Leveraging Existing Investments
Reenginnering all back end systems was cost prohibitive and due to time constraints, was not an
effective means to achieve true automation. Instead, the University of Minnesota looked to utilize
Web technology, Java, and the internet to revolutionize the delivery of information and services to its students.
The University created an excellent e-business solution that integrated Java and various Web technologies
into an existing MVS infrastructure. The new end user interface paradigm is browser-based with Java applets
for convenience and ease of use. Students are encouraged to use applets that compute GPAs, weekly budgets,
schedules, and so forth, as tools. "We love Java," says Michael Handberg, Director of
Web Development, "The Java applets always get the biggest applause when we demonstrate
the new system."
The student weekly planning tool is the most frequently used Java applet. This graphical applet allows
students to dynamically build their schedule allocating time slots for classes, work, studying, practice time,
and some time for social events. The planning tool is integrated with the class registration process for
the convenience of the registering student. This process demonstrates the University’s commitment to
being student-focused. In addition to allowing a student to register for courses with a few simple
clicks of the mouse, they can get a live camera view of the book store check-out lines where they will
need to purchase books and other materials for classes.
It’s “Cool”
The response to this effort has simply been amazing. According to Michael Handberg, "When we
demonstrate the new system at parent orientations, we get standing ovations." One of the members of the
Web development team overheard a student describing the new web-based registration system
as "really cool." Said Handberg, "When’s the last time you heard a student say registering
for classes was ‘cool’?"
Partnering with IBM
In December, 1997, IBM and the University of Minnesota announced a far-reaching agreement to extend the
student services capabilities that have been piloted at the University of Minnesota to other colleges
and universities. Under the agreement, IBM and the University of Minnesota will jointly develop the
technology that allows all colleges and universities to easily adopt the self-service model developed at
the University. A cross-functional team with IBM and University of Minnesota representatives will
collaborate on adding more functions and ease of use to the current Web-enabled processes.
The system will be based on Java and other common Internet technologies and will be
able to be used from any computer. Once the University of Minnesota model has been developed to its fullest
capabilities, IBM will customize the offering for other colleges and universities.
The University of Minnesota is a state land-grant university and a major research institution with four campuses
in Twin Cities, Duluth, Morris, and Crookston. Students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 250
fields of study. Total enrollment including continuing education and extension is 68,000. The University
is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.umn.edu