STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

The Student Information System (SIS) is at the heart of almost all administrative activity relating
to students and their courses at Queen's. The SIS deals with the various processes that underpin
the University's administration. Its remit ranges from dealing with prospective students and
admissions, through to enrolments, fees, and registration. It also deals with exam results,
graduation and statutory reports.
The present system has served the University well it is an INGRES system developed as part of
the MAC Initiative, and it was first used in the academic year 95/96. It is now used much more
extensively than its design anticipated, with over 1000 staff users and almost all students
accessing their SIS information via the Queens Online Portal.
The current SIS has been in use for quite some time, and needs to be updated in terms of
functionality and user-friendliness. The future of the INGRES database system is now in
question, so there is a need to revise the current provision. This gives the University a chance to
review its operational activities, and provides the opportunity to significantly enhance support for
teaching and learning.
The SIS Project was established to facilitate the smooth procurement and implementation of a
replacement system, almost certainly through the purchase of a commercial package.

Purpose of SIS Project
The key objectives of the project are to:
manage the selection and implementation of an appropriate system or systems to meet agreed
requirements, through all stages from inception to post-implementation review;
facilitate the key business processes of the University and its colleges;
identify and enable process improvement and efficiency;
allow easy interface to, and seamless integration with, other key systems.

Three committees have been established to oversee the project: a Project Steering Group, a
Project User Group and a Project Implementation Group. The scope of the project includes all
aspects of student management, from initial inquiry right through to when students join the
alumni. It will involve all aspects of course management and related student and course reporting
as well as a staff and student portal.
The aim is to adopt a system that :
provides a single, complete, integrated & authoritative source of information for all stakeholders;
reflects and drives the Universitys business processes;
enables a new model of service delivery;
provides the University with the ability to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.