| ECU project teams will soon flip the switch on a two-year project that will integrate computer systems operations campus-wide.
With much of the work conducted behind the scenes, employees across campus have collaborated on the implementation of Banner. The software program will combine records from ECU’s finance, alumni development, student, financial aid, and human resources databases. Finance and Human Resources teams plan to go live with their systems in January 2006.
With those plans in place, a new phase of implementation is underway – the development of training materials and classes to help everyone at campus learn to use the new software. The first step in the process is to train the trainers and facilitators, who will then instruct campus users. The trainers will teach the campus classes, while facilitators will provide additional support in satellite areas.
ECU faculty and staff will train the trainers in three workshops scheduled for Sept. 9, in the new Science and Technology Building’s Global Classroom.
Patrick Bizzaro, professor of English and director of the University Writing Center, will present “Creative Tips and Tricks for Creating Successful Documentation,” while Philip Adams, coordinator of the Online Writing Lab, will host two follow-up support sessions to assist those writing documentation for the Banner project. The University Writing Center has also provided assistance on the project by recommending a style guide and templates for job aids. School of Communication faculty Christine Russell and David Childers will present “Effective Techniques for Training Using a Global Classroom,” with follow-up if needed.
Both initial sessions will be recorded and posted on the Banner Training Web site for those unable to attend the workshops. In addition, Global Classroom producer Emily Jones will present a workshop, “Understanding the Technology Strategy for the Global Classroom,” with follow-up support as well. Jones’ session will not be recorded, since it requires hands-on participation.
Following these workshops, trainers and facilitators may fine-tune their presentations and practice videoconferencing techniques throughout September, with training of campus users set to begin in October. User training will continue through the end of the calendar year.
A number of ECU staff members are also working behind the scenes to get Banner training up and running. Those workers include Maggie Kettler, C.W. Elton, Susan Thornton, and Emily Jones.This group conducted tests to ensure the best possible audio and visual quality for Banner training in satellite areas. Skip Kirby and Candice Moore (ITCS) are working to complete a database for Marilyn Orlovsky, Banner training coordinator. Orlovsky will use the database to track room reservations and schedules associated with the training. Kari Chase (ITCS) supported the initial Banner training Web site, while Mike Myles (CHSC - TV producer and director), and Laurie Godwin and David Jones (University Media Center) createdposters explaining keyboard functionality and tested training methods.
Other campus teams are making steady progress towards implementation of Banner in their areas as well. The Student and Financial Aid teams expect to go live in late 2006 and early 2007.
When all programs are implemented, the units will share a common database, with Banner software serving as a user-friendly access to that database. What this means for ECU employees is that they will be able to share and globally update information between departments. For example, if a staff member enters an address or name change to information managed by the Registrar’s office, that change would be applied immediately and automatically to Human Resources’ data. When Student and Financial Aid teams go live, their information will be shared in the database. For more information, visit http://www.ecu.edu/cs-itcs/banner. | 
