University to upgrade ISIS

The university is upgrading the Integrated Student Information System to allow authorized staff members and departments easy, Web-based access to a wide range of vital student data.

The Version 8 upgrade, scheduled to be completed by Aug. 5, should simplify access to student information in a wide range of areas including admissions, enrollment services, financial aid and financial accounts, student records and even alumni services, says ISIS manager Ilene Seltzer.

Student data is currently accessed through workstations using special software. The upgrade will allow staffers to receive the same information through a standard Internet browser.

“ISIS is an integral part of the university’s everyday work processes, affecting not only the student body, but faculty and staff as well,” says Paul Barrows, vice chancellor for student affairs. “We’re working hard to make this transition as smooth and seamless as possible.”

The journey toward a Web-based system began in March. Roughly 20 weeks of testing and technical groundwork is under way, none of which will affect day-to-day work. However, students and staff will not have access to data July 27-Aug. 5 during the move to production. Because this will affect the ability to produce transcripts and other documents, students are encouraged to plan ahead.

Because ISIS also provides background data utilized by the university’s data warehouse, housing and query library, many units across campus have helped shape the upgrade and its timeline.

Planners have held campus forums and discussions with school and college representatives, the Deans Council, Provost Peter Spear and Chancellor John Wiley.

ISIS users will get a chance to learn more through training sessions scheduled 1-2 p.m., May 20-21, 1800 Engineering. Users need attend only one session.

To register: http://www.isis.wisc.edu. More sessions will be held in June and July.

For now, those with questions about the upgrade are asked to use the Web site support page rather than calling the DoIT Help Desk.