On September 12, Office of Student Affairs and Policy published the 2013 Fall Semester Student Handbook. This handbook is designed to suit the needs of all KAIST students and covers a wide array of topics: introduction to KAIST, table of organization, academic policies, available scholarships, special programs, student exchange progrmas, dormitories, school facilities, campus life, and appendices, which cover nearby hospitals, restaurants, public transportation routes, and more.

Students previously had to rely on information posted sporadically on the KAIST Portal, department websites, and student-operated domains such as ARA, the school’s online forum. As such, students had to navigate through a labyrinth of websites and documents in order to retrieve relevant information ranging anywhere from school shuttle bus schedules to newly reformed academic policies. However, the new handbook is a pioneering effort to consolidate a variety of campus related information into a single package.

A strong emphasis has been placed in administrative processes involved in academic affairs, such as course registration, leaves of absence, and department transfers. Void of accessible documentation of the latest academic policies, the school administrative system was often a source of confusion for students. Accordingly, details such as required documentation, fees, and relevant administrative departments for each process are thoroughly specified in the new handbook.

The Student Affairs Team is also open to reports of whatever errors that may be contained in the current handbook. Upon reviewing the reports, the handbook will be updated accordingly to reflect the new improvements. Furthermore, the Office of Student Affairs and Policy has promised to continuously update the handbook as new academic policies are implemented.