Banner
News An Update From the Core
Group
1 - New Software
1 - Oracle and SCT
2 - Banner Facts
2 - Project Team
2 - Follow Along
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Information Management
In 1996, the decision was made by CBU to begin the search for a new campus information system. The existing information system, Univers, was at the end of its life cycle and was in need of retirement. The task at hand was not just to find a successor for Univers, but to find a replacement. A replacement that would fulfill the needs of a university made up of many diverse non-articulated dissimilar software packages. At least 10 different information systems could be identified across campus, 90% of which did not share information in any way. The dissimilarity in systems lead to many problems; inconsistent information was the leading problem. These types of problems and the sneaker-net style of networking were causing CBU to be left behind in the world of information management technology.
The university search for a new software package concluded with the selection of SCT's Banner. The project began in February 1997, to install this exciting new package. As of today successes include:
- Over 70 new computers have been installed to support Banner
- 516 hours of Banner student system training
- 314 hours of Banner financial aid system training
- 376 hours of technical training for I.T.S staff
Over the next two years, Banner Web, Alumni, Human Resources and Finance systems will be implemented to complete the Banner project.
This product suite will enable CBU faculty and staff to better serve students in today's information age.
Enabling Integration
Oracle is the most popular database administration system available today. It is produced by Oracle Corporation, the worlds second largest Software Company. It has annual revenues of $7.1 billion. Oracle offers database products, tools, applications, consulting, education, and support in more than 140 countries
around the world.
The enormous popularity of Oracle globally is one driving factor for anyone to consider when looking at Oracle as an enterprise solution, another is that Oracle has a proven track record in industry. Some of the most widely known companies have deployed Oracle software enterprise-wide; Federal Express is one such company. Because of the popularity of Oracle, Oracle reference materials, and training, support systems have become widely available for new-comers to the database arena.
SCT Corporation recognized the strong points of Oracle and decided their clients would benefit from these strengths. It was this decision that caused many of SCT’s current clients to take a strong look at SCT’s educational products. Many of those clients, like CBU, chose SCT for Oracle. A firm support system now exists for CBU through SCT and Oracle. This partnership will enable CBU to grow and keep pace with the ever-expanding worldwide information system and technology.
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Why change things
The information driven society of today wants accurate information and wants it NOW! This result could not always be provided by CBU in the past, but with new technologies arising every day, answering customer demands in an instant is becoming an achievable goal.
With integrated data management technology at the fingertips of CBU faculty, staff and students, the future is NOW, and it's making waiting lines a thing of the past, while ensuring accurate information!
Be on the lookout for new technologies at CBU, supporting your future and helping you to meet your educational goals!
FYI
- Banner
Who's responsible?
The Banner project underway at CBU is governed by a variety of people in personality and profession: office directors, computer professionals, vice presidents, and a president makeup the entourage. These people form three major groups that are established along a clear chain of reporting.
The first group in the chain is called the "Core Group". This group works directly with office personnel to identify training requirements, allocate resources, and support the offices in any way they can to help the project. They report directly to the "Steering Committee".
The Steering Committee is made up of the president and four vice presidents. This group acts to support and agree on decisions made by the Core Group. They could at anytime reverse or change the direction in which the project is going.
The most direct method of reporting occurs when the Core Group chairperson makes periodic reports to the Steering Committee and to the president.
A final group that should be mentioned is the people who are in the trenches. These are the staff and faculty members who make all the difference in the success or failure of the Banner project. Without them there would be no project, so, take off your hat, say thank you, or shake their hand, because these people are CBU.
Up and Running
For CBU to provide better service to its students Banner is available at the following times:
Monday - Friday from 7 AM until 8 PM
Saturday - 7 AM until 12 PM
Where to look
http://www.sctcorp.com
http://www.oracle.com
Christian Brothers University also has a very good and informational home page. Just visit http://www.cbu.edu. Platform note:
Due to installation non-conformities between the current Banner installation and Windows 98, I.T.S will postpone supporting windows 98 this year. Support will be forthcoming.
Thanks are extended to the people who aided in making this newsletter possible! There's more to come, so stay tuned for exciting Banner News!
Please direct any questions or comments about this publication to Carroll Keyes, Editor, at
ckeyes@cbu.eduCBU Banner | Home | I.T.S.