allocation Adjustment mode, you may alter your allocation on a first-come/first-served basis. When you select an activity group, your current allocation is shown (if any) along with timeslots that still have free places. You may then change your allocation by simply clicking on the free place.Note: Once you change to a new activity, your old allocation is then made available for another student!
You may view all your allocations in flat or grid format by clicking on "My Timetable".
