University Senate online system set to be updated

The University Senate is awaiting the implementation of 55 different motions, according to its motion database. Fortunately for GCSU, this information is invalid, as the University Senate’s method of keeping electronic records appears to be in limbo.

The administrators of the database have a current system that is apparently full of glitches and a brand new system that is about one week of work away from completion. However, another project from the University Systems of Georgia has taken priority.

According to officials, the loss of a former senator on the body has caused some issues regarding the database. Anne Gormley, former vice president and dean of faculties, was an active GCSU senator and had numerous policies under her name on the database, according to University Senate Secretary Craig Turner.

However, when she left GCSU for another career opportunity, Gormley’s name was erased from the database to keep the members current. This apparently unraveled many of the implemented policies on the database. According to Turner, the majority of the policies now labeled as “approved for implementation” on the database, in reality, have actually already been implemented.

“I know that most of the (academic policies) have been implemented for the (academic years) of 2003-04, 2004-05, and 2005-06,” Turner said.

Instructional Technology Support Specialist Jay Lancaster created both the current database and the new one. The current system started out as a graduate project and, with additions to the system, it apparently became overwhelmed.

“Features kept getting added and added without the proper infrastructure,” Lancaster said.

Lancaster started working on the new system in July 2009 and it was scheduled to launch in January 2010. However, Lancaster was asked to work on a new project for the University Systems of Georgia, thus delaying the launch. Lancaster has been working on the University System’s project ever since – putting the University Senate database on hold even with it being so close to completion.

“(The new system) could be done in 40 hours,” Lancaster said. “The new system allows archiving of the administrators (preventing any deletion).”

Posted by Matt Rogers on Apr 2 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry