August 31, 1996
This document contains strategies and action items from the Information Resources Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 1995-99 which are the responsibility of the Administrative Program Group. Each item is followed by a brief statement regarding the status of that item. Where appropriate, the status is shown for each action item rather than for the overall strategy. The current status is shown in italics for readability. In some cases recommendations have been made for changes to be included in the upcoming (years '97-'01) Information Resources Strategic Plan (IRSP).
Following the section of the report which gives the status of items included in the IRSP for '95-99 for which the APG had full or partial responsibility, there are three additional sections:
1. A list of items which the APG felt had strategic significance and therefore recommended for inclusion in the IRSP for '95-'99 but which were not, in fact, included, and which the APG recommends be included in the IRSP for '97-'01.
2. A list of items which the APG felt had strategic significance and therefore recommended for inclusion in the IRSP for '95-'99 but which were not, in fact, included and which have subsequently been completed. Because of the significance of these projects, the APG feels that their completion should be recognized by anyone evaluating the technology effectiveness of the APG and related groups.
3. A list of new (i.e., recently identified) items which the APG feels have strategic significance and should, therefore, be added to the IRSP for '97-'01.
Strategy B3: Implement a degree-audit-reporting system at the University and make it available for use by area junior and community colleges.
Action Items: HIGH
3.1 Participate in, and support activities of, the Degree Audit System Implementation Committee (DASIC), which will result in the implementation of a university-wide degree audit system. (DASIC, ADM)
Status - In progress. Two "pilot" academic units (College of Arts & Sciences and College of Business Administration) have developed twelve degree program requirements definitions, entered them into the DARS system, and are testing them using student data extracted from the production system.
fy '96 3.2 Determine how the existing Transfer Equivalency System (TES) will fit with the new Degree Audit System and see what changes (if any) must be made. (DASIC, ADM, Admissions)
Status - Completed. A decision has been reached to replace the existing Transfer Equivalency System (TES) with the equivalency module provided with DARS. TES will be in production this summer ('96).
3.3 Get all transfer work into course record format (rather than block format). (Admissions, DASIC)
Status - In progress. Electronic conversion of all ETN work is almost complete and screens are in place to allow course by course input by Admissions.
3.4 After Degree Audit System has been successfully implemented at UNT, evaluate possibilities of implementing for use at area junior and community colleges. (DASIC, Admissions, Registrar, ADM)
Status - UNT Registrar has had some preliminary discussions with representatives from area junior and community colleges regarding this possibility, but no formal action has been taken pending full implementation of DARS at UNT.
Strategy B4: Enhance student (new and prospective) ability to send and retrieve information quickly and easily.
Action Items: HIGH
fy '96 4.1 Make ASSIST (Access Student Service Information System by Technology) functions (including Admissions, Schedule of Classes, and Financial Aid information) available from workstations in the General Access Labs. (ADM, NMS, ACS, NMSSG, Registrar)
Status - In progress. Some components are expected to be in production early fall '96.
fy '96 4.2 After ASSIST functions have been made available in the General Access Labs, extend these services to Internet/CWIS users. (ADM, NMS, ACS, Registrar)
Status - In progress
Note: Rather than having a project to provide these functions specifically for the labs, a decision was made to initiate a project to make these functions and information available on the WWW via our Generalized Information Access Platform instead (see action item 4.3).
For the upcoming IRSP (years '97-'01, we recommend either deleting this item or combining it with item 4.3). Additional note: This item is also included in action item 6.6 under Strategy B6.
4.3 Explore integration of remote access via information kiosks, CWIS/Internet, WWW, (and possibly by other means), for faculty, staff, prospective students, etc., to admissions recruitment, and retention-related information and publications. (ADM, NMS, Registrar)
Status - In progress.
NOTE: For the IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend changing wording of action item from "... CWIS/Internet, WWW ..." to "... CWIS/Internet/WWW" to reflect that the WWW is a part of the Internet, not a separate item. We further recommend combining action items 4.2 and 4.3, as indicated in the comments for item 4.2. Additional note: This item is also included in action item 6.7 under Strategy B7.
Strategy B5: Improve Admissions Prospect System so that new prospect information is easily added and readily available both centrally and at the college level. (ADM, Admissions)
Action Items: HIGH
5.1 Explore the possibilities of:
fy '96 - Client-server approach to real-time integration of the admissions prospect system with AMS to support immediate access to applicant status and other pertinent information for display, for use by prospect follow-up processing, and to support automatic creation of AMS records. (ADM, Admissions)
Status - Design of a client-server based prospecting system for Graduate Admissions is underway. This system MAY be capable of serving both Undergraduate & Undergraduate Offices (whether running on the same or separate physical machines), replacing the existing Prospecting System used by Undergraduate Admissions.
- Integration of optical mark-read technology to the Student Prospect System to support and expedite data entry. (ADM)
Status - No action taken on this item.
- Development and implementation of an additional Generalized Information Access System that could be either incorporated into the existing ASSIST system, or established as a separate application to support remote access to recruitment materials and University admission application status information via AMS. (ADM, Admissions)
Status - Design and development of this system is well underway.
- Development of centralized admissions prospect system support for college and school recruitment efforts. (ADM, Admissions)
Status - Development of a client-server based prospecting system for Graduate Admissions is underway. This system MAY be capable of serving both Undergraduate & Undergraduate Offices (whether running on the same or separate physical machines), replacing the existing Prospecting System used by Undergraduate Admissions.
Strategy B6: Upgrade, replace, or improve the computerized registration program so that it will block concurrent enrollment and check for prerequisites. (Note: The Degree Audit System must be in production and adequate computer resources must be available in order to accommodate this compute-intensive function.)
Action Items: MEDIUM
fy '96 6.1 Implement the Advising Management System (allows academic departments to develop advising templates which can be used to enforce course scheduling requirements) in a pilot organization. (Registrar, college or department for pilot test)
Status - Completed
6.2 Apply lessons learned from implementation of the Advising Management System to implementation of Degree Audit System. (DASIC)
Status - In progress
6.3 Provide adequate computing resources to support full prerequisite and concurrent enrollment checking. (APG, ADM, VPs)
Status - No action taken.
6.4 Replace or improve computerized registration program so that it will block concurrent enrollment and check for prerequisites. (ADM, Registrar, College Advisors)
Status - No action taken except for work on DARS, which is a prerequisite to any such prerequisite and concurrent enrollment checking.
6.5 Implement an automated system for request and distribution of recruitment publications and other related information. (ADM, Admissions, Printing Services, Schools & Colleges)
6.5.1 Continue the review and development of computing resources/solutions necessary to support/enhance systems for prospective student management/tracking and the central distribution of recruitment-related information and publications. (ADM, Admissions, Printing Services)
Status - No change - still ongoing. PAIS now has a WWW Access Project underway.
NOTE: For the IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend deleting this item, because providing adequate computing resources on an ongoing basis is common to all systems / applications and is adequately addressed elsewhere in the plan. Consider adding an action item having to do with PAIS' WWW access project.
fy '96 6.6 Make ASSIST functions (including course scheduling information) available from workstations in the General Access Computer Labs. (ADM, NMS, NMSSG)
Status - In progress
Note: Rather than having a project to provide these functions specifically for the labs, a decision was made to initiate a project to make these functions / information available via the WWW using our Generalized Information Access Platform (see action item 6.7).
For the upcoming IRSP (years '97-'01), we recommend either deleting this item or combining it with item 6.7.
fy '96 6.7 After ASSIST functions have been made available in the General Access Labs, extend these services to Internet/CWIS users. (ADM, NMS, ACS, Registrar)
Status - In progress
As per note following item 6.6, for the upcoming IRSP (years '97-'01) we recommend either deleting this item or combining it with item 6.6.
Further note: Items 6.6 and 6.7 are also covered in action items 4.1 through 4.3 under Strategy B4.
fy '96 6.8 Explore possibility of providing student dial-up access to appropriate student records information. (ADM, NMS, Registrar)
Status - In progress. This will be accomplished via WWW access using our Generalized Information Access Platform. Students already have dial-up access to the WWW.
fy '96 6.9 Implement Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) to allow students to accept and receive awarded financial aid funds in a more timely and efficient manner without having to appear personally on campus. (ADM, Financial Aid Office, Bursar's Office, FDST-B)
Status - Completed transfer of funds from lender banks to UNT, but students must still appear on campus to accept funds. Working on determining feasibility of no longer requiring this of students.
Strategy B7: Increase access to critical administrative and student support applications.
Action Items: MEDIUM
7.1 Address the challenge of providing increased computing capacity. (ADM, APG, MTS)
Status - Upgrade of separate administrative mainframe (IBM 9121-440 [30 MIPS]) and academic mainframe (HDS 8083 [16 MIPS]) to shared administrative / academic mainframe (IBM 9672 / R51 [58 MIPS]) was accomplished during the summer of 1995. However, providing adequate computing capacity is an ongoing challenge.
7.2 Investigate feasibility of upgrading existing administrative mainframe to provide increased computing capacity - primarily to better support workload of administrative functions (including registration activities) and to allow for support of anticipated client/server applications in which the administrative mainframe will act as the host (server), providing services to desktop workstations (clients). (ADM, APG, MTS)
Status - Upgrade of separate administrative mainframe (IBM 9121-440 [30 MIPS] and academic mainframe (HDS 8083 [16 MIPS]) to shared administrative / academic mainframe (IBM 9672 / R51 [58 MIPS]) was accomplished during the summer of 1995. However, providing adequate computing capacity is an ongoing challenge.
NOTE: Recommendation for IRSP for years '97-'01 - Consider dropping this item because it is so similar to the preceding item (7.1).
7.3 Increase availability times of applications, nearer to 24 hours/day. (ADM, MTS)
Status - Some applications are available approximately 22 hours/day, 6 days / week (down long enough to allow for daily database backup and occasional equipment or operating system maintenance or upgrades). These include HRMIS, NOBIS, CEATS, and approximately 1/2 of the functions provided in ASSIST. No action has been taken to make the core SIMS functions available "round the clock."
fy '96 7.4 Investigate expanded use of Generalized Information Access technology to improve access to administrative data as appropriate. (ADM, APG)
Status - One additional application has been developed (for Career Planning and Placement), and another application (for the Admissions Office) is currently being designed. As written, this is actually an ongoing task rather than one with a specific completion date. For upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01 we recommend either dropping the item in favor of one with more specificity (i.e., identify specific targeted applications or areas) or changing the wording to "Continue to investigate the ..."
7.5 Upgrade voice server platform to support growth in Generalized Information Access applications. (ADM, Registrar)
Status - A third voice processing unit (BT-3 from Bright Voice Technologies) has been added to our Generalized Information Access Platform. Two application processors from SUN MicroSystems have also been added. The added application processors will provide capacity needed to bring the Admissions Voice Response application and WWW access to ASSIST functions and information. One of the units will act as a "secure Web Server." But providing adequate capacity continues to be an ongoing effort due to increased usage of existing applications and development and implementation of new applications.
Strategy B9: Implement the system for the electronic transfer of transcripts (outgoing). (ADM, Registrar)
Action Items: LOW
fy '96 9.1 Complete the testing of sending transcripts electronically, working with pilot institution (Tarrant County Junior College). Put this function into production as soon as possible. (ADM, Registrar)
Status - Completed
fy '96 9.2 Expand support to receive and send transcripts electronically. (ADM, Registrar)
Status - Completed
Strategy C2: Provide state-of-the-art classrooms, seminar rooms, and laboratories.
Action Items: HIGH
2.4 Improve the Facilities Scheduling System Inventory to achieve the best use of these classrooms. (Registrar, ADM)
Status - In progress. A survey of classrooms was completed with the Instructional Technology Group and information collected was added to the system.
NOTE: For the upcoming ('97-'01) IRSP, we recommend adding "Inventory" after the words "Facilities Scheduling System" in this action item (as shown above).
Strategy D1: Continue ongoing operations that support the information technology UNT now depends upon to accomplish its mission.
Action Items: HIGH
1.2 Provide technical support and operation services necessary for the operation of the academic and administrative mainframes. This includes, but is not limited to, support for the IBM/MVS, and Software AG (ADABAS/NATURAL/PREDICT/COM-PLETE) suite of products. (MTS, ADM)
Status - Ongoing. Recent upgrades of significance include:
- Upgrade academic system from VM-XA to VM-ESA Rel. 1 (Aug '95)
- Upgrade academic system from VM-ESA Rel. 1 to Rel. 2 (May '96)
- Upgrade academic system from MVS-SP, Rel. 1 to MVS-SP, Rel. 4 (May '96)
- Upgrade both systems (academic and administrative) from COM-PLETE ver. 4.5 to ver. 4.6 (May '96)
- Upgrade of administrative system from ADABAS rel. 5.2.5 to rel. 5.3.4 is underway (scheduled for completion 8/96)
1.7 Provide system and software design, development, and implementation services to administrative and academic support departments to meet university, state and federal mandates. (ADM)
Status - Ongoing
Strategy D5: Replace the current academic mainframe with one or more systems that provide same or better functionality and reduce operating cost.
Action Items: HIGH
5.1 Investigate feasibility and cost-effectiveness of combining academic and administrative mainframes onto a single, partitioned system. (MTS, ACS, ADM, APG)
Status - Completed as of 8/95. An IBM 9672/R51 was installed 7/95, replacing the IBM 9121/440 (administrative mainframe). Functions previously running on the HDS 8083 (academic mainframe) were subsequently migrated to the 9672, allowing the HDS system to be removed in 8/95. Since that time both academic (instruction & research) and administrative functions have been run on the 9672, using the PR/SM feature to effectively partition the machine and provide resources to both academic and administrative functions using an agreed upon allocation algorithm. Due largely to workload problems experienced during Summer '96 registrations and concern about the heavy workload anticipated during August '96 (due to registration and non-registration processing requirements), we entered into an agreement with IBM which allowed us to borrow an IBM 9121-440 mainframe which provided 58 MIPS processing capacity and devote this system to administrative processing during this heavy workload period. Our agreement included a provision that we would seek necessary approvals to upgrade from the existing R51 to a new 3rd generation CMOS mainframe (model R42) which will provide approximately 80 MIPS processing capacity in December 1996, and that if the necessary approvals were not received that UNT would pay IBM rental fees for the 621 for the 30-day period it was used. Currently all necessary approvals to allow us to upgrade to the R42 have been received except for the Texas Bond Review Board.
Strategy D6: Continue to investigate ways to increase our capacity for processing and accessing administrative databases. This may include (but is not limited to):
- Investigate feasibility and cost-effectiveness of combining academic and administrative mainframes onto a single, partitioned system.
Status - As indicated elsewhere, the academic and administrative mainframes have been combined into a single, partitioned system. However, efforts to increase capacity and access to administrative databases is (and will continue to be) an ongoing process.
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend dropping this item because it duplicates other strategies / action items.
- Upgrading the existing mainframe system;
Status as of 12/95 - As indicated elsewhere, the existing mainframe system was upgraded during summer '95, and we anticipate upgrading again in December '96 . However, maintaining current-technology computing equipment with adequate capacity is an ongoing process.
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend dropping this item from the Strategic Plan because it duplicates other items elsewhere in the document.
- Replacing the mainframe environment with a true client-server environment;
Status - Efforts are underway to develop client/server systems for an Admissions Prospecting System and for an Automated Purchasing / Accounts Payable (APAP) System. While these systems most certainly will NOT replace existing mainframe-based applications, they will provide us with hands-on experience with (and better understanding of) client/server development and operating environments. The APAP System will increase the workload on the mainframe (primarily due to the need to check account balances real-time) but not as much as if the entire system were implemented on the mainframe.
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend that consideration be given to changing the wording of the action item to "Replacing the mainframe environment where appropriate with a true ..." (note addition of words "where appropriate")
- Purchasing a newer commercially-developed higher education administrative software system and the necessary associated hardware;
Status - During fy '95 and '96 the status of four vendors' efforts to bring to market Student Information Systems based on Client/Server architecture was reviewed, with particular emphasis on deciding whether we should/must invest the effort needed to modify our existing systems to make them "Year 2000 compliant" (i.e., able to accommodate dates at and beyond the turn of the century). The conclusion drawn was that available systems were neither mature enough nor provided adequate functionality to justify acquisition and implementation at the current time. An evaluation of available commercially-available systems for automated purchasing and accounts payable has been completed. The APAP Committee made a recommendation to the IRC that the APAP system be developed in-house. Development of a client-server type prospecting application for Graduate Admissions is underway. No serious consideration has been given to replacing HRMIS or other major administrative applications.
- Developing a hybrid system consisting of a mainframe data warehouse with client server applications used for most of the computer-intensive applications;
Status - Completed a pilot project making Student Records data available via SAS. We determined that before this can be accomplished a suitable administrative unit must be found to cooperatively sponsor the implementation and usage of the system.
- Using newer application development productivity tools such as Powerbuilder;
Status - Efforts are underway to develop a client/server Admissions Prospecting System using PowerBuilder. Development of a client-server system for Automated Purchasing and Accounts Payable (APAP) will begin shortly. A part of this projects will be to evaluate, select and acquire appropriate application development productivity tools. In the long run, maintaining suitable programmer productivity tools and providing training in the use of such tools is an ongoing process.
- Reengineering our current database and normalizing data when appropriate;
Status - No action taken.
For the IRSP for years '97-01 the APG recommends identifying the anticipated benefits to justify reengineering the existing databases which support our current legacy systems.
- Develop an extensive software reuse program to increase programmer productivity; and
Status - Administrative Programmers already reuse code to the extent practical, typically reusing programs or subroutines within the same application. No additional action has been taken.
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend dropping this item. Although maintaining and improving programmer (and all staff) productivity is an ongoing effort and concern, this specific item is too detailed and specific to be of value in a Strategic Plan document.
- Outsourcing components when it makes economic and strategic sense to do so. (APG, ADM, NMS)
Status: Tasks such as equipment maintenance are traditionally outsourced. No action has been taken towards outsourcing the functions of any entire existing organizations. For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend either dropping this item from the Strategic Plan OR identifying specific functions to be evaluated for outsourcing.
Strategy D8: Establish an infrastructure to support electronic forms approval processes. (ADM, APG)
fy '96 MEDIUM
Status - Efforts will begin shortly to develop an Automated Purchasing / Accounts Payable system. One of the identified requirements for such a system is electronic approvals. An evaluation of the products available to support this requirement and of the existing infrastructure will be a byproduct of this effort.
Strategy D11: Reduce maintenance and support costs associated with 3270 equipment. (3270 equipment refers to terminals, most commonly Telex brand, which access the administrative mainframe via special devices called 'cluster controllers.' Use of this equipment is not only costly, it prevents UNT from using part of its communications network for other purposes. An alternate means of accessing the administrative mainframe is available via networked PC's.)
Action Items: MEDIUM
11.2 Notify all faculty and staff that SAA Gateway will be the only means of accessing the administrative mainframe after September 1995. (IRC)
Status - Most 3270-type access to systems running on the administrative mainframe have been replaced with SNA Gateway access except for some situations where no suitable alternatives exist.
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend dropping this item, because it is duplicated in item 11.6 below.
11.3 Conduct SAA Gateway training. (ADM, NMS)
Status - To date, no formal training has been given (or required) other than "one on one, show & tell sessions."
NOTE: For the upcoming IRSP for years '97-'01, we recommend dropping this item. It is implicitly included in more general statements re. training and system support.
11.6 Eliminate use of '3270' equipment outside of the Computing Center, except where no suitable alternatives exist.
Comment: It is our opinion that this item should "belong to" NMS division of Computing Center.
Strategy D12: Enhance integration of campus computing resources.
Action Items: MEDIUM
12.2 Develop integrated cross-platform user-ID standards and management system. (ADM, ACS, NMS, NMSSG)
Status - No action taken on this action
Strategy E4: Provide tools to develop electronic databases and improve accessibility of Development data to College Development Officers (CDOs), Development Office staff, and others as deemed appropriate by Development. (ADM, Development, NMSSG)
Status - Completed. Information is now being periodically extracted from the production (mainframe based) Advancement Information System and being duplicated (refreshed) in a relational data base management system (DBMS) where it can be accessed by CDOs, Development Office Staff, and others as deemed appropriate by Development using "Esperant," a user-friendly query and reporting tool. The "shadow" database is currently being refreshed on a weekly basis. This frequency may be adjusted as the users' real needs are better assessed.
Some items which were recommended by the Administrative Program Group for inclusion in the IRSP for years '95-99 were not, in fact, included. Of those, the APG recommends that the following points be included in the IRSP for the years '97-'01. Some may fit within existing strategies, others may require that a strategy be drafted to support them, while still others can (perhaps) be accommodated by modifying and expanding existing action items to include these points.
* Implement an integrated application security utility which will, when completed, support increased "opening up" of administrative applications (which currently running on the central administrative mainframe) to departmental users. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "D")
Status: Implementation of ISEC (Integrated SECurity system) is currently underway. The HRMIS (Human Resources Management Information System) is being used as the "pilot application." Various security profiles and RACF groups are currently being defined for entry into the system.
* Implement on-line report viewing capabilities to allow end-users to reports generated by the administrative mainframe to be viewed from their lan-attached workstations. Also allow selective local printing of these reports. Investigate (and implement if feasible) use of COLD (Computer Output to Laser Disk) or other appropriate technologies, preferably implemented as client/server systems, to provide these capabilities.
Status: Currently investigating available products.
* Evaluate feasibility of implementing an imaging system for campus-wide use. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "D")
* Quantify numbers and dollars of need for merit based scholarships. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "E")
* Set goals for Capital Campaign with the need of our students in mind. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "E")
* Identify suitable administrative unit to cooperatively sponsor implementation, usage, and enhancement (as needed) of the SAS Executive Information System (SAS EIS) which was developed as a pilot project jointly by Academic and Administrative Computing. Evaluate effectiveness of the SAS EIS to determine how well it meets the University's needs in this area. Adjust strategy if necessary.
(Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "D", specifically strategy D6, and is related to the sub-paragraph which says "Developing a hybrid system consisting of a mainframe data warehouse with client server applications used for most of the computer-intensive applications;")
* Develop requirements, identify target development/operating environment, and develop or acquire and implement automated purchasing and accounts payable system. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "D")
Status: Commercially-available systems were evaluated by the Automated Purchasing and Accounts Payable (APAP) project committee. A recommendation was made (and presented to the IRC) that a system be designed to meet UNT's specific requirements and developed "in house". Work will begin shortly on this development project.
* Complete project to meet interface and reporting requirements of the State Comptroller's Human Resources Information System (HRIS) - both the personnel and payroll components.
Status: It has been extremely difficult to bring this state-mandated project to completion due to ever-changing requirements from the State Comptroller's Office. The personnel sub-system is a bit more stable than the payroll sub-system, but both subsystems will have to be re-worked (again) during Summer and Fall '96. Original specifications were published in December '88. We were originally "live" in 1990 with the Personnel interface. This was rebuilt in 1993, and partially rebuilt in 1995, and (as already stated) scheduled to be rebuilt in 1996. We were scheduled to go live with the Payroll interface in '93, '94, and '95. Each year we have met the specified requirements as best as was possible, but each year the implementation was deferred (at the state level) for another year. This year ('96 ) may prove to be another verse of the same song, but we must assume that it will actually be implemented this time.
* Investigate feasibility and cost-effectiveness of acquiring and implementing software to validate mailing addresses against USPS certified data base, eliminate duplicate mailings, and otherwise assist with large mailings.
Status: Software products were purchased from Group 1 Software in January of 1995 and installed for production use. Software is being used to do processing required for large mailings to allow us to receive the best possible postal rates. This includes validating addresses to verify that addresses are legitimate based on USPS certified database provided by Group 1 (with periodic updates). Procedures have been developed to allow duplicate mailings to be eliminated, but this requires awareness on the part of the requestor that this service is available and is encouraged by the University. Production systems need to be modified to interface with the Group 1 software to avoid the entry (either on-line or batch) of invalid addresses into our production databases.
* Complete currently active project to improve the security of data on the administrative mainframe. Evaluate this general model for implementing security in other (non-mainframe) computing environments where critical data are maintained.
Status: Implementation of ISEC (Integrated SECurity system) is underway, using the HRMIS (Human Resources Management Information System) as a pilot application.
* Evaluate centrally-supported laser printing requirements, evaluate high-speed, industrial-strength printers, select, acquire, and implement appropriate printer(s) to replace the two existing HP 2680 printers currently used for printing mainframe-generated reports. (Note: Seems to support Institutional Priority "D")
Status: No significant progress made on this item, but it is doubtful that it will be feasible to run the existing HP 2680 printers beyond the '97 fiscal/academic year. HP has already discontinued providing maintenance for these devices, making us dependent on 3rd-party service providers, who will likely be unable to acquire the needed parts and supplies to allow them to provide this service after abt. 12-15 months.
* Make additional Telreg, Admissions, Fee, and Financial Aid information available on the World Wide Web (WWW).
* Implement a Generalized Information Access and/or on-line short term loan application/approval system and streamline the repayment process. (Note: Supports Institutional Priority "D")
* Explore the development of an artificial intelligence, knowledge based system to simplify dissemination of comprehensive information across administrative offices relative to student needs.
* Explore the feasibility of implementing on-line capability to apply for financial aid directly to the Federal Processing Center.
Some items which the APG recommended for inclusion in the IRSP for years '96-'99 were not, in fact included. Some of those items were of strategic importance, and have been completed, so that it would not be appropriate to include them in the IRSP for years '97-'01. However, because of the strategic importance of these projects, the APG feels that they should be considered in any evaluation of technical effectiveness. These include:
* Implement the Advising Management System in a pilot organization. Implement and use as an interim step preceding implementation of a Degree Audit System and prerequisite checking.
Status - Completed.
* Implement HostPrint and CMA Spool products to allow reports generated by the administrative mainframe to be printed in academic and administrative units, as appropriate, on lan-attached printers.
Status: HostPrint and CMA Spool products have been implemented and are in limited use, allowing reports generated by the administrative mainframe to be printed locally (i.e., in user departments or areas) on lan-attached printers. This capability needs to be expanded to allow wider use, and procedures for implementing this capability in user areas needs to be streamlined and better documented.
* Assist UNT Human Resources Department with evaluation of commercially-available Applicant Tracking Systems. Assist with selection, acquisition, installation, and implementation.
Status: H.R. Department has selected and acquired an Applicant Tracking System. Vendor is currently in the process of making required modifications to allow the system to be effectively used at UNT.
* Create a "clone" (shadow image) of the Advancement System data on the LAN and make that database available to College Development Officers (and others as deemed appropriate by the Advancement Office administrators) using PC-based end-user oriented query and reporting software tools.
Status: System is in production, available for use, although usage to this date has been limited. Additional promotion of the capabilities (with encouragement and training) may be needed. Needed improvements may be identified. Note: This is closely related to strategy E4.
* Implement the ECS imaging system in Claims Accounting to replace the Laser Optic Filing System (LOFS), provide easier and more widespread access to these images (i.e., images of paid vouchers and supporting documentation) from across campus.
Status: Implementation of the imaging system is completed. Access (for viewing) is available campus-wide, although current licensing restrictions limit us to five concurrent users. This is currently operating in multiple campus locations.
* Complete project to meet interface and reporting requirements of the State Comptroller's Statewide Property Accounting (SPA) System.
Status - Completed
* Streamline tracking and monitoring of Reasonable Academic Progress (RAP) for Financial Aid purposes.
Status - Completed
* Explore implementation of the National Student Loan Clearinghouse or National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS) software to improve efficiencies for student loan deferment processing.
Status: The NSLDS product was selected for implementation. Implementation will be completed in Fall '96.
* Implement state and federal financial aid database reporting requirements.
Status - Completed
The APG feels that the following new items need to be included in the IRSP for years '97-'01. These items were NOT identified or recommended for inclusion in the IRSP for years '96-'99, but have been subsequently been identified as items having strategic significance.
* Expand implementation of, and improve support for, HostPrint and CMA Spool products to allow reports generated by the administrative mainframe to be printed in academic and administrative units, as appropriate, on lan-attached printers. (Note: Seems to fit under Institutional Priority "D")
Status: HostPrint and CMA Spool products have been implemented and are in limited use allowing reports generated by the administrative mainframe to be printed locally (i.e., in user departments or areas) on lan-attached printers. This capability needs to be expanded to allow wider use, and procedures for implementing this capability in user areas needs to be streamlined and better documented.
* Take care of "year 2000" problems in all systems.
Explanation: The turn of the century will present major problems for most, if not all, computer systems if action is not taken to correct this problem. The problem results from computer systems (including applications, operating systems, language processors [compilers, interpreters], other "platform" software [such as telecommunication monitors]) having been developed to accommodate only a 2-digit year. Any computations involving dates were based on the assumption that the later-occurring year would always have a greater numerical value than the dates which occurred earlier. (Example: '96 occurs after '95, and '96 is the higher numeric value). With the turn of the century, however, dates after Dec. 31, 1999 which are stored in traditional 6-digit format (with a 2-digit year) will have a numeric value (for year) which is lower than the year value for dates which occurred earlier (Example: '01 occurs AFTER '96, but '01 is a LOWER numeric value. In the year '01, the age for a student [or prospect] who was born in '83 would be computed at minus 82 years using current programs.) DIR has recommended that dates be stored in databases according to a federal standard calling for a 4-digit year. They recommend that dates be stored in this format without regard to how the date is entered or displayed. Complicating the issue is the fact that most "platform" software (operating systems, language processors, teleprocessing monitors, etc.) also currently only support 2-digit years in date fields. This means, for example, that when an application queries the operating system for the current date, a 6-digit date (including a 2-digit year) is returned. So, even applications which are designed and programs written to store a 4-digit year typically are currently "forcing" a constant "19" into the high-order 2 digits of the year. (Note: Most (or all) items of "platform software" will be modified to be "year 2000 compliant" at some future date.) It should be noted that problems related to this issue will be upon us well before the turn of the century. Systems which support Admissions and Development, for example, deal with dates into the future, and must be corrected well before the turn of the century.
Status: We have had preliminary discussions with a firm which specializes in issues regarding the Year 2000 as it will impact computerized systems to see what (if any) significant assistance could be provided by this (or other) outside firm. Any such assistance would be limited to locating potential problem areas in program code, and recommending an approach for correcting the problem, and would not include actual code modification. One of our senior analysts has attended a DIR-sponsored seminar re. this issue. This seminar was for the benefit of, and was attended by, representatives from state agencies and institutions of higher education. Administrative Computing staff have had several preliminary discussions re. planning for this issue. The issue has also been discussed in AIS Users Group and Administrative Program Group Meetings. Although decisions have not been made re. exactly how to handle this problem, the theoretically possible option to replace systems with newer, commercially-available software has been rejected.
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