Penn State’s Interactive Advising System: Exceeding Expectations Through the Web CUMREC 2001 Phoenix, Arizona

Today’s Presentation The development philosophy and background Demonstration of services Development Challenges

Vision Statement Students to participate in informed educational planning. Faculty to deliver active learning. Advisers to provide exemplary service. Staff to operate effectively and efficiently. Alumni to maintain a life-long relationship. The Web will provide the ability for:

Collaboration – the Key to Success Executive level sponsorship Senior level governance team Expert content specialists Standards based, collaborative application development

Institutional Complexity Expanded facilities, services, programs Manage enrollment growth Complexity of degree requirements Complex academic policies Student responsibility in their own decisions

Student Characteristics Unrealistic expectations - grades, study hours, study skills Uncertainty concerning choice of major Non-traditional students Academics, not administrative details Students as consumers – expect timely, complete, consistent, accurate information

Faculty Characteristics Unable to stay current with policies, procedures, requirements Perception that advising includes much “red tape” Minimal training and resources Minimal recognition for advising activities

Development Timetable Vision - May 1994 Prototype - November 1996 “Quiet Phase” - March 1997 Production Release 1 - August 1997 Subsequent production releases approximately every 6 months

Expert System Approach REASONSREASONS T I M I N G ALTERNATIVES O U T C O M E S

Required Outcomes Reliability – available, repeatable, dependable Consistent – fair, unbiased, “best of class” Accurate – clearly communicated Scalable – economical to grow and expand Not bounded by time or place

Demonstration On the web at eLion.psu.edu

Development Challenges Staffing Issues Technical Issues Design and Implementation Issues

Staffing Issues Shortage of IT professionals Retaining qualified IT staff Learning new tools and the Smalltalk language Lack of Smalltalk mentors

Technical Issues Scalability Stability and Reliability Availability Accessibility Security Monitoring and Diagnostic Tools

Design and Implementation Issues Change of focus - staff-oriented to customer-oriented Presentation standards Formal procedures

Questions? J. James Wager, David W. Thompson, Carol S. Findley,