With the transition complete, faculty at the University are now using the internet to access the online version of Banner Self-Service.Charles Ordoyne, director of computer services, said faculty members previously used Faculty and Advisor Self-Service to look up class rosters and student transcripts. In April and May, faculty and staff were offered training sessions to prepare them for the transition to Banner. The new system, which still allows them to look up rosters and transcripts, also allows them to advise and e-mail students completely online.
Kelly Rodrigue, registrar of Records and Registration, said the in-office program previously used for accessing student records is no longer available, and all faculty must now use the Internet version of Banner. They can now look up class rosters, e-mail students or entire classes, run instant reports online and perform more dynamic student searches within their classes.
At the end of the semester, Ordoyne said, faculty will report grades directly online instead of completing bubble sheets with student grades, as was done with the in-office version.
Kit Williams, instructor of computer information systems, said he uses Banner this semester to see class lists and class sections and print out payroll stubs. Although he has not had to use Banner very much yet, he said “an advantage of Banner is that it’s web based, so the interface will be an easier view.”
Faculty members now have to overcome some issues presenting themselves within Banner, John Doucet, associate professor of biological sciences and director of the University Honors Program, said. For example, he said there is no mechanism in Banner to indicate Honors credit or a place to give a description of special topics courses for Honors students. Overall, he said getting used to the format of the system will take time.
Though there are issues, Doucet said he feels the change to Banner will be a positive one.
“We all have enthusiasm that Banner will prove itself to be more efficient for everyone in the future.
