Admins explain tech overhaul

Administrators in charge of the ConnectCarolina project held a Town Hall meeting Monday to explain the significance and progress of the administrative software system.

Project implementation began in August and will continue unfolding for several years.

The system’s security was a concern to one participant at the meeting Monday, who asked about data integrity in the wake of other security breaches.

Project Director Jerri Bland said that ConnectCarolina has an internal security application that should guard against such problems.

Audience members also asked about how collaboration with other colleges went into making the system and about the general functionality of ConnectCarolina.

What is ConnectCarolina?

ConnectCarolina will combine several information systems, such as registration, admissions and financial aid into one.

Why is it important?

“The University will use ConnectCarolina as a common data structure,” said Larry Conrad, vice chancellor for Information Technology Services and UNC’s chief information officer.

He added that the program is important for improving the University’s business practices.

“We’re a $2 billion-a-year business, and we need major league business systems,” Conrad said.

Brenda Malone, vice chancellor for human resources, said the program will let UNC stay in line with its competitors.

 “ConnectCarolina will catapult the University into the next wave,” she said.

What changes will student and faculty notice?

Students will have a new interface for registering for fall 2010 classes. Changes will include a “shopping cart” to keep students informed on the status of classes they want in the future and the ability to drop and add classes simultaneously.

When did the project begin?

The major planning for ConnectCarolina started during summer 2007. The first part was unveiled in August.

How is the project going?

The first major section of the project is Campus Solutions, which focuses on student life. This will include new interfaces for admissions, student records, financial aid and student financing.

The interface for undergraduate admissions was implemented Aug. 3. The finance and human resources sections are in the early stages of development, said Roger Patterson, associate vice chancellor for finance.

Who is in charge?

The Enterprise Resource Planning division of Information Technology Services is responsible for ConnectCarolina.

What’s planned for later?

Work on Campus Solutions will be completed by the end of 2010. The finance, human resources and payroll sections will be completed by the beginning of 2013.

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.