SLU Launches Massive Upgrade of Information Systems

A project under way at Saint Louis University will revolutionize, enhance and expand the delivery of information to students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Called "Gateway: the information initiative of Saint Louis University," this project will plug SLU computer users into significant facts, figures and data.

"Gateway, in essence, is a way to get information to the person who has to have it -- when he or she needs it," said Bruce Vieweg, associate vice president for information technology services. "It will mean less hassle for students and employees while allowing the University to become more efficient and secure."

Thanks to Gateway, much of the information and data needed for daily undertakings soon will be available directly from SLU desktops. Officials also believe the initiative will dramatically and strategically create opportunities for new and better uses of information.

"We all know of information and numbers that would allow us to be more in tune with things that are going on at the University," Vieweg said. "For Father Biondi, it might be the number of admission applications, grade point average of the incoming class or budget figures. I have my numbers, you have your numbers, students have their numbers. Gateway is a chance for us to get those numbers."

The new system will translate into several benefits. Faculty, for example, will have access to class lists and can keep tabs on class enrollment as students sign up for or drop the course. Featuring a single log-in as well as enhanced e-mail and an integrated calendar, the new system will be able to issue reminders about events and deadlines -- everything from registering for classes to enrolling for benefits. Much like Web sites such as Amazon.com, Gateway also will recognize users and provide each user with a unique set of tools and information.

"We will be able to provide access to information that is important to people in whatever their roles are," Vieweg said.

Making use of recently purchased computer hardware and software, Gateway will integrate information from both the administrative and academic aspects of the University and reformulate the way information is cataloged and stored. Student records, financial aid, alumni databases, University financial data and human resources information all will move over to the new system. The shift will take approximately 36 months for the entire University.

"This project will require enormous energies and dedication, but we are up to the challenge," Vieweg said. "ITS is excited to be a driving force behind a project that will open up so many possibilities for our SLU community."

A steering committee comprised of 21 members from across the University will be responsible for ensuring the success of Gateway. The group, which includes students, faculty, staff and administrators, held its first meeting Feb. 20.

Under the new project, SLU will shift from its current COBOL-based PLUS administrative systems to the new Web- and Oracle-based Banner products and will install Sun Microsystems hardware. A director of administrative IT services will be hired to oversee the system.

The University considered making the switch to the new system after faculty and staff using the current structure indicated a change might be prudent.

"Some of our employees had been to other campuses and had seen the way this particular product worked and were intrigued by it," Vieweg said. "In August, we had a meeting of the key stakeholders in each functional area to learn about how much heartburn there was with the current system."

Vieweg said that once the decision had been made to seriously review a new system, the University brought in SCT Corporation for Banner demonstrations, which in turn, generated more input from employees. Discussions were held with various groups, including the Student Government Association, before the University signed an agreement in December.

"This system is a key component in helping Father Biondi attain his vision for SLU as the finest Catholic university in the nation," Vieweg said. "And the benefits will be monumental for students, faculty and staff."

For more information, e-mail Vieweg at viewegbw@slu.edu.

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