Access to Oakland University’s course catalogues just got a lot easier with the launch of the university’s ACALOG system.

The ACALOG system (catalog.oakland.edu) provides a searchable, online version of both the undergraduate and graduate catalogs.

Scott Crabill, director of integrative studies and undergraduate initiatives at OU, said he thinks the system presents significant advantages for both current and future OU students.

The new catalogue allows students to easily find what they are looking for.

“The online catalogue is an HTML version,” Crabill said. “It’s web-based, (and) allows you to use a search engine to find those things that you’re looking for.”

Another feature of this system allows users to create a portfolio of classes they are interested in. This allows students to bookmark courses, programs and departments. Crabill said this allows students to make comparisons between different degree programs.

Susan Awbrey, senior associate provost, said a goal of the new system is to make things easier on students planning their degree and to retain students.

“This can help students stay on track,” Awbrey said.

The software package behind the system cost about $84,000, according to Crabill. The project, was jointly funded through the president’s office and the academic affairs department.

Students can also submit questions about courses through the catalogue which are then forwarded to the appropriate department heads.

Contact staff reporter Kevin Graham via e-mail at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @KevinGraham88