University chaos after IT glitch hits computing places

 

Nearly 400 students face an agonising wait after they were given places at a university in Northern Ireland, only to be later told the offers were made in error.

The University of Ulster's Faculty of Computing and Engineering blamed the gaffe on an IT glitch which saw all those who had applied for a place being told that they were accepted.

The plans of the 370 students have now been thrown into chaos as the university reviews the applications, though some said they had already turned down other opportunities.

Vice Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett said: " I deeply regret that this mistake has been made and apologise on behalf of the University of Ulster to all those affected.

"We are working to rectify the situation as quickly as possible, and when the immediate issue is resolved, we will be reviewing our procedures to ensure that a similar incident cannot occur in the future."

Professor Richard Millar, Dean of the faculty at the centre of the episode, said: "Due to a computer error, an email was mistakenly sent out informing 370 applicants to courses in the School of Engineering that they had secured a place at the university - when in reality no decision had been taken on their applications.

"The error only affects applicants to the School of Engineering at our Jordanstown campus: no other schools, faculties or campuses are affected.

"The university deeply regrets this happened and has apologised to those who received the erroneous email at this most stressful time.

"The university has contacted those applicants who received the email to advise them of our regrettable mistake, and we will also be making personal contact to offer our most sincere apologies."

The university said that the Ucas system was unaffected by the error, and advised applicants to monitor their status via Ucas until they receive a final decision. They can also contact the university admissions helpline on 02870 287028.

Northern Ireland Assembly members were critical of the mistake and said it would cause great stress to students and their families.

Sean Rogers, the SDLP's education spokesman, said: "This is a totally shambolic situation which has left many students and their families upset and uncertain.

"Not only have students had the places they were offered withdrawn but they have also missed a day of clearing to attempt to get into other courses."

He said the mistake could "have a domino effect on other students hoping to get other university places and could jeopardise the future career prospects of hundreds of young people".

Mr Rogers added: "This is a stressful enough time for teenagers and their families without these kinds of mess-ups."

Sinn Fein's Barry McElduff called on the University of Ulster to immediately clarify to individual students whether they have or have not been offered places at the campus.

"Not only has this caused immense disappointment amongst the students but also created uncertainty and confusion as to who is actually going to be offered a place at the university," he said.

"The University of Ulster needs to clarify to the students immediately at to which offer is genuine and make sure this will not be allowed to happen again."

PA

Independent Comment
blog comments powered by Disqus
Top stories
News in pictures
World news in pictures
UK news in pictures
UK news in pictures
More stories
       
Independent
Travel Shop
Lake Como and the Bernina Express
Seven nights half-board from £749pp Find out more
Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian coast
Seven nights half-board from only £859pp Find out more
Prague city break
Three nights from only £199pp Find out more
 
iJobs Job Widget
iJobs Education

Are you an Primary NQT looking for your first role in Essex?

£21000 - £22000 per annum: Randstad Education Chelmsford: NQTs required now fo...

Primary teaching vacancies - Starting in September

£21000 - £32000 per annum: Randstad Education Chelmsford: September start - Pr...

Teaching jobs in Thurrock

£21000 - £32000 per annum: Randstad Education Chelmsford: Are you a primary Sc...

Primary teaching vacancies - Starting in September

£21000 - £32000 per annum: Randstad Education Chelmsford: September start - Pr...

Day In a Page

Babies behind bars: A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail

Babies behind bars

A Palestinian fertility doctor has become an unlikely hero by helping women conceive – even though their husbands are in jail
Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm for under 25s

Sonic youth: The high-pitched sound alarm

Is Mosquito, the alarm only under-25s can hear, a blessing or a bane?
The art of living in small spaces: Architects are learning how to make less, more

The art of living in small spaces

Space in cities at a premium so architects are learning how to make less, more...
Special report: The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

The story of Sir Mervyn King's reign at the Bank

After four 'nice' years as Governor of Bank of England, things turned decisively nasty
Zombie nation: Our enduring fascination with a world full of death and destruction

Zombie nation: Our fascination with death and destruction

A new season of shows on Radio 4 is inspired by dark tales of future dystopias. Meanwhile, zombies are marauding in the multiplexes...
Martin Stephen: 'Ofsted says comprehensives are failing the most able but teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

'Teaching bright children isn't rocket science'

It doesn't take a selective system to nurture the best minds, says a former head of St Paul's boys' school.
The retail empires strike back: Can new technology lure us back to the high street?

Can technology lure us back to the high street?

The high street has been bruised and battered by online firms but in-store technology is helping to enliven the retail experience...
The 10 Best new smartphones

The 10 Best new smartphones

Photos, films, music, apps and browsing - the latest mobiles can do it all
Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

Jenson Button: Downbeat driver cannot wait to put season behind him

McLaren man admits 'failed gamble' with car has left him pinning hopes on 2014 campaign
James Lawton: Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe

James Lawton

Firmer fist will be required to win Champions Trophy final battle with stouter foe
'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong': The true effect of the badger cull

The true effect of the badger cull

'To farm I have to rape the countryside. It’s got to be wrong'
Theatre review: Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's The Cripple of Inishmaan

First night: The Cripple of Inishmaan

Daniel Radcliffe gives an admirably honest performance in Michael Grandage's comedy
Girls Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

Guides drop religious reference but pledge to self and the Queen

After 103 years, organisation changes oath to welcome 'all girls, of all faiths, and none'
Steve Tongue: Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago

Steve Tongue

Joe Kinnear was one of the boys and a breath of fresh air... 21 years ago
Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Bradley Wiggins' exit

Chris Froome: Free from 'pain in neck' after Wiggins' exit

Sky's lead rider says he is in fantastic form for the Tour and happy pecking order debate is over