A Charles Sturt University information technology student was so keen to be involved in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games that he put off graduation to be part of the Technical and Specialist Volunteers Program.

Daniel Aldridge, 21, could have completed his Bachelor of Information Technology degree last year but decided to stay to be part of the biggest event staged in Australia.

He is just one subject short of finishing his degree - but his involvement in the Olympics will give him the credit he needs to graduate next year.

Daniel is part of a select group of highly trained information technology (IT) students from CSU who are in heavy training mode over the next few weeks.

The students' Olympic experience working for IBM will give them credit points towards their studies and a once in a lifetime experience.

Daniel started working for Westpac Banking Corporation in Sydney as a technical support analyst in January.

He chose his employer well. As Westpac is a sponsor of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, he will be paid for the days he takes off to volunteer.

Daniel has already completed three of his six week volunteer program at the sailing trials at Rushcutters Bay as an IT network support specialist.

Daniel will be working throughout the Olympic Games behind the scenes, patching network connections and connecting personal computers.

He said he is looking forward to the atmosphere and the chance of meeting the Olympians - and gaining some recognition for his unique work experience.

Meanwhile, CSU School of Information Technology head Professor Terry Bossomaier and lecturer Errol Chopping have put their technical knowledge to use in Olympic duties of another kind, designing the 2000 Olympics Volunteer Billeting Bulletin Board.