Note
If accessing from outside UNSW network, connect to UNSW VPN first
sms to Astra
sms2astra.sh script can help you in the process. The astra fields "source" must be CSE Systems. If the mapping file ($SMSDB/astra_map) has no fields, it is because the source is set to something else.
sms2astra.sh --help
- List astra fields and their attributes, look for precision and maximum value. Also check that the source is CSE Systems (not Moodle etc)
sms2astra.sh --info
- Generate mapping file of astra fields to sms fields.
sms2astra.sh --config
- Edit mapping file, replacing hyphens with corresponding sms fields.
- Check that sms fields attributes are compatible with astra fields.
sms2astra.sh --check
- Generate a csv file of component marks.
sms2astra.sh
- Copy this csv file to your local computer for uploading into astra.
- Differences between astra and sms records
- AS (Audited Subject) sms stores the record. Astra will give an error that the student has dropped and tells you the row number. So remove the row from the csv file.
Note
Fields and attributes (structure) changes in Astra will not be reflected in sms2astra.sh script straightaway.
During the term, the list of astra fields is copied from Astra to CSE at 6pm everyday.
In the last two days leading up to results submission deadline, it will be changed to every 15 minutes.
If you need an updated list urgently, please email <meicheng AT SPAMFREE unsw DOT edu DOT au>.
Non sms users
How to generate the csv file?
In Astra, select Manage menu tab, then Upload/Download
Select the fields from the Items dropdown list, Confirm. Must select at least one field.
Download button
- Add or change the item marks in the csv and upload (same page, reason is required and retained).
No Mark or Query (Pending) Mark
No mark is either dot or empty and Pending mark is '?'. Same as in sms.
Maximum or Precision value
How to change maximum value for an assessment?
In Astra, select Prepare menu tab, then Structure
Select Edit mode, Select the radiobutton for the field (Item) to change, Edit the selected Item (Bottom of the page)
Scroll down to the Mark/Scale Attributes panel, enter new Maximum or Precision, then Save
Note
If there are marks for the assessment item, reset all marks to either dot or empty first.
The quickest way to do this is to download the csv, change them and then upload.
Supp Exam list
specialconsideration.unsw.edu.au
WC grade
How to assign WC grade to students with approved special consideration?
In Astra, select Manage menu tab, then View/Enter
Select Final Exam from the dropdown Item list, then Confirm
Search for the student, then View/Add under the History & Exception column.
Instead of searching each student, sort on the Final Exam column, scroll to where the marks are dots or empty
Add Exception, Pick Special Consid: Supp Assessmt from the dropdown Exception list.
WD grade
How to withheld final result for plagiarism or misconduct cases?
Same 1, 2, 3 steps as WC grade, except select Final Result from the dropdown Item list instead of Final Exam.
Add Exception, Enter "WD" against Related Value.
Note
The process of assigning withheld grades is very time consuming.
It is possible to submit LE Grade instead of WC/WD Grade for large courses by assigning "?" to the exam mark.
Hurdle
How to add final exam hurdle?
Part 1
In Astra, select Prepare menu tab, then Structure
Select Edit mode, Select Final Exam radiobutton, Edit the selected Item (Bottom of the page)
Scroll down to Competency, enter the mark for Standard to demonstrate competency for this item, then Save
Part 2
Select Edit mode again, this time select Final Result radiobutton, Edit the item (Bottom of the page)
Scroll down to Competency, select Apply Final UF Grade radiobutton, then Save
Note
For 20T1 you must use Apply Cap instead of Apply UF. Select NF from the list of available caps.
Updating marks or amendments
- After changing marks, recalculate the final results either via the View/Entry page or the Checkpoint page.
- Then press the Submit Updates (before results are released) or Submit Amendments (after results are released) button.
- After results are released to students, amendments that result in final mark downgrade must be emailed to School Teaching Admin staff.
- Find the last day to make changes to marks (Amendments Deadline) by clicking on Important Dates tab, top right.
- A backend process updates amended results in myUNSW every hour during the day.
Final Results Rounding
Default is round up. This can be changed under Structure.