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.

Students and staff will not have access to ISIS data July 27-Aug. 5 during the move to Web production. Because this will affect the ability to produce transcripts and other documents, students are encouraged to plan ahead.

Also, the campus will be unable to offer touchtone enrollment services after 5 p.m. July 27, the date that ISIS goes to a web environment.

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.

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.

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.