my Studies @ Unisa - University of South Africa

How should I submit written (text) assignments via myUnisa?
You must prepare your assignment in a file format that can be uploaded to myUnisa. This file has to be in one of the formats
listed under “Specify the type of file” drop-down list on the submission screen. Not all file types can be accepted. Make sure,
therefore, that the type you select matches that of your file, otherwise your lecturer may receive pages filled with garbage!
When you click on “Continue”, your assignment will be uploaded from your computer to the Unisa network. This may take
several minutes depending on the size of your assignment and the speed of your internet connection. Once the assignment is
received, details about it will be displayed on your screen for final checking. You can then either go back to make corrections
or click on “Submit assignment” to finally send it off.
If your assignment score includes marks for layout and formatting, we suggest that you upload your assignment to myUnisa
in pdf format. This will ensure that the layout and formatting are not automatically adjusted when Unisa prints your
assignment. You can find information about pdf converters on the myUnisa home page under “Electronic resources”.
What general information do I need to know before submitting assignments online?
Please use a header for all word processor files with your name, student number, course code and
assignment number.
If you use a dial-up connection to access myUnisa, please ensure that you have your answers ready before dialling
up. It will cost you money if you have to work out your answers while you are online.
Please check for any mistakes before you submit an assignment. Unisa’s Assignment Division will not accept any
requests to cancel assignments submitted via myUnisa. You may, however, resubmit an assignment by selecting
the “Resubmit” button provided that you resubmit your assignment immediately. Please note: You will only be able
to resubmit an assignment if the “Resubmit” button appears next to your assignment number.
Do not wait until the closing date to submit assignments via myUnisa. Try to submit your assignments at least
three working days before the due date. This is to make provision for unforeseen problems (eg your internet
connection might not be available on the last day).
Please do not submit the same assignment via myUnisa and the post.
Do not submit self-evaluation assignments, as they will not be marked by the university.
Please ensure that any documents/assignments uploaded to myUnisa are virus free. Any student who repeatedly
submits documents with viruses may lose the right to use myUnisa.
What page layout and formatting should I use for full-text assignments?
Set the paper option in your document to A4, default tray, auto feed (or auto select).
Set the left margin to at least 2,5cm and the right margin to 5cm for your lecturers’ feedback.
Do not use colour fonts. Use black ink only.
Use only common fonts like Times Roman, Arial, and so on.
Limit your font size to a maximum of 16 for headings and 12 for normal text.
Line spacing can be problematic if your printer differs significantly from the Unisa printer. Please do not use the
return (enter) key to create empty spaces at the bottom of a page. Use the page break function of your computer
to force a new page. This will ensure that your page numbering stays exactly the way you indicated in your
contents page.
Pictures and diagrams may be included, provided that they are not too complex and are not in colour. Do not
embed objects from other programs that require dynamic links. Rather, create a graphic of your spreadsheet or
diagram, save it as a bmp, jpeg or gif and insert this file into your document.
Keep tables simple. Complex tables can cause printer memory problems.
I’m a Computer Science student. Are there any special arrangements I need to take note of?
You may submit programs or program output in either a text (ASCII) file or in a word processor file.
Remember that you may only submit one file per assignment, so you may have to combine different files into one
document. You can also create a single pdf document that combines different source files.
We recommend that you use a fixed width font (such as Courier), so that your documents will be more readable
and the indentation will remain correct. Converting your document to pdf will ensure that your file presentation
remains exactly as you intended.
Assignment due dates
It is your responsibility to ensure that your assignment reaches Unisa on or before the closing date. No extensions will be
granted and no late assignments will be marked. Please keep public holidays, religious holidays and weekends in mind with
regard to closing dates. To ensure that an assignment reaches the university before its due date, it should be posted at least
three working days (or 72 hours) before the due date. You will receive an SMS confirming that the university has received
your assignment. Please note, however, that it is your responsibility to make sure that Unisa has your correct contact details.
35