Communication: FAQ

What does SIS mean?

Why do we need to replace the existing system?

What is the timeline for replacing the existing SIS?

Are other universities doing it?

Why do we need to do this now?

Will training be provided?

What if I have additional questions or need additional information that has not been covered on this Web site?

What will a new system cost?

Why did NCSU purchase software instead of building our own?

I keep getting an error that my password is wrong, but I know it isn't.

Why am I still required to log in to different locations; Webmail, Course Reserves, etc?

Where can I find information on how to complete transactions in MyPack?

What does SIS mean?

SIS stands for Student Information Systems and is an integrated information system that serves all departments within the University.

The SIS system includes application modules to support common business activities, such as finance, accounting and human resources, as well as, modules to support admissions, records and registration, financial aid and student accounts activities.

Why do we need to replace the existing system?

The NC State's legacy student information system is over twenty years old and utilizes programming languages and tools that are not widely used today. As a result, this system lacks the flexibility required to respond to changing business and academic requirements. This puts the University at risk of not being able provide essential administrative services to students and faculty. While the existing system has served the University well, newer systems have improved features that can help provide better service to students, faculty and staff. Many of the current core administrative systems at NC State University are old and do not provide the functionality our customers need. As we try to address these needs as well as a changing regulatory environment, we add to the complexity of our environment and further limit the flexibility we need to meet customer needs in a timely fashion. .

What is the timeline for replacing the existing system?

A detailed timeline of the SIS project can be found online.

Are other universities doing it?

Yes. Colleges and universities have been implementing SIS systems in earnest since the mid 1990s. Many universities across the country – including other universities in the UNC system and major research institutions like NC State – have already implemented their own SIS systems (or are in the process of doing so).

Why do we need to do this now?

Many of the current core administrative systems at NC State University are old and do not provide the functionality our customers need. As we try to address these needs as well as a changing regulatory environment, we add to the complexity of our environment and further limit the flexibility we need to meet customer needs in a timely fashion. Additionally, the University’s core student system will no longer be supported after 2009. Since we rely on regular software updates to ensure regulatory compliance in key areas such as financial aid, the University needs to move forward immediately to replace the student system by that date.

Where can I find information on how to complete transactions in MyPack?

Students can find information on several MyPack features on the Student Tutorial page. The information is updated as new processes are implemented in SIS. If you have questions regarding completing student transactions, please contact Registration & Records.

Faculty & Staff will find documentation on business processes under User Resources. A schedule of training sessions is also available online.

Will training be provided?

Yes. The SIS project team is committed to providing exceptional and accessible support, training and documentation to all who are impacted by the implementation. A team of specialists in this area will be developing resources throughout the process. A schedule of training sessions will be posted as available.

What if I have additional questions or need additional information that has not been covered on this Web site?

If you have additional questions or want to inquire about something that was not covered on our Web site, please feel free to contact SIS Communications by clicking here.

What will a new system cost?

We understand the desire to know the cost of purchasing and implementing a new SIS, but it is not possible to provide an accurate estimate until we have undertaken and completed the project’s detailed requirements definition and implementation planning phases. We do expect that the cost will be in the tens of millions, and within the range which other institutions similar to ours have experienced when replacing their SIS in the recent past. We continue to work on and study the cost issue carefully, and are aware of its importance in the context of a final decision to proceed with an SIS replacement. We ask for understanding from interested University constituents that until further requirements and implementation details are known, it is not possible to provide accurate and meaningful cost estimates.

Why did NCSU purchase software instead of building our own?

University leadership selected Oracle’s Campus Solutions as the software foundation for the SIS project. Campus Solutions was chosen based on a detailed review of the product’s capability to meet the university’s requirements and of product demonstrations on how the software could support key processes related to student services. Also taken into consideration was the vendor’s future direction, technology platforms, its ability to provide support and enhancements to ensure long-term product viability, and the terms and conditions under which Oracle was willing to license the applications.

Considering the complexity and urgency of this project, it is actually safer and less expensive to purchase an essentially prepackaged product, use it as delivered, and adapt to it with minimal modifications. This implementation philosophy could save NCSU millions of dollars. In addition, the University will get a modern system much more quickly than would be possible if we built it ourselves. This is because Oracle, like most software vendors, has the resources necessary to keep pace with ever-changing requirements in higher education, and they can spread their costs across all of their customers.

I keep getting an error that my password is wrong, but I know it isn't.

You may need to clear your cashe/ temporary internet files. The Student Tutorials page has information on this and other areas of the portal; such as, Enrollment and accessing your student record.

Why am I still required to log in to different locations; Webmail, Course Reserves, etc?

We realize there are still some applications that require a second login, but felt it was important to include those links in the portal so that all the applications could be accessed from one location. The project is in transition. There are no confirmed dates; however, we are looking into authenticating these other applications through the portal