Spring brings online registration

Mock registration number three for Banner, the online registration system, took place March 13 and resulted in positive feedback from students.

Over 200 students participated in the mock registration and about 122 student responded to the user-friendly system.

The new system, which is active for enrollment April 16, will allow students to register and pay for classes, look at their financial aid and access transcripts and grades all online without the hassle of waiting in lines.

"I think it will help students by getting them the information they need without having to go to Student Services," said Daniel Watkins, project director of digital campus implementation and one of the masterminds behind Banner.

The new system will also include priority registration, but will not allow students to sign up for classes before their priority date.

The current plan for Banner will also allow students to pay for classes by credit card, but there is a future possibility for the ability to use checks.

Watkins is trying to implement the use of checks, in which the system would subtract money from a bank account like a debit card.

Banner's security system, Touchnet, is a tight-netted program that will protect credit card accounts by not keeping the information in the system.

"We won't be storing any credit card numbers at all," Watkins said. "No one will be able to hack in."

Watkins said he and other Banner committee members are consistently keeping up with the new ways people can hack into computer systems and steal personal information in order to reinforce Banner's security.

"This is ongoing," Watkins said. "We're still going to be working to improve, and we're continuously refining the system."

Although signing up for classes online can seem impersonal, those who prefer face-to-face interaction and who need help operating the new system can get help at the Cyber Center.

Student Matt Greenfield said the new system will be convenient and not having to wait in line is a plus.

Watkins added that it will be mandatory for faculty to use the new Banner and Pipeline systems to better communicate with their students.

"It's a real culture shift," Watkins said. "It will influence them (students and faculty) to use technology."