Coming Together As One:

1
Coming Together As One

• Overcoming Individual Interests to Support a
  University-Wide Advising Database System

Stan Miloykov Adam Sikula, UNLV
2
Advising at UNLV in 2004

• 11 Colleges with individual advising centers
• Each center utilizes an individual database for
  appointment type assessment
• UNLV Student Information System no input
  capabilities from advisors

3
Advising in 2004 continued

• Transitional issues in Registrars Office further
  facilitated the need for more efficient reporting
  for advisors
• University push toward better assessment
  practices
• Advising Council Steering Committee begins
  exploring the issue of implementing a common
  system for all units

4
Applying for the PIA

• History of PIA funding and COS
• Task force formed to create a PIA proposal
• Evaluate different products
• Decide on Web-based product
• Majority vote was taken (9 out of 11 Colleges
  decided to participate)

5
Applying for the PIA

• Estimate costs for developing/implementing/trainin
  g and support
• Begin work with consultant
• Contact OIT/SIS teams on campus for support and
  server purchase and housing
• PIA submitted and approved for max. amount (30K)

6
Implementing the System

• Individual college needs were assessed and
  implemented over the summer/fall and select
  individuals in each college tested and evaluated
  the product
• Testing of the product began in Fall 2005
• Full-scale use of the system began in Spring 2006

7
System Features and Benefits

• Web-based
• Versatile and Customizable
• Open-source coding no proprietary fees
• Compatible with other systems (FileMaker Pro
  other Oracle Systems, etc.)
• Cost-effective for large number of users
• No licensing fees

8
Assessment Other Benefits

• Track appointments and their nature
• Track advisor tendencies (referrals, etc.)
• Use system for custom mailings
• Communicate with other units about overlapping
  students (Honors College Other Colleges
  Student Athletes)

9
Ongoing Issues

• Training for system administrators within each
  college
• Large training session for all users of the
  system
• Integration with other systems (PeopleSoft,
  Banner, DARS, etc.)
• Institutional support for system
  (OIT/SIS/Advising IT Person)

10
Ongoing Issues continued

• Continuing tech support
• Political issues/obstacles
• System purpose clarification universal
  acceptance of features
• Advisor skepticism for new technology

11
Conclusion

• We have a high degree of satisfaction with our
  system
• Brought us closer as advising units
• More aware of what makes us unique
• Overall, this is a cost-effective strategy to
  better advising on any campus
• Questions and Answers