We have noticed a lot of student concern regarding us launching an "unfinished system" and that we are using this as a trial on the entire student population. I would like to stress that this is in no way true.
The system that is launching is fully functional and complete as is. The reason that we are collecting feedback and prioritizing future changes is because we know that there will always be room for improvement. We are being cautious with this first launch, making sure students will be able to get help on campus during enrollment day and leaving extra time for students to learn the system. The technology of the old SIS was 40 years old, it needed an update.
So,
...why now? When the decision was made to convert to semesters, RIT found that it would take more resources to retrofit our old system instead of implementing a system with current technology. RIT had known for a long time that they wanted to update this technology, so this appeared to be the perfect time to commit to the switch.
...why not wait until semester conversion? Best practice is to change the system with information that RIT is familiar with, and we need to have a year in the new system before the change to semesters. Not only this, but students will experience many changes in the coming years, this will give you time to become proficient in this new system before the quarters change to semesters.
...why limit customizations? Every customization of the system will need to be addressed every time the system upgrades, which will require more resources, not only now, but also in the future. The first focus was on functionality, feedback is being collected and prioritized to make sure that student concerns are being addressed accurately.
...why are you making me use IE?! Oracle PeopleSoft only officially supports these browsers. The system is still functional in other browsers, but just know that IE 7, 8 or 9; Firefox 3.5, 3.6, and 7; and Safari 3, 4, and 5 are the only browsers that are officially supported. Personally, we have used the system successfully in other browsers.
Why PeopleSoft, though? Could RIT really not get (or hell, MAKE) a better system for itself?
ReplyDeleteHello Josh,
DeleteRIT choose to go with PeopleSoft because Oracle is the most stable company that offers an enterprise software system of it's size. Making a system would have taken many, many years, and RIT did not have that kind of time. Also, Oracle software comes with their support. PeopleSoft is also a commonly used system at many universities with proven success.
Keep in mind, all that has been launched is the class search portion. The enrollment portion will launch soon, and eventually all business aspects will be using PeopleSoft as well. This will create better continuity and accuracy of student profiles across departments.
Thank you,
Laura Kelley
I would really like to point out that although you stated it was "successfully in Firefox and IE 9" the vast majority of RIT utilizes Firefox and Chrome. To choose a system that does not innately support the most widely used browsers seems very unwise. Also RIT students have in the past made successful attempts to help fix the system (i.e. RIT Intersect and the creators of the CSH Schedule Maker). I would like to know if these students some I know have graduated were even contacted to gain their insight.
ReplyDeleteHello Daniel,
DeleteI do not have personal experience trying PeopleSoft in Chrome, but I can say that you can try any browser you would like to use. Just know, if something doesn't work in the system, only IE9, Firefox, and Safari are officially supported. Also, the team is working with CSH for schedule make sure it will still work.
Thank you,
Laura Kelley
Will there be an alternative to the CSH Schedule Maker for the Fall 2012 enrollment? This method of finding classes is much better then going through lists of classes and finding times that do not conflict. If not, what options are available for assembling schedules?
ReplyDeleteAbout the shopping cart: Lets say I have 5 classes in the cart, by the time I get to my time slot 2 of the classes are full. Will the system prompt me with alternatives sections? How will that situation be handled?
Thank you,
Brennan
Hello Brennan,
DeleteWe are working with CSH to try to keep Schedule Maker active, but we are unsure if it will be up by fall enrollment. You can enter courses as a "non-course," unfortunately there is no feature in the system like this for planning. It is a good idea to check your shopping cart at a time close to your enrollment appointment to adjust the contents as classes fill up, there will not be a prompt with alternatives, but you could keep multiple sections of a class in in your shopping cart.
Thank you,
Laura Kelley