Read an update about the SIS project in the August 14, 2009, issue of HPH NOW: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/now/07172009/sisupdate.html

HSPH's New Student Information System

The School has launched a project to implement a new new Student Information System that will greatly improve services for students, faculty, and staff. Check back here frequently for updates about the year-long implementation process.

OASIS to Be Retired
For the past decade, the School has depended on a home-grown database for managing admissions, the course catalog, and registration, explained the Office for Student Services. This system has not been able to keep up with the expectations and demands for robust self-service capabilities from students, faculty, and staff, nor with the growing complexity of the School's academic offerings.

Improvements Expected from New System
In response, HSPH has purchased the Banner Student System from SunGard Higher Education and has begun the year-long process of implementing the system at the School. SunGard systems are in place at more than 1,600 schools across the U.S., and its Banner Student System is an industry standard. The associated Web portal will provide extensive access to information in real time and in a secure environment to students as well as their advisors and instructors. Work-flow processes will help eliminate cumbersome paper processes. Enhanced communication tools will keep students, advisors, and instructors informed of contact, registration, and enrollment changes.

Timeline
The implementation timeline is ambitious, but the implementation teams are committed to bringing the project in on time. Download a schedule that describes milestones in the process.

• Admissions will begin using the new student information system in October 2009 to process applications for students entering the School in the summer and fall of 2010.
• The Registrar will move the course catalog to the new system in March of 2010. Registration and reporting for the following summer and fall terms will be managed on the new system.
• The transfer of historical academic records for reporting will be completed in July 2010.
• The functionality supporting curriculum and academic program planning will also be implemented by July 2010.
• During the academic year 2010-2011, faculty and students will access all of their information through the new self-service interface that is part of the system.

More information
Contact:
Office for Student Services
677 Huntington Ave
Kresge Building, Room G-4
Boston, Massachusetts 02115
617.432.4703
shudson@hsph.harvard.edu