ABSTRACT
The introduction of some degree of personal or individual study support is regarded as a necessity in most distance-teaching institutions. There appear to be two basic models for the tuition and counselling subsystem, centralised and devolved. The accuracy of assignment recording and speed of turnaround are critical factors in the credibility of any continuous assessment subsystem, particularly since for many students their assignments represent their only regular contact with the institution. Within the student record system some subsystems will normally operate continuously, such as file maintenance, special students and student progress, while others will operate seasonally, like materials distribution, study schools or tuition and counselling. With the recording of registration and the conversion of applicant records to student records, a central student record file is built up to serve as a nucleus for student-support subsystems. The character of the system of student administration results from the often long and complex relationship between the student and the distance-teaching university.
