Going to MAUI: University replaces student information system

The University of Iowa is replacing its 30-year-old homegrown mainframe-based student information system with a new web system. Sponsored by the UI Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, the system is called MAUI, an acronym for Made at the University of Iowa. Information and Technology Services is working in close partnership to develop this major enterprise system. This effort also involves substantial contributions from several parts of campus, including the Office of Admissions, the Office of the Registrar, the Office of Student Financial Aid, the Division of Continuing Education, and collegiate offices. A phased approach will be used to deliver the student information system. The new Student Information System should be completed by summer 2011.

Douglas Lee, associate dean of the Division of Continuing Education, provides details on the new system.

Why do we need a new student information system?

The present University of Iowa student information system is about 30 years old. It was originally implemented as a classic data processing system where data was input through batch processes, aggregated, and printed reports generated. While we call it a student information system, it is really a collection of individual systems that support the specific administrative processes of the individual Office of the Provost units.

The present homegrown student information system can be characterized as functionally advanced but technically and architecturally constrained. The system lacks the flexibility that makes newer systems easier to manipulate, configure, and extend.

What types of benefits will we see from the new system?

The goals of the new student information system are to address current system limitations, provide improvements to existing functionality, and incorporate new capabilities. The new system will consist of real-time, automated workflow-enabled integrated processes. It will provide the essentials of a student relationship management system along with the core functionality of a student records system. This will increase operational efficiencies across the University through business process improvement and the automation of routine processes. Specifically, the system will provide real-time alerts and notification for faculty members and students; automated co/prerequisite checking and wait listing; multiple majors, minors, and certificates; advanced reporting analytics and data mining; support for student initiated academic planning; more flexible course scheduling and fractional credits; and advanced eRecruiting and marketing.

What has been happening on the project so far?

The Project MAUI team has focused on planning and the initial implementation of the Admissions module. We have made good progress on prospecting, application processing, events management, transfer course, and degree audit data cleansing.

There has been significant design, development, and prototyping progress on the security architecture, workflow engine, duplicate records check and merge, academic structure, academic calendar, and user interface design.

The conversion of Guided Independent Study (GIS) courses from a nine-month asynchronous delivery mode to a semester-based approach is almost complete. Beginning with the April early registration period, students will be able to self-register through ISIS for GIS and extension classes.

What are the next steps for Project MAUI?

Preliminary planning is taking place for the Student Records Module. Major focus areas include academic structure, academic calendar, course approval and offerings, registration management, and graduation application, assessment, and awards. We expect that planning effort to extend through the spring and into the summer.

How will users of ISIS, OSIRIS, and Infobank feel an impact?

The new student information system will maintain both the student self-service (ISIS) and the administrative web interfaces (OSIRIS). The goal of the new student information system is create a richer user interface both in the form of more features/functionality and in ease of use. We expect to maintain the ISIS branding for student self-service but will likely merge OSIRIS and Infobank into the MAUI application as we develop more administrative functionality.

Who do I contact if I have questions or would like more information?

Project executive sponsors are Steve Fleagle, chief information officer and associate vice president, and Thomas R. Rocklin, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of the University College.

Project directors are Douglas Lee, Division of Continuing Education, douglas-lee@uiowa.edu, and Mike Noel, Information Technology Services, mike-noel@uiowa.edu.

Maui Collegiate Advisory Committee Members:

Megan Allen, College of Engineering, megan-e-allen@uiowa.edu
Gary Baker, College of Education, gary-baker@uiowa.edu
Christina Carlson, Office of the Registrar, christina-carlson@uiowa.edu
Jim Chaffee, Tippie College of Business, james-chaffee@uiowa.edu
Kirk Corey, College of Law, kirk-corey@uiowa.edu
Caren Cox, Graduate College, caren-cox@uiowa.edu
Janet Crow, College of Dentistry, janet-crow@uiowa.edu
Colleen Downie, Tippie College of Business, colleen-downie@uiowa.edu
Vernon Duba, College of Pharmacy, vernon-duba@uiowa.edu
Amy Engelmann, College of Public Health, amy-engelmann@uiowa.edu
Susan Felker, Tippie College of Business, susan-felker@uiowa.edu
Luke Flaherty, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, luke-flaherty@uiowa.edu
Marcia Hopp, Carver College of Medicine, marcia-hopp@uiowa.edu
Peter Hubbard, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, peter-hubbard@uiowa.edu
Patricia McCormick, College of Pharmacy, patricia-mccormick@uiowa.edu
Linda Myers, College of Nursing, linda-myers@uiowa.edu
Debra Paul, College of Law, debra-paul@uiowa.edu
Joel Wilcox, Office of the Provost, joel-wilcox@uiowa.edu
Michelle Yu, College of Education, michelle-yu@uiowa.edu
Anne Zalenski, Division of Continuing Education, anne-zalenski@uiowa.edu

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