This report covers the activities of the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre for the period 1 July 1999 to 30 June 2000. The positive effects of previous major developments were, for the first time, fully evident in the current year. In 1997/98 an internal restructure was carried out to provide enhanced customer focus for VTAC clients, including properly resourced applicant and school helpdesks. In 1998/99 a formal three-year strategic plan for VTAC was introduced with annual objectives and targets.
The combination of these developments facilitated, in the current year, the introduction of a range of initiatives improving services to institutions, applicants and the school community, all influenced by surveys and monitoring associated with the strategic plan. Further, existing services, publications and methodologies were systematically evaluated against the plan and feedback to ensure quality outcomes were achieved.
As was the case last year, a significant proportion of development time was allocated to enhancing electronic access for applicants and institutions and preparing for two major innovations in 2000/2001 - a new web-based software package for schools/applicants and a web-based on-line offer system for institutions. A web-based Guide editing package and database was also developed which will more easily facilitate the editing process for the whole Guide, now a significantly complex undertaking with over 50 institutions in the system.
The 2000 selection and admission round was positive and uneventful. The small increase in the number of applications reversed the trend of previous years. The release of VCE results and ENTERs as a joint service in association with the Board of Studies was very successful.
A considerable amount of work was undertaken to enhance VTAC's administrative infrastructure. This included a revised Constitution, a new lease of premises involving a substantial upgrading of accommodation, preparation for the GST and arranging more extensive insurance cover for committee members and staff in light of VTAC's status as an unincorporated association.
As was the case last year, VTAC welcomed new institutions to the system, bringing to twenty the number of Other Providers which now participate.
It is with pleasure that I present this report of the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre.
Ian Marshman
Chair, Management Committee, VTAC