The mainframe computer that handles everything from student schedules to the payroll of Mississippi State University is being replaced. The old system will soon be completely replaced by a new, fully-integrated, decentralized Banner networking system running on new computers.
“The Banner system will be able to handle more information in a more timely manner,” Leah Norman, vice president for business affairs, said. “With the old system, every time we needed to do something new, such as pull together information for the first time, someone had to write a program specifically for that purpose. That cost the University both in time and money.”
The new system will be much more user-friendly in that respect “It is a relationship-based data management system with productivity tools that will, in most cases, allow the user to directly gather information from the network and compile it in whatever fashion necessary,” Danny Kemp of the Computing Center said.
“Information such as expenditure requests will pass electronically, directly from their originator to the person who must OK them, eliminating a lot of paper trails,”Norman said. Such actions would be passcode-protected to prevent misuse of the system. This and other electronic-data transfers will benefit both MSU faculty and staff as well as the student body.
In addition to student schedules, Banner will handle other aspects of student information. Eventually, financial aid will be added to the new network as well as students’ accounts receivable, which includes tuition and housing fees.
The Registrar’s Office will also be able to send transcripts immediately by computer. Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of Banner’s information sharing abilities will be that advisers will have immediate access to student schedules, allowing them to audit a student’s record and make sure that student is on track to receiving his or her degree.
“The entire system should be completely up and running in two to three years and will cost the University approximately $1 million,” Kemp said.
